The tornado’s sheer power and magnitude left Hedien and the other witnesses stunned and horrified.
On the video, a voice can be heard saying, “I haven’t seen anything like this.”
According to one of the storm chasers, the tornado was present in the vicinity for approximately 20 minutes, and Hedien managed to capture a 38-second clip of it. The National Weather Service in Lubbock quickly issued a tornado warning for the region after the sighting. As per X’s report, the warning would remain in effect until 9:15 p.m. on Sunday.
According to the weather service office in Lubbock, the tornado had already dissipated towards the northwest of Caprock Canyons State Park, which is over 20 miles away from its origin point.
Watch this ‘gorgeous’ twister touch down
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The tornado had storm chasers in awe, as they couldn’t take their eyes off of it. Some were commenting on the sheer magnitude and the spot where the twister was located.
“I mean, it’s crazy. We’re standing in the middle of a pandemic, trying to figure out how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. It’s a surreal experience, to say the least,” remarked one individual.
Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in the aftermath of the tornado. One individual expressed their hope that no one was caught in it.
Tornado activity at its peak, with more seen in 2024
According to a report by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, Texas has experienced a significant increase in the number of tornados this year. As compared to the previous year, the state has already witnessed 89 tornados, which is 13 more than the previous year’s count.
With thunderstorms being a crucial factor in the creation of tornadoes, it’s essential to understand how to remain safe as they continue to be predicted this summer.
As per the center, a tornado is formed when the rotating air moves horizontally along the ground and is tilted vertically by the force of the rising, rotating air.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal suggests a few measures to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones if you come across a tornado near your home or on the road this summer:
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- Seeking shelter and protecting your body should be the first priority.
- Take shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of the building as far as possible from the exterior and walls and windows − even in a basement, if one is available.
- Pull your vehicle to the side of the road immediately, get out and lay flat in a nearby ditch, covering your neck and head if no other protection is possible.
- Find a safe place that offers shelter from high winds and debris if you’re in the area of a tornado warning, even if it doesn’t appear to be headed in your direction.
- Seek shelter if a tornado is in proximity, regardless of your elevation.
- Find a safe place inside, even if you’re on the banks of a river or lake.