Strong storms are anticipated to move through areas of the Southeast, carrying with them warnings of severe winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes. It will be potential for tornadoes, strong winds, significant hail in regions of southern Louisiana as well as southern Mississippi around midnight, according to the National Weather Service.
As thunderstorms move eastward over the Gulf Coast, about 45 million people are at danger of severe weather on Friday. Residents of Alabama’s beaches and the western Florida Panhandle should exercise care.
12:58am CDT #SPC Day1 Outlook Enhanced Risk: across parts of southeast Mississippi, Alabama, far western Florida Panhandle and far western Georgia https://t.co/GtEvHQ3UxE pic.twitter.com/B88XKGDSY7
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) March 18, 2022
Per the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, an elevated risk of severe thunderstorms (level 3 of 5) stayed in force early Friday morning throughout regions of southeast Louisiana to southwest Mississippi.
The storms are likely to be at their most intense in New Orleans during rush hour, around 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. local time,
Furthermore, if a tornado strikes during the night, it is way more fatal since tornadoes that strike during the day, partly because it is more challenging to alert the public when the majority of the population is sleeping.
How to stay safe
Being prepared ahead of time is your best defense against a tornado. Here are some safety tips:
• Know when a tornado watch or warning has been issued for your area. A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. A warning means that a tornado has been sighted and could be on its way to your area, so take precautions immediately. Be sure to listen for updates on local radio or television broadcasts.
• If you live in a mobile home, plan for where you will go if there is a tornado warning in your area. Mobile homes can easily turn over during high winds, so have an alternative place to shelter such as nearby sturdy buildings or designated sheltering areas with access to sanitation facilities.
• When indoors, seek shelter in a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. If trapped in a building by flying debris, cover your head and neck with your arms
Tiesha loves to share her passion for everything that’s beautiful in this world. Apart from writing on her beauty blog and running her own beauty channel on Youtube, she also enjoys traveling and photography. Tiesha covers various stories on the website.