Tornado Day 2-Kathryn

Dear Uncle Sean,

The storm is hitting us now. It is going to be bad, unlike anything people around Delaware have ever seen. I haven't seen the tornado yet but i am already underground in my basement and have a safe room to go into for when it hits near us. The tornado itself will be at the end of the thunderstorm and that is already raging around outside. The tornado has touched down and they don't know how strong it is, they think it is either an F2 or an F3 tornado. An F2 tornado isn't as strong as an F3 tornado so i am hoping that it ends up being a weaker tornado. But the winds are loud, it sounds like the roar of a train. That can be a sign its coming, and more and more people are spotting the funnel shaped cloud. The wind went still, then the tornado touched down. The winds can get up to 300 miles per hour but right now they are only about 80 miles per hour. Tree branches and debris are flying around all over the place outside and causing a lot of damage.

I was listening to the radio and heard the tornado watch and went down to the basement immediately with things i might need if i am down there for a long time. The radio was on at all times especially when they announced the tornado warning. The watch meant one might be occurring, and the warning was that a tornado had been sighted. The basement or lowest floor is the safest place to go during a tornado. Some people say that you should open windows so the low pressure from the tornado and the pressure inside your house will even out, but open windows will just cause more damage to the inside of your house. Objects being thrown around by the winds of the tornado actually cause the most damage and injuries. When a tornado is near it is safe to go to a room away from outside walls, cover your head and neck, and get under a sturdy table or piece of furniture.

A supply kit is good to have for before and after the tornado hits. If you are waiting to see if the tornado hits it is safe to stay in your basement and a supply kit has everything you need to stay safe. Things that should be in the supply kit are a supply of water and food that wont spoil, a change of clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag, a first aid kit, emergency tools, a radio, a flashlight, lots of extra batteries, and also family contact information if you need help. If a tornado comes you shouldn't panic because if you have followed all these safety guidelines then you will be safe. I have followed all these so i hope this storm will pass.

Sincerely, Kathryn