Severe Weather Awareness: Tornado safety and preparedness

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Middle Tennessee is no stranger to severe weather, including tornadoes. Since tornado records began, our number of tornadoes has continuously increased year after year.

The spring season is what we consider tornado season in the Mid State, even though tornadoes can technically happen any time of the year.

Before our busiest weather months get here, ask yourself if you would be ready if a tornado warning was issued for your area. Where would you go, and where is your safe place?

Your safest bet is to be in a basement or storm shelter. Because many people in the South don’t have basements, your next best option is an interior room, like a bathroom or closet, on the first floor of your home, away from windows.

Ideally, you would want as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Make sure you know where your safe place is before you ever need it.

Helmets, pillows and blankets are all great things to take with you into your safe place to protect your head. You should revisit your safe place and have a plan in place before the severe weather season begins.

Some recent tornado outbreaks have highlighted the need to have a plan in place. You may recall the March 3, 2020, outbreak, or the Dec. 9, 2023 outbreak. These caused devastating damage to parts of Middle Tennessee.

Since tornado records began — back in the year 1950 — the tornado count for each county in Middle Tennessee has continued to stack up.

With upgrades in technology, tornadoes can now be warned with lead time. Make sure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings and reliable sources. A NOAA Weather radio is a great tool to have.

Watch: Step-by-step instructions to program your NOAA Weather Radio.

Make sure you know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. If you need a refresher, click here.

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