Severe Weather Guide

For the Parkland

Knowing the Difference

Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs Warning

⛈️ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH

Be Prepared

  • Conditions are favorable for severe storms
  • Stay alert and monitor weather updates
  • Have a plan ready

⚠️ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Take Action

  • A severe storm is happening now
  • Damaging winds or large hail likely
  • Seek shelter indoors immediately

Tornado Watch vs Warning

🌪️ TORNADO WATCH

Be Ready

  • Conditions are favorable for tornadoes
  • Review your safety plan
  • Stay weather-aware

🚨 TORNADO WARNING

Take Cover NOW

  • Tornado detected or radar-indicated
  • Go to a basement or interior room
  • Avoid windows immediately

Signs of a Tornado

🌪️ Know the Signs of a Tornado

🌫️ Dark or Green Sky

Storm clouds may appear dark, sometimes with a greenish tint.

🌪️ Rotating Clouds

Look for low, rotating cloud bases or funnel clouds.

🔊 Loud Roar

Sounds like a freight train or continuous rumble.

🌧️ Debris in the Air

Flying debris or dust may indicate a tornado on the ground.

🚨 If you see any of these signs, TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.

Storm Shelters

Farmington

🚔 Farmington Police Department

📍 310 Ste Genevieve Avenue, Farmington

🕒 Open 24/7

🏢 Farmington Civic Center

📍 2 Black Knight Drive, Farmington

🕒 Open 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM

🏫 Truman Learning Center (FEMA Shelter)

📍 209 W College, Farmington

🕒 Open during non-school hours

Park Hills

🏫 Central High School (Football Field Building)

📍 116 Rebel Drive, Park Hills

🕒 Open during Tornado Warning & non-school hours

Fredericktown

🏫 Kelly A. Burlison Middle School

📍 825 East Highway 72, Fredericktown

🕒 Open during Tornado Warning & non-school hours

🏫 Fredericktown Elementary

📍 419 Newberry St, Fredericktown

🕒 Open during Tornado Warning & non-school hours

Potosi

🏫 Potosi Elementary School

📍 205 Highway P, Potosi

🕒 Open during Tornado Warning & non-school hours

Need to Know

Where do I go?

🏠 Where Do I Go During Severe Weather?

🏡 House

  • Go to a basement if available
  • If no basement, use an interior room on the lowest floor
  • Stay away from windows

🏠 Mobile Home

  • Leave immediately
  • Go to a sturdy building or storm shelter
  • Mobile homes are not safe in tornadoes

🚗 In a Vehicle

  • Do NOT try to outrun a tornado
  • Seek a sturdy building if possible
  • If none is available, lie in a low area and cover your head

🏢 Work / School

  • Follow building safety plans
  • Go to designated shelter areas
  • Avoid large open rooms like gyms

Emergency Kit

🎒 Emergency Kit Checklist

  • 💧 Water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • 🥫 Non-perishable food
  • 🔦 Flashlight
  • 🔋 Extra batteries
  • 📻 Battery-powered weather radio
  • 📱 Phone charger / power bank
  • 💊 Medications
  • 🩹 First aid kit
  • 🧥 Blankets or warm clothes
  • 👟 Sturdy shoes
  • 📄 Important documents (copies)
  • 💵 Cash

✔ Keep your emergency kit in a place you can access quickly during severe weather.