Study Says N.C. At Greater Risk For More Tornadoes

Purdue Universityresearchers say the Pacific Ocean's La Nina weather effect could be felt along the Atlantic coast too. The study puts North Carolina at the top of the list of states with a greater risk of more tornadoes.

Garner resident Hubert Vickers is not among those fascinated by tornadoes.

"I don't want to see any more of them," said Vickers.

He is still trying to replace the trees he lost after atwister hit his neighborhood last March.

"I'm trying to put something in here to get my yard in shape. My yard's all torn up," said Vickers.

Vickers was not pleased to learn that a new study says North Carolina could see more tornadoes this spring.

"Too many people suffer from them," said Vickers.

The study says we had more tornadoes during years when there was aLa Ninaeffect. We are in a La Nina year right now.

The researchers admit that people have a right to be skeptical about their tornado study. Their analysis is statistical and not based on actual forecasts.

"It's not so much a weather forecast as it is just an observation, that during La Nina years, we have more tornadoes than during theEl Ninoones in North Carolina," said WRAL chief meteorologistGreg Fishel.

Vickers says even if the study proves correct and there are darker clouds ahead, he is ready.

"That may be so, but we have no control over it. All we can do is put our faith in God and let Him look after us. And that's what he has done for me before, and I hope I'm living right enough for Him to take care of us if it happens again," said Vickers.

Hubert Vickers also has an plan for what to do if a tornado is coming. It isA planwe all should have:

Get to the lowest floor of your house, in an interior room without any windows. If possible, get under something sturdy and cover your head.