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Severe Weather Preparedness Week: What you need to know

Posted at 10:29 AM, Mar 17, 2020
and last updated 2021-10-01 10:11:40-04

INDIANAPOLIS — March 16-20 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

RTV6 is bringing you information to make sure your family is safe in case the worst happens at your home.

Return to this page each day this week for the latest updates and tips from StormTeam6.

Preparing Your Family

You don’t have to travel far to see how destructive severe weather can be. Earlier this month, Nashville and Middle Tennessee were devastated by tornadoes, causing widespread damage and killing 25 people.

That’s why emergency management officials want you to be prepared this season.

Major Brian Mahone oversees the Emergency Operations Center during an emergency like a severe weather event.

He recommends you create a plan with your family, which starts by staying informed. Download the Storm Shield app or purchase a weather radio to stay aware of incoming threats.

You should also discuss with your family where to go inside the home when severe weather strikes.

— Alyssa Donovan

Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Preparing your family for severe weather season

Tornadoes at Night

Tornadoes can be destructive any time of day. But there's an added danger when tornadoes occur at night.

A Northern Illinois University study found that nighttime tornadoes are nearly twice as likely to result in fatalities than ones that occur during the day. One of the reasons for that? The darkness makes seeing a tornado much more difficult.

We’re also more vulnerable while sleeping and likely unaware of the approaching danger.

— Kyle Mounce

Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Tornadoes at Night

Supercell Thunderstorms

The “monster truck” of severe weather, supercell thunderstorms form when there is a change of wind direction from the ground up in the atmosphere.

Supercell storms get special attention by meteorologists.

— Kevin Gregory

Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Supercell Thunderstorms