The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the region until 9 p.m. tonight, the Chatham County Emergency Management Agency announced.
Counties in southeast Georgia include: Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Tattnall.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes. CEMA asked residents to remain vigilant during threatening weather and stay tuned to their local television and radio stations.
The following are CEMA safety tips:
IF YOU SEE A TORNADO
- Take cover immediately.
- Stay away from windows, doors, outside walls and open spaces.
- Protect your head from falling objects or flying debris.
- In public buildings, go to the pre-designated shelter areas.
- In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a more substantial structure.
- Never get underneath a mobile home/trailer.
- Seek shelter on foot if possible.
- If there is no shelter nearby lie flat in the nearest ditch with your hands shielding your head.
DURING A TORNADO
If in a building
- Go to the basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of the building.
- If no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows.
- Move away from the windows.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
- If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
If outside
- If possible, move inside a building.
- If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or crouch near a strong building.
- Be aware of the potential for flooding.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
If in a vehicle
- Never try to out drive a tornado. Get out of the vehicle and take shelter in a nearby building.
- If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or crouch near a strong building.
- Be aware of the potential for flooding.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.