On April 10, 1979, a group of tornadoes struck the North Texas/Southwestern Oklahoma area causing widespread destruction and death. Wichita Falls suffered damages of approximately $400,000,000.00 (in 1979 dollars) by a tornado causing “F-4: Devastating damage with winds 207-260 mph” ripping apart everything in its path up to a half mile in width. There was discussion among professionals that the damage estimate in some areas could be upped to “F-5: Incredible damage with winds above 261 mph.” Surrounding the main F-4 path was F-1 damage to an area over a mile wide and F-0 damage even wider.
Despite early recognition by the National Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City and excellent warnings, with the first Tornado Watch being issued at 1:55 p.m. CST and multiple siren alerts, there were more than 40 deaths and 1,700 injuries in the Wichita Falls area alone. People who were caught in motor vehicles and/or tried to outrun the storm made up a high percentage of the fatalities.
How are tornadoes rated? The Fujita Wind Damage Scale is used to measure the strength of tornadoes and sometimes other wind storms. F-1: Light damage with winds up to 72 mph. F-2: Moderate damage with winds up 73-112 mph. F-3: Considerable damage with winds 113-157 mph. F-4: Devastating damage with winds 207-260 mph. F-5: Incredible damage with winds above 261mph.
What do watches and warnings mean? Watch: Be alert, a storm is likely. In the case of a tornado, the conditions are right for tornado development, but none have been sighted. A "watch" is usually issued for a six-hour period of time during which no special action is required. However, it is advisable to keep monitoring the weather situation via the radio, television or Internet.
What kinds of safety and health hazards are associated with tornadoes? According to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of injuries during tornadoes result from vehicle accidents, and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm.
What should I do if a tornado strands me in my vehicle?
If you are in your car you should stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. If there is no shelter immediately available, you should avoid trees and vehicles. Lie down flat in a gully, ditch, or low spot on the ground and protect your head with an object or your arms.
If shelter is available, move to the basement or a Safe Room. Stay away from the windows and glass doorways. Go to the center of the room, staying away from corners, and make yourself the smallest target possible. If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the weather outside.
To keep up with the forecast in your area go to www.weather.com and type in your zip code.
