JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
On June 1, a tornado ripped through parts of downtown Hampton, Va., causing more than $4.3 million in damage across three miles. Hampton city officials declared a local emergency to areas impacted by the powerful storm, which packed winds of up to 98 miles per hour.
The tornado came within four miles of Langley Air Force Base, triggering warning sirens on the installation. While the storm weakened before the twister reached Langley, it served as a reminder for base personnel to be prepared in the event a tornado does strike.
According to the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight, when it comes to tornadoes, there is no such thing as a "tornado season." Tornadoes can strike anywhere, anytime, and residents need to know the drill, and be prepared to act quickly.
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning, and are sometimes invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears.
Know the signs
When observing storm clouds, always keep safety first. If weather conditions begin to deteriorate or become severe, take cover away from doors and windows.
Strong, persistent rotation in the base of clouds is an indication of possible tornado formation. Look for whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base, as tornadoes sometimes have no visible funnel. Also, look for a persistent lowering of the cloud base.
Be aware of hail or heavy rain followed by dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes, especially in Virginia, are wrapped in heavy precipitation and may not be visible right away, especially from afar.
Listen for a loud, continuous roar or rumbling sound, unlike thunder, which fades. If during hours of darkness, look for small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level, as opposed to silvery lightning in the clouds. These lights are power lines being snapped by very strong winds, which could be indicative of a tornado.
Watch vs. warning
Much like severe thunderstorm alerts, tornado alerts come in two degrees: watches and warnings.
A tornado watch indicates that a tornado is possible in your area. Residents should monitor weather-alert radios and local radio and television stations for information. Most local networks display information via graphics and scrolling "tickers," even when news programming is not airing.
A tornado warning alerts residents that a tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by National Weather Service Doppler radar. On Langley AFB and Ft. Eustis, tornado warnings are announced via the installations' "giant voice" system. Speakers across both bases, to include base housing areas, will emit a 3-to-5 minute steady alarm tone, followed by a spoken announcement confirming the presence of a tornado nearby and warning anyone in hearing range to seek shelter immediately. Once the storm passes, the speakers will broadcast an "all clear" message.
Taking cover
When a tornado warning is issued, take cover immediately. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go into a windowless interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners, as they attract debris. The myth that opening the windows in a house will help prevent a tornado from it being destroyed is false. In fact, opening the wrong windows could allow air to rush in, and blow the house apart from the inside.
A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide adequate protection. Plan to quickly take cover in a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
Develop an emergency kit
Before the worst weather happens, build an emergency kit of supplies with enough to last each person at least three days. Include the following essential items:
- Non-perishable food that does not need electricity for storage or for preparation
- Manual can opener
- Water; at least three gallons per person for drinking and sanitation
- Battery-powered/hand-crank radio with weather band and extra batteries
- Written family emergency plan
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Prescription medications and eyewear
- Dust mask
- Sanitation supplies
Emergency Mass Notification System
Langley AFB uses the Emergency Mass Notification System, a multifaceted communication platform that alerts base personnel in the event of emergencies, including tornadoes. The system notifies personnel via phone calls to user-designated telephone numbers, whether work, home or cell phone. Personnel can enter family members' phone numbers, allowing those off-base to receive information as it breaks.
Additionally, EMNS warns government network PC users via pop-up AtHoc notifications on the desktop. The service also allows user to receive notifications via email, .mil or commercial addresses, and even text message alerts to their cell phones.
Military personnel can enroll in the EMNS at Langley AFB on any government computer with Common Access Card login capability.
For more information about tornado preparedness or other weather-related emergencies, contact the 633rd CES Readiness and Emergency Management Flight by emailing
633cescex.readiness@langley.af.mil. In case of emergency, always dial 911.