Fall Tornado Safety: Nighttime Storms Deadliest in Tristate

Here in western Kentucky and southern Indiana, we have finally said 'Good riddance!' to a hot and oppressive summer season. August and September were plagued with relentless stretches of Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings. The temperature even crossed into the triple digits a few times. Summer was hot and humid and exhausting.

I think it's safe to say that we're all happy that fall has finally arrived. However, it brings with it risks of another kind. Next week, the National Weather Service in Paducah will be promoting their annual Fall Severe Weather Safety Awareness Week. It runs Monday, September 28th through Friday, October 2nd and highlights the various reasons why Kentuckians and Hoosiers have to keep their eyes to the sky throughout the next few months.

The National Weather Service says, "Historically, our area has experienced significant weather events during October and November." Some of those events have brought with them damaging tornadoes.

The experts say, "One of the greatest severe weather concerns in our region is tornadoes after dark." And here's an alarming stat that shows why Fall Severe Weather Safety Awareness Week is so important here in the Tristate area. Since 1995, nighttime tornadoes have been responsible for 119 of the 131 tornado fatalities in the region.

Warnings and the ability to receive them are key. The NWS Office in Paducah urges "Before you go to bed on a night when severe weather is possible, make sure you are aware of any severe weather threats and have a reliable warning method loud enough to wake you and everyone in your home."

Our station app is certainly one of the methods that can keep you up-to-date when severe weather approaches.

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There are other effective methods as well. For instance, here in Daviess County, Kentucky, our local Emergency Management Agency recently launched a Mass Notification System to keep locals informed and safe.

The National Weather Service urges you to not rely on just one source. "Weather apps, local TV and radio media, NOAA Weather Radio, and trusted social media sources can provide additional information as weather conditions change." Other tips include keeping your cell phone charged and not relying solely on outdoor weather siren systems.

Of course, here at Townsquare Media Evansville/Owensboro, we have an ongoing partnership with Eyewitness News. In the event of active Tornado Warnings, they will go live with wall-to-wall coverage. We simulcast that TV coverage on our radio stations and social media pages as well.

As the Fall Severe Weather Season approaches, there is something you can do now. You can make a plan. "Decide where you will shelter: in a basement, storm shelter, or small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and doorways." And, of course, whatever your planned course of action is, be prepared to launch it immediately when severe warnings are issued.

For more information from the NWS about Fall Severe Weather Safety, you can check out the official website.

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF