Take cover, a tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Melbourne at 6:44 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6. That includes the following areas: Brevard, Orange and Seminole counties.
The NWS recommends: "TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."
See weather radar for Brevard County, Florida
What are meteorologists saying about tornado warning?
At 6:44 a.m., the NWS issued a statement: The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a tornado warning for the following areas:
- Northwestern Brevard County in east central Florida
- Southeastern Seminole County in east central Florida
- East central Orange County in east central Florida
The warning is in effect until 7 a.m. EDT.
At 6:44 a.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Bithlo, moving east at 35 mph.
What hazards are associated with the tornado warning in Brevard County, Florida?
HAZARD : Tornado.
SOURCE : Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACTS : Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. This dangerous storm will be near Wedgefield, Bithlo, and Christmas around 6:50 a.m. EDT."
If you are in the area, take cover immediately.
The warning is expected to remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
How do you stay safe during a tornado?
During a tornado, the NWS recommends:
- Get as low as possible. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest safety.
- Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible.
- Avoid windows.
What should you do if you're driving during a tornado warning?
If you're driving, particularly on interstates or highways, do not try to outrun a tornado.
If you are driving in an area with a tornado warning, you should look for ways to safely get off the road and out of your vehicle, preferably by seeking refuge in a sturdy building.
As a last resort, lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert and cover your head with your arms.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is either sighted or indicated on radar, meaning there is imminent danger to life and property.
If you are in the area of a tornado warning, take cover immediately in the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a vehicle or a mobile home, move to the closest sturdy shelter and take cover.
A tornado watch is issued when the environment is capable of producing tornadoes. If you are located in the area of a tornado watch, the NWS recommends having a plan in place in the event a tornado forms. Be ready to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued.
Reporters Diane Pantaleo and Jana Hayes contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a template written and reviewed by an editor.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Tornado warning issued for Brevard area
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