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Weather Warnings Serious

Friday, 8 August 2014 06:00

Damage done to a farm from 1979 Tornadoes

2 tornadoes in 1979 proved it can happen in Oxford County. Weather watches may come and go, but you should always be prepared.

OXFORD COUNTY- 35 years ago Hickson resident Gwyn Lazenby looked out her window to see a funnel cloud bearing down on her farm house.

"We were at home, we lived over on the 10th line on a beef farm and we were looking out the door, because you know how the storm had started and we could see the funnel and Murray just said to his dad 'there goes your house'."

While services such as Environment Canada do their best to issue weather watches and warnings in advance of severe weather events, sometimes they come on too quickly.

"Back in 1979 we know there was 3 minutes warning between when the tornado actually formed to when it hit, 3 minutes is not enough time," said East-Zorra Tavistock Fire Chief Scott Alexander. 

Although the two tornadoes had a devastating effect on areas in Oxford County, Alexander says new residents may not be aware of the possibility that it can happen to them.

"1979 proved that it can happen to you, in fact in 2008 we had a second one touch down in this town..."

Weather watches he says should be taken seriously and residents should always be prepared with a 72 hour emergency plan in place. Items range from non-perishable food to flashlights and a first aid kit. A full list of the 72 hour emergency guide issued by Public Safety Canada can be found HERE.

In the case of a tornado watch residents can seek shelter in their basement which Alexander says is the safest place. If you don't have a basement an interior room away from windows is the second best option. 

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