MEDIA ADVISORY
STUDENTS AND ADULTS PRACTICE TORNADO DRILLS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8
Media event being held at Lacy Elementary School
WHAT: Tornado drill at Lacy Elementary School. Nick Petro, warning coordinator meteorologist with the National Weather Service Raleigh office, will discuss safety during tornado watches and warnings.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 8, at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Lacy Elementary School
2001 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607
NOTE: Media are asked to be at the school and in place by 9:15 a.m. The tornado drill will be held at 9:30 a.m. Media should park in main parking lot (enter parking lot, turn left). School staff will be on hand to admit media through secure side entrance. Please check in at the office located near the main front entrance of the school before entering through side entrance.
Tornado Stats and Helpful Hints
- Gov. Roy Cooper declared March 5-11 as Severe Weather Awareness Week
- Number of tornado warnings issued last year in N.C. = 61
- Number of tornadoes last year in N.C. = 16
- Deadliest months for tornadoes in N.C. = March, April and November
- Number of flash flood warnings issued last year in N.C. = 121
- Number of flash flood incidents in N.C. = 121
- Number of severe thunderstorm warnings issued last year in N.C. = 697
- Number of severe thunderstorms last year in N.C. = 827
How Tornadoes Form – Tornadoes form during heavy thunderstorms when warm, moist air collides with cold air. A tornado appears as funnel-shaped cloud extending from a thunderstorm to the ground with winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. A tornado can develop rapidly, so having a plan in place will allow you to quickly respond. Residents should also prepare for when other forms of severe weather threaten, such as lightning, floods, hail and strong winds.
What to Do
- Listen to local radio, television or a NOAA radio when severe weather is likely.
- If a WARNING is issued, a tornado has been spotted in your area. Take shelter now!
Where to Go
People at home – go to the basement if available. Or, go to the lowest floor of the house and to an interior room such as a hallway, pantry or closet away from windows
Schoolchildren – go to inner hallways that are away from windows. Stay out of gymnasiums, auditoriums or cafeterias where there is a large roof span.
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