Tornado Warnings Issued for Lancaster County: What You Need to Know

What Happened?

The National Weather Service in State College has issued two tornado warnings for parts of Lancaster County on Thursday afternoon. Think of a tornado warning like a loud alarm bell—it means a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar, and you need to take action right now.

First Warning: Central Lancaster County until 5:00 p.m.
Update: Northeastern Lancaster County until 5:15 p.m.

Areas That Could Be Affected

First Warning (Central Lancaster County)

• Bareville
• Bird-In-Hand
• Columbia
• Conestoga
• Gordonville
• East Petersburg
• Lancaster
• Leacock
• Leola
• Millersville
• Smoketown
• Washington Boro

Updated Warning (Northeastern Lancaster County)

• Goodville
• Schoeneck
• Fivepointville
• Blue Ball
• Farmersville

Important: Even if your town isn’t listed above, stay alert. Tornadoes can move quickly and affect nearby areas.

What Dangers Are Expected?

The Weather Service warns about several specific hazards:

• Flying debris – This is often the most dangerous part of a tornado
• Mobile homes – Could be damaged or completely destroyed
• Roofs and windows – High risk of damage
• Vehicles – Can be tossed or damaged by debris
• Trees – May be uprooted or snapped

How to Stay Safe: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps immediately if you’re in the warned area:

1. If You’re Inside a Sturdy Building

• Go to the basement if you have one
• No basement? Go to an interior room on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, hallway)
• Stay away from windows!
• Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible

2. If You’re in a Mobile Home

• Get out immediately – Mobile homes are NOT safe during tornadoes
• Go to the nearest sturdy building or designated storm shelter
• Do not wait—mobile homes can be destroyed in seconds

3. If You’re Outdoors or in a Vehicle

• Do not try to outrun the tornado in your car
• Find the closest substantial shelter (strong building, not a shed)
• If no shelter is nearby, lie flat in a low ditch or ravine and cover your head
• Protect yourself from flying debris at all costs

4. Protect Your Head and Neck

• Use your arms, a helmet, blankets, pillows, or a mattress
• Flying debris causes most tornado injuries

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER

A tornado WARNING means TAKE ACTION NOW. This is different from a tornado watch (which means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form). When a warning is issued, a tornado is either happening or about to happen. Don’t wait to see it—take shelter immediately!

Summary

• Two tornado warnings active for Lancaster County until 5:00–5:15 p.m. Thursday
• Multiple communities in central and northeastern Lancaster County affected
• Main threats: Flying debris, mobile home destruction, damage to structures and trees
• Best protection: Basement or interior room on lowest floor of sturdy building
• Mobile home residents: Must evacuate to stronger shelter immediately
• Stay informed: Keep checking local weather updates until the warning expires

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

Watch = "Be prepared." Conditions are right for tornadoes to form. Warning = "Take action NOW." A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. The warning means danger is imminent.

I live in a mobile home but don’t have a nearby shelter. What should I do?

Plan ahead! Identify the closest sturdy building (friend’s house, community center, store) before storms hit. When a warning is issued, go there immediately. If absolutely no shelter exists, lie flat in a low ditch away from your mobile home and cover your head.

Can I just stay in my car and drive away from the tornado?

No. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and move faster than you can drive. Cars offer almost no protection and can be tossed like toys. Get out and find a sturdy building or low ground.

How will I know when it’s safe to come out?

Wait for official word from the National Weather Service or local emergency management. The warning will expire at the stated time (5:00 or 5:15 p.m.), but only come out when authorities say it’s safe—storms can redevelop.

Where can I get real-time updates?

• NOAA Weather Radio (best for waking you at night)
• Weather.gov/StateCollege (official NWS site)
• Local TV/radio stations
• Emergency alert apps on your phone
• Lancaster County Emergency Management social media

Stay safe, Lancaster County! Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. When a tornado warning sounds, get to your safe spot immediately.