Tornado Warning

It was raining cats and dogs this afternoon. (Now we have dead pets everywhere.) It occurred to me, as I looked out the window, that I am, after all, a SKYWARN storm spotter for the National Weather Service. Maybe I ought to call in, so the people in Building 2 know what it's like over at Building 4.

But I didn't. And maybe I should have, so they'd get the news earlier. See this warning below? It says it was sent at 7:07, and I received it at 7:18.

------ Original Message ------
Received: 07:07 PM EDT, 08/21/2009
From: "Alert Montgomery"
Subject: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Montgomery County until 7:15. Doppler radar indicated a thunderstorm approaching the County which has intensified well past severe limits.

Severe Thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advanced warning. Residents are urged to seek safe shelter indoors until the storm passes and remain alert for any additional warnings. ...

Update, 7:30 pm:

Apparently, 5 minutes ago they realized their timing issue, so they extended the warning 45 minutes.

Whoah! I just got this one. It would be nice if they told us what part of the county it's in.

------ Original Message ------
Received: 07:26 PM EDT, 08/21/2009
From: "Alert Montgomery"
Subject: TORNADO WARNING!!!

The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WARNING for Montgomery County effective immediately. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION!!!

The safest place to be during a Tornado is in a basement. Fit under a work bench or other piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is available, seek shelter on the lowest floor in a hallway or closet. Use blankets or pillows to cover your body and always stay away from windows.

Evacuate mobile homes and vehicles immediately. Do not use highway overpasses as shelters. If no shelter is available, lie flat in the nearest ditch or other low spot and cover your head with your hands.

Do not wait to hear or see this tornado before you take action. Tornadoes that form at night and those that are rain wrapped may not be visible. Seek safe shelter now!!

(And above all, stay calm.)