On the morning of February 15, 2017, NOAA issued a tornado warning for areas including our area of Aiken County. Our town followed protocol and activated our tornado siren. The siren is activated when conditions are favorable for a potential tornado "touchdown" in our area and a Tornado Warning is issued. The siren may also be activated if the potential of wind speeds are expected to be in or near 60 to 70 MPH with rain or possible hailstorm. NOAA will issue a "WARNING" when Doppler radar(s) indicates tornado type rotation above ground or reports of same if seen by folks on the ground.
The last time we experienced the worst of this type weather we had absolutely no warning at all. At Town Hall, we watched with concern, clearly being told that all tornado threat activity was in the areas of Bamberg and Colleton Counties. We quickly learned that a tornado was on the ground about 2 miles north of Wagener. Although one home was leveled and several sustained major damage, the 1:00 pm time of (the 8 mile long) impact was lifesaving for so many who were not at home.
When the siren is activated, it is to alert people that it's best to go indoors and monitor the situation via any news media sources available. Although possible, it does not mean that you or your home is about to be leveled by a tornado. It does mean that there is a strong potential or possibility of a person being struck, injured or killed by flying or windswept airborne debris.
Spring is always a stormy time for South Carolina. Check with Weather.gov for current conditions and forecasts. Check with Weather.gov/safety for all storm information. Follow this link for Tornado Safety Tips.
Further information from NOAA:
Severe weather conditions such as extreme heat, thunderstorms and lightning, tornadoes, and floods affect hundreds of residents every year. Such natural disasters can devastate our community and alter lives forever, all within a matter of minutes. It is important to recognize the risks from natural hazards and take sensible precautions to protect ourselves, our families, and our community.
Tornadoes Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms. They may strike quickly with little or no warning. Stay tuned to radio or TV for weather updates. The National Weather Service (NWS) encourages radio and TV stations to use the following terms to communicate storm conditions:
• Tornado Watch means that tornadoes are possible. Watch the sky and stay tuned to broadcasts for information.
• Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado funnel has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter when you hear a Tornado Warning for your area.
Warning Sirens:
Wagener, like many other cities, operates an outdoor storm warning siren. Whenever severe weather approaches, the city dispatches storm spotters to key locations in the city to watch for tornadoes and potentially dangerous storms. Town officials also listen for storm alerts from NOAA. Emergency Service personnel monitor national weather service reports, local TV broadcasts and radar. When dangerous storms are imminent, the emergency siren is activated. When you hear the siren, prepare to take shelter immediately. If caught outside, or on the road, lie in a ditch or low area. Avoid bridges or overpasses. Don't try to outrun a tornado. Storm sirens are designed to warn citizens who are outdoors to take cover. Some residents may not be able to clearly hear the sirens indoors. Do not depend solely on these sirens to alert you of approaching severe weather. Do not call 911 to ask why the sirens have been activated. When there is a chance for severe weather, tune your TV or radio to a local station to stay informed on recent developments and predictions. For even more information you can purchase a NOAA weather radio for your home or business which will broadcast an alert when severe weather approaches.
What to do If a tornado or storm system with high winds approaches: IF AT HOME, WORK OR SCHOOL:
• go to a basement or an interior hallway on the ground floor, or a small inner room such as a bathroom or closet. • Stay away from the windows and outside walls of the building
• Avoid spaces with wide-span roofs such as family great rooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, or shopping malls
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a heavy table or desk and hold onto it
• If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere. IF OUTDOORS OR IN A CAR: Never try to escape a tornado in a car or truck. Exit the vehicle immediately and take shelter in a nearby building if possible. If shelter is unavailable, lie in the nearest depression, ditch, culvert or ravine, or crouch near a strong building. Use arms to protect your head and neck.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.