In the United States, there are two regions with a higher frequency of tornadoes than the rest of the country. One is Florida, while the other is "Tornado Alley," which contains several midwestern states, including Oklahoma. If you live in this area, it's essential to know the warning signs before a tornado hits so you can safely evacuate to an underground shelter.

How to Tell If a Tornado Is Coming

1. Dark, Greenish Sky

As hailstones fly through the air, sunlight reflects off them, giving the sky a dark green tint. Tornadoes often accompany thunderstorms with hail. If the sky turns dark in the middle of the day, retreat to your underground shelter.

2. In-Cloud Lightning

This form of lightning may be difficult to spot because it never touches the ground. Funnel clouds that start to form will be a visible sign that the thunderstorm is becoming more serious and may turn into a tornado. Keep an eye on the weather channel for updates on how the storm is progressing.

3. Calm After a Thunderstorm

Unfortunately, a thunderstorm ending doesn't mean that a tornado won't develop. In fact, it's more likely to develop if a calm, clear sky appears after a rough storm. A tornado will sometimes push warm, dry air into an area before the whipping winds roll through.

4. Falling Debris

If it looks like the sky is falling, even if you can't directly see the tornado, it's a sign that the storm is coming your way. Tornado movement can range from nearly stationary to more than 60 mph and is capable of reaching wind speeds of 318 mph. 

Even if it's rare for storms to reach that level of severity, they are still dangerous regardless of speed. Since they are capable of picking up heavy debris, take cover in an underground shelter until the storm passes.

If your property doesn't currently have an underground shelter, contact the professionals at G & M Tank Co in Purcell, OK, to install one. They've provided peace of mind to homeowners in Tornado Alley for over 45 years. Their units, equipped with steel reinforced doors and ventilation systems, will make you feel safe and secure. Call (405) 527-5342 to schedule an appointment or visit them online for more information on their shelters.