Weather officials say take precaution ahead of severe weather

Severe weather heading to area has potential for tornadoes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Weather officials are warning that the severe weather heading in north Florida’s direction brings with it the potential for a lot of risks. Some people in the South have already seen the disaster the storm front could bring as a college in Hattiesburg Mississippi was devastated and some students injured by tornadoes.

Officials say that if you can’t evacuate ahead of a severe storm, the best option to stay safe, specifically if there is the potential for a tornado or other severe weather, is a safe room, or should at least hide in the safest room in your home.

For those not able to evacuate, officials urge people to get to a central room with as many walls between them and the outside as possible and to stay away from windows. Officials say the worst place to be during a tornado or other severe weather is near a window.

“That’s key right there, get away from windows if you can,” News4Jax meteorologist Mark Collins said. “There are many homes that only have rooms with windows. If you’re in that situation, try to find a portion of your house on the northeastern side, since tornadoes often come from the southwestern side.”

Collins also warns people who live in wood-frame houses that the walls can easily be penetrated by high winds associated with tornadoes.

“One key thing is to take a child safety helmet,” Collins said. “Also, you never want to be in a car. But if you’re inside (your car), in your garage, that’s an extra layer of protection.”

The devastation brought on by the storm hit home for News4Jax reporter Scott Johnson. His brother David Johnson attends William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where the college took a direct hit from a tornado.

“Somewhere around 4 a.m., we were all woken up by things flying around the house and hitting the wall,” Johnson said.

Johnson said there wasn’t a lot of warning overnight. While he’s OK, there were some students who were injured.

“The school took a direct hit,” Johnson said. “A significant amount of damage. A lot of the buildings have roofs missing, or the walls have been removed. So campus took a pretty direct hit.”

Weather officials are now concerned with the storm's trajectory – now in the direction of Northeast Florida. 

“We’re giving you folks a warning right now, be vigilant for tomorrow afternoon,” Collins said.
A lot of companies build secure small rooms that can’t be penetrated.

Safe rooms can be purchased online by googling “safe rooms and tornado.”


About the Author:

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.