Considering a move, a few questions/concerns:

[angeljwhit]

This was very interesting reading for someone looking to make the jump from Michigan (cold...brrr!) to Austin. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions and some great suggestions.

However, my biggest concern is tornados...I'm not finding alot of homes with basements, so I guess that is rare in central Texas. Why is that? When a tornado warning goes in effect, do you guys just cower in an inside room and pray?

I'm a musician as well...in Michigan our basement is used to make noise without bothering the neighbors! Any advice or comments?

Again, you guys all seem so nice and polite! That's the real reason we have picked your town! Thanks for your help!

[Trainwreck20]

Tornados are relatively rare in Austin, especially in the city proper. As I understand it, the heat-island effect from the concrete, the mixing effect caused by large buildings, and the disruption of stable air caused by the adjacent hill country all limit tornodos somewhat.

Now, there are tornados still, but the cost of putting in a basement around here is very high, due to the rocky nature of the ground. To the east of I-35, I suppose it is more feasible, but I am not sure if the clay does not result in some problems, too.

Anyway, the usual advice is to go to an interior bathroom or closet with no windows. In my 30+ years in Austin and surrounding area, I have never actually had to 'seek shelter'; however, just last year, we did bring the rabbit downstairs 'cause I was NOT going to go up and get them if there actually was a tornado...I was heading straight to the under the stairs closet!

[deeptrance]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

...the cost of putting in a basement around here is very high, due to the rocky nature of the ground.

One more reason why it should be legal for private citizens to own bunker-busters and small tactical nuclear weapons. Imagine what a great swimming pool you could have in addition to the basement, wine cellar, and storm shelter!