On Sunday, tornados ripped through Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama.
One woman was killed in Mississippi, and local officials in Alabama reported six deaths. Arkansas took the biggest hit when a half-mile-wide tornado demolished an 80-mile path through the countryside and killed at least 15 people, mostly around the town of Vilonia, Ark..
While Indiana does not tend to make headlines for its tornado disasters, the state is by no means a tornado-free zone. According to the tornadohistoryproject.com, Indiana experienced 72 tornados in 2011, 18 in 2012 and 40 in 2013. The website compiles statistics and eye-witness accounts for tornadoes dating back to the 1950s.
As we at DePauw begin to venture outside for runs in the nature park or games at the intramural fields, we would like to remind everyone to keep a sharp eye on the skies and an ear to the weather reports.
We are currently in the middle of peak tornado season, which spans March to May and some years extends into June. They accompany thunderstorms. Tornadoes can hit quickly, sometimes with no warning, and level entire towns in seconds.
A few warning signs are: large hail, dark, low-lying clouds and greenish skies. People also report hearing a roar like a freight train.
If a tornado hits, the safest place is indoors, away from windows on the lowest floor. If you're outside go to the lowest terrain and assume the duck-and-cover position. If you're in a car and can safely get to an area below the road level, like a ditch, run there and duck and cover. If there is no ditch, ready.gov suggests staying buckled in your car with your head below the windows and your arms over your head.
We know you've all heard this before, but a reminder never hurt anyone.