As tornado outbreak looms, meteorologists say to put shelter above coronavirus concerns.
'People should go to public tornado shelters if they’re available and the best refuge, a meteorology group says.
A severe weather outbreak, including the threat of widespread damaging winds, large hail and potentially strong tornadoes, is likely this weekend for portions of the South. The storms come as coronavirus concerns have prompted the shuttering of many community storm shelters, since some public officials fear the repercussions of prioritizing tornado safety over social distancing.
In advance of this weekend’s anticipated onslaught of vicious weather, the American Meteorological Society, the scientific organization representing about 12,000 meteorologists, is seeking to prevent people from avoiding tornado shelters due to coronavirus fears.
“Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge from a tornado,” wrote the AMS in a public statement released Thursday afternoon. “If a public tornado shelter is your best available refuge from severe weather, take steps to ensure you follow CDC guidelines for physical distancing and disease prevention.”
Their advice echoes a March joint statement released by the National Weather Service and the Alabama Department of Public Health. “Your first priority should be to protect yourself from a potential tornado,” that statement said. They noted that individuals in the path of an approaching storm were far more likely to be affected by a tornado than by the virus.
The AMS statement suggests a community shelter should be a last resort, if a person’s permanent residence does not provide adequate refuge (e.g. there is no basement and/or if it is a manufactured or mobile home).'>>>
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/04/11/tornado-outbreak-looms-meteorologists-say-put-shelter-above-coronavirus-concerns/?
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