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Scattered thunderstorms are expected to hit North Texas on Thursday afternoon, bringing the threat of damaging winds, large hail and potential tornadoes.
While the main risk for Thursday’s severe weather system is large hail, a few tornadoes may be possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Tornadoes can be deadly, with 72% of all fatalities occurring in a home, according to the NWS. Deaths in mobile and manufactured homes account for 54% of all housing fatalities, even though such residences only account for 6% of residences.
Here are the best ways to stay safe if you’re in the path of a tornado. Remember, almost anywhere is better than being outside:
If you live in a mobile or manufactured home
Mobile homes are not safe from tornadoes, and “you MUST seek an alternative structure before the storm hits,” the NWS says. Call a friend who lives in a more sturdy building, or find another nearby structure nearby, such as a store or a library.
Tornadoes can be unpredictable, so it’s best to identify a more safe building before the storm hits.
If you live in a house
If you’re in a house, the safest place to be is on the lowest floor, away from windows and with as many walls as possible between you and the outside, KXAS-TV (NBC5) chief meteorologist Rick Mitchell said in 2019.
Texas homes, though, rarely have basements because of the state’s clay soil. That type of soil is malleable and could cause cracks in the basement. So, minus a basement, the safest spot may be a bathroom or closet. A closet underneath the stairs is ideal if it’s cleaned out and has enough space to fit your household, Mitchell said.
If you live in an apartment
The advice is the same for those who live in a home without a basement. Find an interior room without windows — your bathroom or closet is probably your best bet. Find something to protect yourself from falling debris.
If you’re in a car
Get off the road and find a building to seek shelter in. While bridges and overpasses might protect you from rain, they act as wind tunnels during a tornado, so don’t seek shelter under one.