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Forecasters Work On Ways To Get Faster Tornado Warnings To Public

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RALEIGH — Tornadoes can strike with destructive force and with little warning. Forecasters in North Carolina are studying the pattern of tornadoes in our state to help predict future tornadoes and get the warning out a little faster.

In 1988, a tornado left its mark in north Raleigh. Four people died and 150 people were injured.

Researchers who have been looking at these storms say more tornadoes have struck in the eastern part of the state over the past 50 years.

"Our mountains help out the west," says George Lemons, meteorologist for theNational Weather Service. "You have these very strong systems that roar through the plains states, and when they hit the mountains, they have a tendency to fall apart. They don't get organized again until after they get past Greensboro."

Forecasters say they may only be able to give people a 10-minute warning if a tornado is approaching.

They also say it is a good idea to get aweather radio.

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