The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a tornado warning for south central Coconino County, east and west central Yavapai County, including the city of Sedona.

The warning is in effect until at least 5 p.m.

At 12:11 p.m. the National Weather Service’s Doppler Radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near the Village of Oak Creek and 8 miles southeast of Sedona moving northeast at 40 mph.

Other locations in the warning include but are not limited to Munds Park and Interstate 17 between milepost 315 and 325.

A tornado touched down this morning in the Bellemont neighborhood west Flagstaff, derailing 28 cars of a parked freight train, blowing semi-trucks off the road and smashing into several homes, according to National Public Radio.

If a tornado touches down:

The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Get under a workbench or other piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is available, seek shelter on the lowest floor of the building in an interior hallway or room such as a closet. Use blankets or pillows to cover your body and always stay away from windows.

A hotline has been activated for the public to obtain information and updates about the emergency.  The number is 1-888-679-8393.

If in mobile homes or vehicles, evacuate them and get inside a substantial shelter. If no shelter is available, lie flat in the nearest ditch or other low spot and cover your head with your hands.

Do not use highway overpasses for shelter. Overpasses do not provide protection from tornadic winds.

Vehicles stopped under bridges block traffic and prevent people from getting out of the storm`s path and to shelter. If you cannot drive away from the tornado.

Get out of your vehicle and lie flat in a ditch as a last resort.

Updates will be posted to the Sedona Red Rock News website as we receive them from the National Weather Service.