National Hurricane Preparedness Week: Tornadoes

In addition to the storm surge, damaging winds and inland flooding, hurricanes can also produce tornadoes.

These tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right front quadrant of the hurricane, relative to the movement of the storm. However, tornadoes are also often found embedded in the rainbands, well away from the center of the hurricane.

While some hurricanes produce no tornadoes, others can cause numerous ones. Studies have shown that more than half of landfalling hurricanes produce at least one tornado. In fact, Hurricane Buelah in 1967 spawned 141 tornadoes according to one study.

Although tornadoes associated with tropical cyclones are generally less than intense than those that occur outside of tropical cyclones. The effects of the tornadoes combined with the larger areas of strong winds can produce substantial damage.

There is presently no way to predict exactly which storms will spawn tornadoes or where they will touch down. While Doppler Radar has greatly improved warning capabilities, advanced warning is generally no more than 30 minutes. Thus, preparedness and education are critical.

Tornado Facts:
When associated with hurricanes, tornadoes are not usually accompanied by hail or a lot of lightning.

Tornado production can still occur days after landfall, even when the system has weakened considerably.

Tornadoes can develop at any time of the day or night during landfall. However, by 12 hours after landfall, they tend to occur mainly during the daytime.

Tornado Safety Actions:
Monitor NOAA weather radio all hazards

When a tornado watch is issued, be prepared to take action

When a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is either occurring or imminent, move to a small interior room away from windows

If you live in a mobile or manufactured home, have a safe and strong shelter nearby to get to should a tornado warning be issued

If you're at a hotel, motel or condo when action is required, take shelter in an interior hallway, closet or small room on a lower floor.