Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Spring storm season is ramping up across the United States, and emergency officials say Pennsylvania residents should begin reviewing tornado safety plans now as severe weather threats expand nationwide.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornado activity typically increases during the spring months as warmer, moisture-rich air collides with colder systems moving across the country. While Pennsylvania is not part of the traditional “Tornado Alley,” the state still averages several tornadoes each year, and some storms can produce damaging winds and dangerous rotating thunderstorms.
Cities including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown and Scranton are all vulnerable when strong storm systems move across the Mid-Atlantic. Tornadoes can develop quickly during severe thunderstorms, often leaving only minutes to take protective action.
NOAA urges residents to identify a safe shelter location inside their home or workplace before storms develop. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm cellar, where people should move immediately once a warning is issued. If a basement is not available, experts recommend sheltering in an interior room on the lowest floor of a building, such as a bathroom, closet or hallway, away from windows and exterior walls.
Mobile homes and vehicles are particularly dangerous during tornadoes. Residents in those situations should move to a nearby sturdy building or designated storm shelter well before severe weather arrives.
Officials also recommend having multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including smartphone alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and local television or radio broadcasts. Tornado warnings are issued when a tornado is detected or indicated by radar, meaning immediate action is necessary.
Preparedness steps can make a critical difference during severe weather. As spring storm systems continue to develop across the country, NOAA encourages households across Pennsylvania to review emergency plans now and stay alert for rapidly changing conditions.
