Weekly Message from Mayor Madden: Severe Weather In Middlesex Borough
Due to multiple tornado sightings recently in New Jersey coupled with the high heat, humidity and precipitation, this public service message is a continuation of vital information of which residents should be prepared. We often wind up relying on ourselves, our family and or neighbors to safely get through these difficult times when emergency services are not immediately available (through no fault of said services).
Climatologists wrestle with providing daily accurate weather information predictions which, based on this information will determine how we dress, shop even attend sporting, religious and entertainment events. Many even attempt to plan shore and vacation trips based on weather forecasts well in advance. Unfortunately, due to unpredictable tracking, accuracy sometimes takes a back seat.
However, with more extreme and severe weather events such as tornados, more tools are available to improve tracking and also with more accuracy.
Tornado Watch
Typically issued hours in advance by NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Storm Prediction Center (SPC) indicates that atmospheric conditions are ideal for a tornado to form. This does NOT mean that a tornado is imminent. Since watches are far more common than warnings, many of us may not place as much importance as we should.
Upon issuing a watch it is very important to prepare and act in the event of a tornado sighting. Since a watch covers a much larger area such as counties or even states, a tornado warning covers a smaller and more specific area.
Tornado Warning
The Local National Weather Service will provide issuances of local watches and warnings. A tornado warning is issued if one has been spotted or is picked up on radar. A warning in your area means you must act immediately and decisively. This means getting to a storm shelter or if you do not have one, go to the basement preferably a corner or to a bathroom. Stay away from windows and doors.
Sightings of a tornado will include dark greenish clouds, large hail stones and a sustained loud noise like a freight train. You may also feel a significant drop in temperature. Preparation in advance is crucial for surviving such a storm event. Unfortunately, history has shown that most fatalities could have been prevented with prudent planning.
When driving as a tornado is spotted do not attempt to outrun it which can touch down within seconds. Try to drive at a 90 degree angle away from the twister. Remember, the path of a tornado is not always linear. In other words its path can change at any moment from a straight track. Also, do not seek shelter under an underpass during a tornado. Winds from the twister can increase and accelerate through small spaces.
THE EF SCALE
Often it is difficult to measure the actual strength of a tornado for multiple reasons. The EF-Scale (The Enhanced Fujita Scale) was developed by looking at the damage potential to measure its strength and intensity. The scale ranges from 0 to 5. Tornado categories correspond to the EF number.
EF-1 causes light to moderate damage (i.e., breaking of branches and windows ). Sustained winds are 86 to 110 mph.
EF-2 causes small structures and buildings to be damaged or destroyed. Farm animals and wildlife are at particular risk. Sustained winds are 111-135 mph.
EF-3 causes roofs to be torn off houses and mobile homes and trailers damaged and scattered. Sustained winds are from 136-165 mph.
EF-4 causes small homes and buildings to be leveled and completely destroyed. Sustained winds are from 166-200 mph.
EF-5 are the most violent and damaging causing entire neighborhoods to be leveled. Cars and trains can be thrown hundreds of feet. Sustained wind speeds are over 200 mph.
Please be safe and prepare early.
Regards,
Mayor John L. Madden