Tornado Touches Down in SW OKC, Damages Property and Businesses

Tornado Safety and Preparedness

On the evening of (insert date), a tornado swept through parts of northern Oklahoma County along the Deer Creek valley west of Edmond. The tornado touched down in SW OKC and moved northeast, damaging three residences and nine businesses. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Oklahoma has a history of tornadoes, and it is important to be prepared for these events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been tracking tornadoes since 1950, and according to their records, the largest tornado in the Edmond area was an F5 in 1999 that caused 583 injuries.

Tornado Safety Tips

If you are in an area where a tornado warning has been issued, it is important to take shelter immediately. The safest place to be during a tornado is in a below-ground shelter. If you do not have access to a below-ground shelter, you should go to the lowest level of your home and find a room without windows. Crouch down as low as possible and cover your head with your hands or a blanket.

Other tornado safety tips include:

• Secure loose objects outside your home, such as lawn furniture and grills.
• Move vehicles into a garage or other enclosed structure.
• Know the evacuation routes for your home and workplace.
• Stay informed about weather conditions by listening to the radio or watching television.
• Be prepared to take shelter at a moment's notice.