Tornado warning issued for Adams and York County Friday morning

At 8:27 a.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning that was in effect until 9:00 a.m. for Adams and York counties.

“As of 8:27 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Littlestown, moving north at 35 mph,” the weather service said. “Flying debris will be dangerous to those without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. There will be damage to roofs, windows and vehicles. Tree damage is likely.”

The following locations are expected to be affected by the tornado:

• Hanover, Parkville and Littlestown around 8:30 a.m.
• Hampton and New Oxford around 8:40 a.m.
• East Berlin around 8:50 a.m.

Other places affected by this tornado-prone storm include Abbottstown.

According to the weather service: “Take cover immediately! Go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in an RV or in a vehicle, get to the nearest stable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”

Tornado Watchings and Warnings: Your Safety Guide

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch can be a matter of life and death. Let's break it down:

Tornado warning: Be prepared!

• A tornado warning serves as an early warning that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado.
• This is your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and find your shelter.
• While this is not an indication of an imminent tornado, it serves as a warning so you can respond quickly if a tornado warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
• The warnings come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, possibly spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: take action!

• A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or detected by weather radar.
• This is the reality – there is an immediate threat to life and property.
• You should react quickly: go to an interior room on the lowest floor of a stable building, away from windows.
• If you are in an RV or vehicle, or are stranded outdoors, seek the nearest stable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
• Warnings are issued by your local weather service and are limited to a much smaller area, usually the size of a city or small county, where a tornado has been identified either by radar or by trained observers and law enforcement officers.

To stay safe during tornado season, it is extremely important to know the difference between these two warnings. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly if danger threatens.

Prepare for a tornado

Be weatherproof:

Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to the local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay up to date on tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for notifications:

Familiarize yourself with your community's warning systems. Some places have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone alerts during severe weather.

Create a communication plan:

Create a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and information. If you live in an RV or a home without a basement, find a safe building nearby that you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member's home.

Choose a safe shelter:

Choose a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm shelter, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

Create a communication plan:

Conduct a regular family thunderstorm drill so everyone knows what to do if a tornado approaches. Make sure all members of your family know to go when there are tornado warnings. Don't forget your pets, if time permits.

Secure your home:

Consider having your safe room reinforced. Plans for reinforcing an interior space to provide better protection can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Give us a helping hand:

Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider getting CPR training so you can help in case of injuries.

Tornado Survival Guide: Immediate Actions for Your Safety

When a tornado strikes, quick action is critical to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:

Stay informed:

Stay alert and informed by tuning into local newscasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio for up-to-date information on tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you are affected by a tornado warning, immediately seek shelter in your basement, a safe room, or an indoor space without windows. If you have enough time, take your pets with you.

At work or school:

Follow your tornado drill and move quickly and calmly to your tornado shelter. Stay away from windows and do not go into large open spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.

Outside:

If you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building. Remember that sheds, storage units, RVs, and tents are not safe options. If there is enough time, get to a safe building.

In the vehicle:

Being in a vehicle during a tornado is extremely dangerous. Your best bet is to drive to the nearest shelter. If you cannot reach a shelter, either stay in the car and protect your head, or exit the vehicle and seek shelter in a low area such as a ditch or ravine.

Always remember that when there is an imminent tornado threat, acting quickly and following established safety procedures are critical to your well-being.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.