Onslow County averages a handful of tornadoes each year, are you prepared for the next one?

There are only a handful of tornadoes in Onslow County each year, but they can bring a large amount of damage.
There are only a handful of tornadoes in Onslow County each year, but they can bring a large amount of damage.

Onslow County is no stranger to hurricanes, but a recent tornado warning begs the question of how well locals are prepared for twisters.

A severe thunderstorm on the evening of July 31 brought a tornado warning to the area.  National Weather Service Meteorologist Casey Dail said tornados form when warm and humid air collides with colder, dryer air.

"The denser, colder air is pushed kind of up over the warmer air, and that can produce a thunderstorm," Dail said. "The warm air will rise to colder air, causing what we call an updraft, and as that begins rotating, that can produce a tornado."

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According to the Onslow County government's website, the United States averages around 1,200 tornadoes a year, which kill an average of 60 people, usually from falling or flying debris. The website also cites the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, saying North Carolina and Onslow County have approximately 1-6 tornadoes per average year.

Peak tornado season in the southeast is March through May, and they can occur at any time of the day but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. However, with hurricane season in full swing, tornadoes are still highly possible.

"Preparedness is really important when it comes to both severe and tropical systems," Dail said. "Always have a plan in place, a family plan in place, that way you know where to go if a warning is issued, and you can take action. That's really important." 

Onslow County Emergency Services Director Norman Bryson agrees, saying they always talk to people about gathering information.

ALERT Onslow is one of the things Bryson encourages residents to sign up for, as it will feed information any time there's a storm, watch, warning, etc. He said information can come by email, text message, and other forms of communication.

This is the kind of damage a tornado can do. A tornado tore through Emerald Isle in 2019.
This is the kind of damage a tornado can do. A tornado tore through Emerald Isle in 2019.

"Knowing it's going to happen is the first thing," Bryson said. "The second side is, it's very close to hurricanes and making sure you have that 'all hazards supply kit:' food, water, some clothing, items like that that are tucked away and packed away in case you need them."

Bryson said Onslow County's website has links to help know what to put in the kit. He added although the area doesn't have a ton of tornados, Onslow has had some EF3s in the past, so everyone should be prepared.

As for the city, Jacksonville Interim City Manager Ronald Massey said Jacksonville utilizes its Emergency Operation Plan, which is exercised through training and exercises throughout the year.

"In the event of a tornado, the city would activate its Emergency Operations Center and deploy appropriate resources to respond to the affected areas," Massey said. "The Jacksonville Fire & Emergency Services Technical Rescue Team is trained and equipped to handle structural collapse and urban search and rescue operations, which could result from tornado damage. The city would request local, regional, state and federal resources where needed for assistance."

Unlike hurricanes, which residents usually have time to prepare for, tornadoes often pop up with only a matter of minutes to spare.

Dail said because of this, the NWS encourages residents to know where to go in their home in case of a twister. She said that should be the lowest level in the home, with no windows. Onslow County's website suggests a basement, but for those without a basement, go to an inner hallway or smaller inner room, such as a bathroom or closet.

The county urges residents to go to the center of that room, and try to find something sturdy to get under and hold onto as a shield. If no shelter is available, residents are encouraged to go outside and lie on the ground, if possible, in a ditch or depression.

They should then use their arms to protect their head and neck while waiting for the storm to pass. While waiting, be alert for the flash floods that sometimes come with tornadoes.

"Never try to outrun a tornado in a car," the county website states. "A tornado can toss cars and trucks around like toys. If you see a funnel cloud or hear a tornado warning issued, get out of your vehicle and find safe shelter."

While Onslow County is used to hurricanes, Dail said hurricanes' list of possible hazards includes tornadoes. Although tornadoes in a tropical system tend to be a little weaker, Dail said, they can still be incredibly dangerous.

That's why it's important to know the dangers and be able to take the necessary precautions when a watch or warning comes in.

A tornado watch means that tornados are possible, and residents should remain alert for approaching storms. However, a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Residents should take shelter immediately. Since a tornado warning was issued just last month, it shows how easily they can pop up, even in the dead of summer.

Have these things on hand

Despite only a handful of tornadoes touching down in Onslow County each year, it's important to keep things on hand to ensure the safety of you and your family in the case of a twister tearing through your area. Here's what Onslow County officials recommend preparing.

  • A Plan (shelter)

  • All Hazards Supply Kit

    • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)

    • Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)

    • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

    • Flashlight and extra batteries

    • First aid kit

    • Whistle to signal for help

    • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

    • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

    • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

    • Manual can opener for food

    • Local maps

    • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

  • Extra clothing

  • Blankets

For questions or concerns about tornadoes, residents can contact the National Weather Service, or Onslow County Emergency Management at 910-347-4270.

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Onslow County tornado preparedness, similar to hurricanes?