Statesboro, GA – Monday, April 7, 2025, 10:20 AM – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tornado Watch for Bulloch County and a large number of surrounding counties in Southeast Georgia including Bulloch and surounding counties. Tornado Watch 133 is in effect until 6:00 PM EDT this evening.
The affected counties include: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Grady, Irwin, Jefferson, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Worth counties.
What does a Tornado Watch mean?
A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. It does not mean that a tornado is currently occurring. Residents in Bulloch County and the listed surrounding areas should remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and have a plan in place in case a tornado warning is issued.
The NWS bulletin indicates that a large band of showers with embedded thunderstorms is expected to move across the region today into this evening as a strong cold front advances. While damaging winds are the primary concern, with gusts potentially exceeding 60 mph capable of downing trees and power lines, an isolated tornado is also possible. Rainfall totals are expected to range from 0.50 to 1.5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
Safety Tips During a Tornado Watch:
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news channels, radio, and weather apps for the latest updates and potential warnings. Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio available in case of power outages.
- Have a Plan: Discuss and practice your family's emergency plan. Identify a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, medications, a flashlight, batteries, a whistle, and important documents.
- Be Aware of Weather Signs: Pay attention to changing weather conditions such as dark or greenish skies, large hail, a loud roar similar to a freight train, and sudden changes in wind direction.
If a Tornado Warning is Issued (meaning a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar):
- Seek Shelter Immediately:
- In a house or small building: Go to the lowest floor, an interior room, or a hallway away from windows. Get under something sturdy like a table or desk and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- In a vehicle or mobile home: These offer little protection from tornadoes. Abandon them immediately and go to a sturdy building or a designated storm shelter. If no sturdy shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your arms.
- At school, work, or a large building: Follow the designated safety procedures and go to the pre-identified shelter area. Stay away from windows and large open spaces.
Residents in Bulloch County and the surrounding areas are urged to take this Tornado Watch seriously and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Stay tuned to local news outlets for the latest weather updates.
Code Red Alert
The City of Statesboro and Bulloch County announce a partnership to implement the CodeRED system, a high-speed emergency notification service provided by OnSolve, based in Ormond Beach, Florida. Public safety officials across the United States have credited CodeRED notifications for saving lives, including locating missing children, apprehending wanted criminals, and issuing timely evacuations. Click here to add this to your phone now.
Stay Informed and Monitor Weather Forecasts
Closely monitor weather forecasts for the latest updates and warnings. Grice Connect or wherever you get local news outlets and the National Weather Service website are excellent resources for staying informed. By planning and taking precautions now, residents can stay safe during this period of potentially dangerous weather.
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