Taking cover

The devastation caused by the F3 tornado that blew through Pemiscot County Sunday could have been much worse. Sixty percent of the houses in Caruthersville were damaged, but no one in the town of 6,500 was killed. One death occurred in nearby Braggadocio and another in Circle City in Scott County.

Southeast Missourians tend to take tornado watches and warnings in stride. But the weather has been unusually violent this spring. Already, more than 60 tornadoes have been confirmed in the state this year.

The admonition to take cover when a tornado warning is issued should be heeded more than ever.

With a bit of foresight and a good plan, everyone's safety can be enhanced when tornadoes and other destructive storms are headed our way.