Tornadoes
Tornadoes have occurred in St. Mary’s County in the past and can be expected to occur again in the future. Tornadoes often result in buildings with missing roofs, uprooted road signs, fallen powerlines and trees, destroyed homes and water towers, and damaged cars.
A tornado can:
Happen anywhere, at any time
Bring heavy wind
Look like a funnel
Safety Alert
If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning:
- Listen to the NOAA Weather Radio or local radio stations for information and instructions from local officials
- Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Warning Signs of a Tornado:
- A rotating, funnel-shaped cloud
- An approaching cloud of debris
- A loud roar—similar to a freight train
- Tornado sirens may be sounded in the event of a tornado warning. To familiarize yourself with the sound of the tornado siren, visit https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/ES/Sirens/
- Sign up for the CodeRed Weather alerts to be notified if the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch or warning for your area.
Stay Safe During a Tornado:
- Go to a safe shelter within your home. Safe shelters may be:
- The basement
- An interior room without windows on the bottom floor of your home (ex: bathroom, hallway, or closet on an interior wall)
- Protect yourself by covering your head and neck with your arms and/or putting materials such as blankets or pillows around and on top of you
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls
What to do if a tornado happens while you're on the road:
Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. If you see a tornado forming, drive in the opposite direction. If possible, drive to the nearest building that you can take shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. Otherwise, as a last resort, get down in your car and cover your head.
