Tornado warning in Texas in the middle of the solar eclipse: Affected areas and how long it will last
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tornado Watch for various areas of Texas, including some areas of the eclipse totality.
The United States National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch for various counties in Texas, including some regions in the Solar Eclipse’s path of the totality on Monday 8 April.
According to the NWS, the alert is active for eastern parts of the state, such as Tyler, Palestine, Lufkin, Conroe, College Station. The western part of the warning, includes a section in the path of totality: Tyler, where the celestial event reached totality at 1:43 p.m. (local time). In addition, it is very close to Waco, where millions of people also gathered to see the entire celestial spectacle.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
In this type of situation, knowing how to differentiate between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is of utmost importance. Watches indicate that weather conditions are favorable for the phenomenon to occur, and you should stay alert and ready to take action. It is essential to follow the instructions of the authorities to prevent any catastrophe.
Tornado warnings, on the other hand, indicate that a tornado is imminent or already in progress, so it is necessary to take immediate action.
What to do during a tornado warning?
The first thing you must do is take shelter at once, whether you are at home or at work. Acting instantly can save your life. The most important thing is to get to the safest place you can find.
According to the National Weather Service, it’s important to get as low as you can. Go to a basement if available. If not, head to the lowest level of your home, such as a small interior room, bathroom, or closet.
Put as many walls between yourself and the outdoors as possible. It is important to avoid windows and seek as much protection as possible. If you’re in a mobile home or temporary structure, leave and find sturdier shelter. Once there you stay put until the tornado warning has expired and you receive an official “all clear” signal.