UPDATE: The tornado watch for 13 Georgia counties, including Rockdale and Newton counties, ended at 3 p.m. A tornado watch is in effect for Aiken County in the Augusta area until 4:15 p.m. According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Doppler radar picked up indications of a possible tornado near Jackson, 11 miles southeast of Augusta at 3:53 p.m.
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(April 19, 9:52 a.m.)The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 3 p.m. for 13 Georgia counties, including Rockdale and Newton counties.
The counties under the tornado watch are: Clayton Cobb Dekalb Douglas Fayette Fulton Henry Newton Rockdale Carroll Haralson Paulding Polk.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for central Fulton and southeastern Cobb counties until 10 a.m.
A few tips on preparing for a possible tornado:
o A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
o A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
When a Tornado WATCH is Issued
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for the latest weather forecasts, or download the Ready Georgia mobile app at http://www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
When a Tornado WARNING is Issued
• If you are inside, go to the safe place and protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. If you're in a motel/hotel, go to an interior hallway. If there is none, get away from windows; you can also pull a matress on top of you.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and use your arms to protect your head.
• If you are in a car, you can drive in a 90 degree angle away from the tornado; but remember, tornados can travel up to 60 mph and they do not follow roadways. If you see a tornado developing, get out of your car (or mobile home) immediately and seek safety indoors (shopping centers, churches, schools) or lie down in a low lying area such as a ditch or culvert and cover your head with your arms. DO NOT get under your car.
After the Tornado Passes
• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
• Do not use candles at any time.
A few tips on assembling a tornado preparedness kit:
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person per day.
• Protective clothing, bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to restore natural gas service.)
