A tornado watch was issued for three counties in central Pennsylvania Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The tornado watch could bring “a couple tornadoes,” ping-pong-sized hail and severe winds in York, Lancaster and Adams counties.
Additionally, many major cities stretching from the Philadelphia area to Virginia Beach are included in the tornado watch, which is is in effect until midnight, the NWS said.
Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties are were placed under a similar tornado watch just after 5 p.m.
Adams, York and Lancaster counties are also under a flood watch starting at 7 p.m. Friday, forecasters said.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the flooding alert said. “Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
The National Weather Service provided the following tips on what to do in case of a tornado:
Know Where To Go
In a home or a building, move to a pre-designated shelter, preferably the basement or the lowest floor of your home. Don’t worry about opening your windows first – that would be a mistake, just get to the basement, and get under a sturdy piece of furniture or workbench. Cover yourself with blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
If a basement is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, and crouch down close to the floor. Grab extra blankets to protect yourself from flying debris. Stay away from windows – as they can shatter due to flying debris and the force of the wind.
If you are in a mobile home: Immediately move to a substantial shelter.
If you are caught outdoors and cannot get to a safe building. As a last resort, you should:
- Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
- If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
- Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
- If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Your choice of whether to stay in your car should be driven by your specific circumstances. Your best choice remains getting to a secure building with a basement or saferoom.
- If you find yourself outside or in a car with a tornado approaching and you are unable to get to a safe shelter, you remain at risk whether you stay in your car or seek shelter in a depression or ditch, both of which are last resort options that provide little protection. The safest place to be is in an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
