Before moving here, I heard from a friend, "Aren't tornadoes in Texas scary?"

At the time, I thought it might be an exaggeration, but after living in DFW, I realized it's not something to take lightly.

There have been 158 recorded tornadoes within a 25-mile radius of Plano since 1950. On average, that's about 3 per year, with April being the month when they occur most frequently.

While the numbers might not seem alarming, specific cases tell a different story. In December 2015, an EF4 tornado struck the area, resulting in 10 fatalities. In October 2019, an EF3 tornado traveled a path of 15.8 miles, causing property damage amounting to $1.55 billion. Fortunately, there were no casualties then, but the scale of these events is significant. Since 1950, there have been 23 recorded fatalities. Those are frightening figures.

It's not just tornadoes, though. Hail also frequently appears in the DFW area's natural disasters. There have been instances of hail large enough to dent car windows, so those who park outdoors need to be especially cautious. Flooding is another concern. The official Plano city website even has a separate section for understanding flood risks (Know Your Flood Hazard). Areas near low-lying regions or creeks can quickly become submerged, especially after heavy rainfall.

As a result, I've developed a few habits over time. I always keep my weather app notifications on and start by understanding the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Warning. A Watch means conditions are favorable, while a Warning means a tornado has been detected. When a Warning is issued, the basic rule is to move to the innermost room or basement immediately. Since my house doesn't have a basement, I've designated the bathroom as my safe spot. By signing up for the Emergency Warnings service on the Plano city website, I receive alerts via text.

Preparation is everything when it comes to natural disasters. You can't avoid them just by being scared; it's much better to be informed and ready. Those who have lived here for a long time seem to react quite sensitively to changes in the weather, and there's a good reason for that.

Now, when the sky suddenly turns a greenish hue, I automatically feel tense.