Columbia, South Carolina – As spring storm systems strengthen across the United States, emergency officials are urging South Carolina residents to review tornado safety plans now as severe weather threats increase across the Southeast.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornado activity typically increases during the spring months when warm, moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with colder air moving across the eastern United States. South Carolina regularly experiences severe thunderstorms during this time of year, and some storms can produce tornadoes capable of causing significant damage.
Cities including Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg can all experience tornado-producing storms when strong weather systems move through the region. Tornadoes in the Southeast often develop quickly within fast-moving lines of thunderstorms and can occur during heavy rain or after dark, making them harder to see and more dangerous.
NOAA recommends that residents identify a safe shelter location before storms develop. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or underground shelter, though basements are less common in parts of the Southeast.
If a basement is not available, experts recommend sheltering in a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, such as a bathroom, hallway or closet without windows. Residents should stay away from windows, exterior walls and large open rooms, which can be more vulnerable during intense winds.
Mobile homes and vehicles are especially dangerous during tornadoes. Anyone in those locations should move to a nearby sturdy building or designated storm shelter before severe weather arrives.
Officials also stress having multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on smartphones, NOAA Weather Radio and local television or radio broadcasts.
Preparing now can save lives. As spring severe weather patterns continue developing across the Southeast, NOAA encourages South Carolina residents to stay weather aware and review tornado safety plans before the next round of storms approaches.
