Severe Weather Preparedness Week continues in Georgia this week and today’s topic is Tornado Safety.  There will be a statewide test of tornado sirens taking place at 9 AM this morning.

All of Georgia is prone to tornadoes and the average number of days with reported tornadoes is 6 in Georgia.

Tornadoes have been reported throughout the year, but are most likely to occur from March to May, with the peak in April. Tornadoes are also most likely in the mid afternoon to early evening time frame, but can occur any time of the day or night. Thirty-seven percent of all tornadoes are classified as strong or violent (EF2 or greater on the Enhanced Fujita Scale), and these tornadoes are most likely to occur in the month of April.

Although Georgia has seen a few EF-4 tornadoes, with the most recent one on April 27, 2011 in Catoosa County, the state has never recorded an EF-5 tornado. In Georgia, tornadoes are often hard to see as they are wrapped in areas of rain and hail. The hilly terrain can also limit your ability to see a tornado.

Here are some important facts to remember about tornadoes:

• Tornadoes are some of nature’s most violent storms, generating wind speeds that can exceed 250 miles per hour.
• A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted, and you should take shelter immediately.
• It’s important for everyone in the family to know the safest place to go during a tornado. Storm cellars and basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.