Severe Weather Awareness
A tornado is a violent rotating column of wind that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. No state is immune from tornadoes, but they most frequently occur in a region commonly called Tornado Alley.
There have been 16 tornadoes in Nashville since 1994, including three tornadoes that caused major damage in several parts of the city in 1998. May 1-2, 2010, the city of Nashville experienced catastrophic flooding throughout the county.
Take steps now to be prepared for a natural disaster. During severe storms, you should recognize the following terms:
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A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means there is a potential for thunderstorms to form that can produce wind gusts greater than 58 mph and/or hail greater than ¾ of an inch in diameter.
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A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm is imminent and action must be taken to protect life and property.
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A Flash Flood Watch means localized flooding due to heavy rainfall is possible.
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A Flash Flood Warning means localized flooding due to heavy rainfall is imminent.
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A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. So monitor weather reports and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.
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A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been indicated by radar or sighted by storm spotters, so people in the affected area should seek shelter immediately. If the thunderstorm which is causing the tornado is also producing torrential rains, this warning may also be combined with a Flash Flood Warning, and that means flash flooding is in progress, imminent or very likely.
Nashville’s Early Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens)
The outdoor early warning system consists of 73 sirens placed in public gathering places throughout the city to warn people outside of a tornado warning that has been issued in Davidson County. These sirens are tested at noon on the first Saturday of each month, and silently tested daily.
When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Davidson County, Doppler radar is indicating that a tornado may touch down or has touched down in the area. Once a tornado warning has been issued, the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management will activate all 73 sirens in the outdoor early warning system. The high-pitched siren will sound continuously for a full three minutes and will repeat in eight minute intervals for the duration of the warning period. For example, during a 15-minute warning period, the sirens will sound twice. The sirens will be activated for the initial warning and again during the eighth minute of the warning.