Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Their average forward speed is 30 miles an hour, but some have been clocked at 70 miles an hour. Tornadoes occur more often during afternoons and evenings,because of increased instability in the atmosphere. In Arkansas, about 5 p.m. is the time of maximum tornado incidence.

"It can be a dangerous time, because many people are moving from school or work," Huitink said. "Arkansas is in an area where high, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico hits cold, dry air coming from the Great Plains. When those fronts clash, there is a tremendous amount of energy."

Any period of unseasonably warm and humid conditions can spawn tornadoes, and these conditions should cause concern about the possibility of a tornado.

Monitor weather bulletins and watch the sky for approaching thunderstorms. Violently moving clouds indicate high air velocities which may evolve into a tornado, Huitink said.

The Extension engineer said parents should educate young people about tornadoes, develop an emergency storm plan for family members and conduct storm drills.

Teach your family the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, Huitink said. A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. A warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

If a tornado warning is issued or threatening weather approaches, move to a previously designated safe area.

"If an underground shelter or basement is not available, move to an interior room, hallway or closet on the lowest floor," Huitink said. "Crouch under a sturdy desk or rugged furniture, if possible, and place pillows or blankets over your head for extra protection. "There's a real risk of your roof lifting off and when it does, the broken pieces of the house can cause personal injury."

Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, Huitink said. Instead, leave it immediately. If caught outside or in a vehicle, get out and lie flat in a nearby ditch or other depression or take refuge under an overpass.

If you are in a shopping mall or office building, go to the lowest floor and find a place that offers the most protection. Avoid windows. Clothing racks can help protect you from flying glass. Crouching under tables can help protect you from falling debris.

Mobile homes offer little or no protection if hit by a tornado. If you live in a mobile home in the path of a tornado, leave immediately and seek shelter in a more permanent structure.

"The primary thing is to get in a place where there is no direct wind velocity on you and so debris can't be blown at you," Huitink said. "Flying debris from tornadoes cause most deaths and injuries. I've seen animals killed by 2-by-4 boards. These projectiles come at you like bullets."

For more information on tornadoes, ask for the fact sheet, FSA 1024, called `Tornado Safety' at your county office of the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas.