A recent study shows 2024’s most vulnerable counties for tornado damage
JACKSON, Tenn.– This map show the most “at risk” counties for tornado damage in the United States. Among the top 1,000, there are 13 counties in West Tennessee; 6 of which are in the top 500, and 1 placing in the top 30. This study determined which counties faced the largest risk of destruction. The most at risk county in West Tennessee and across the entire state was Shelby County, which ranked 39th in the United States–with an expected annual loss from tornadoes of $61 million.
In looking at West Tennessee, the second county deemed most at risk was Madison County, it ranked 140th– with an expected annual loss of $12.7 million. Behind Madison was Gibson County, which ranked 270th with an expected loss of $5.8 million annually. That was followed by Tipton County, ranked nationally at 388. Next is Dyer County, ranked at 428. According to the study there’s a significant risk so, it’s important for you to be prepared. We spoke with Crockett County EMA Director Stephen Sutton, for tips.
“The best preparation is at the home level. Each family unit being prepared for their various emergency, for their own severe weather, that is what reduces serious injury, bodily harm, or even death,” said Sutton.
Sutton tells us ways you can prepare yourself and your family.
“Flashlight…extra batteries, a weather radio with batteries, having several you know, a case or two of bottled water, that’s available for you in case of an emergency, you know having a plan,” said Sutton.
And in the case of a tornado that plan needs to consist of finding the most interior room with no windows, on the lowest level of your home– such as a basement, bathroom, or closet. If you do not have access to a storm shelter, know where your closest public storm shelter is.
“Know where your families at. Have a plan, and then know that if you’re at home where are we going,” said Sutton.
Sutton says while storms are prevalent in our area, as an EMA director, he does appreciate how technology has advanced to make us now more connected than ever.
“One of the things that I really appreciate is the level of collaboration that now exists between the National Weather Service, your local news meteorologist like WBBJ, the emergency managers like myself, EMS, we’re all working and sharing and collaborating together anytime there’s a severe weather threat,” said Sutton.
Thursday, schools across the state will participate in a tornado drill as they observe severe weather awareness week.
The National Weather Service will issue a statewide tornado drill including a NOAA Weather Radio Warning Alarm Test Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
