Article by Samantha Sinclair with storm alert center chief forecaster Daniel Wilson 
Storm Alert Center Chief Forecaster Daniel Wilson shares the December 28 and 29 tornado outbreak is another reminder severe weather can strike any time. Wilson monitored the radar as several states were impacted. Wilson complimented the US National Weather Service on their handling of this situation.
According to multiple media reports, at least four individuals lost their lives during the tornado outbreak.
There were multiple tornado watches and warnings issued. Some of these tornados were long track tornados.
I too monitored the situation via Ryan Hall Y’all on YouTube. I too agree with Daniel. The prior weather notices, and updates and extensions to watches and warnings were crucial. In some cases, there were PDS tornado watch and warnings issued. This means particularly dangerous situation, and is not used on a regular basis.
Our prayers go out to all impacted.
Insure your NOAA Weather Radio is turned up, and contains good batteries at all times. Speak with your family and or coworkers about a storm ready plan before the time comes.
Also a reminder. If your town goes under a watch or warning, and nothing happens, be grateful. The national Weather Service does a fantastic job. Over the weekend as I was listening to Ryan Hall, he brought up a good point. For one of the long track tornados, the Weather Service had a choice to make. The tornado showed no sign of stopping. Did they issue a warning for this particular town. As Ryan said, if they did and nothing happened…Some would say they cried wolf. However, if they didn’t and something did happen…Think about that.
Thanks for reading. Join us in prayer for those impacted. You never know when it could be you. Please like and share this post, and please subscribe to this blog for more. You can follow The Storm Alert Center on Facebook and YouTube. Let’s continue.
Another point Daniel Wilson has brought up many times, and Ryan Hall said the same thing in his broadcast. Tornado sirens are outdated. Do not depend simply on your towns tornado sirens. If you are indoors, you most likely will not hear them, or at least not be woken up by them. A NOAA Weather Radio, app on your phone or other device, and monitor local weather media. If you are in the Lake Cumberland area, follow The Storm Alert Center on FB for all your weather need to know.
Another point to be thankful for. If your town has designated storm shelters for the public, be thankful. I heard there was one particular town that, at this time, have none.
Three more points to share.
1 A mobile home is Never safe in a tornado. Have your weather safety plan in order before time, as in where is the nearest sturdy structure?
2 Never try too outrun a tornado. If you are on the highway with no sturdy structure to rush to, avoid overpasses. As a last resort, cover your head and lay flat in a ditch away from the vehicle. When a tornado warning is issued, do not go try to see the tornado. Take cover immediately.
3 Good things to bring to your hide out from the tornado? Pack medications, put your pet in carrier or on leash, items to cover your head such as helmets if you have them. You might also pull a mattress off a bed to cover yourself and your family. Don’t have a basement? You need to be on the lowest floor of a sturdy structure. Avoid windows, and put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
Shoes are important during severe weather. You hope there is no broken glass or other storm damage to step over, or on. However, you need to wear closed toed shoes durring bad weather. It never hurts to be prepared. This tip is from Chief Forecaster Wilson, and myself.
Know what towns surround you, and learn what direction is what from your home. A weather watch means conditions are favorable. That’s the time to insure your safety plan is top and ready to go. When a warning is issued, it’s time to take cover, now.
SamanthaCSinclair.com 