Take cover, a tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly on Tuesday, July 1, from 4:47 p.m. until 5:15 p.m.. This warning applies to Berks and Montgomery counties.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 0.75 inches.
The NWS warns: “TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or 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. This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
See weather radar for Montgomery County
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 4:47 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
“TORPHI The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a Tornado Warning for: East central Berks County in eastern Pennsylvania, Northwestern Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Until 5:15 p.m. EDT. At 4:47 p.m. EDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located near Birdsboro, or 9 miles east of Reading, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD: Tornado.
SOURCE: Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT: 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. Locations impacted include: Bally, Bechtelsville, Gilbertsville, Boyertown, Halfway House, and Pottsgrove.”
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.
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 story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Tornado warning issued for Montgomery County