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MEMA Home > Programs> Communication> News > Tornado Watch Issued

Tornado Watch Issued

 

July 24, 2008

 

The National Weather Service has issued A Tornado Watch as of 1:00 today for the following counties in Maine: 

ANDROSCOGGIN         CUMBERLAND          FRANKLIN
KENNEBEC             KNOX                LINCOLN
OXFORD               PENOBSCOT           PISCATAQUIS
SAGADAHOC            SOMERSET            WALDO
YORK

A WATCH means that conditions are favorable for these conditions to occur.

The WATCH is in effect through 7:00 Thursday evening.

What to Look For:

Tornadoes often occur with very little advance warning. The best way to be prepared is to stay tuned to television and radio for emergency messages from the National Weather Service. NWS messages may give as little as 5-10 minutes warning before a tornado forms. Be alert for:

  • Dark, often greenish sky
  • Wall cloud
  • Large hail
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train

Some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground. Some are clearly visible while other are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds.

Keep an eye on the sky, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio or your local broadcast media for any possible warnings.

If you believe you see a funnel cloud, you can report it to the National Weather Service, toll-free at:

1-877-633-6772

(IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a trained Skywarn spotter, please use the toll-free number given to you at your training session. )

Tornado Safety:

At the earliest warning, go into a below ground areas at the earliest warning with flashlights and a radio and to remain there until informed that tornado danger has passed. Manufactured (mobile) homes are especially vulnerable and mobile home residents are urged to evacuate to the nearest frame home with a basement.

If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.

  • Stay away from windows.
  • Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
  • If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.

For more safety information, see:

Maine Prepares: Tornado Safety

 

Contact:

Lynette Miller
624-4420

 

Last update: 07/20/10