Tornadoes
What is a tornado?
A tornado is strong spinning air that touches the ground. Tornadoes can have wind speeds
of up to 300 mph. They can destroy large buildings, pull trees out of the ground and
move cars. A tornado can be one mile wide to 50 miles long. About 1000 tornadoes
happen each year.
How do tornadoes form?
Most tornadoes form from thunderstorms. You need warm, moist air and cool, dry air.
When warm and cold air meet, they can create a storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes
have a strong spin.
What do tornadoes look like?
Tornadoes can appear as a funnel shape, or in a thin rope-like shape.
What is a funnel cloud?
A funnel cloud is air moving in a circle, but not touching the ground. When it touches the
ground it is called a tornado.
What is a waterspout?
A waterspout is just a weak tornado that forms over water. They are most common along
the Gulf Coast. Waterspouts can sometimes move inland, becoming tornadoes causing
damage and injuries.
What is hail?
Hail is created when small water droplets are caught in a thunderstorm. These water
droplets are lifted higher and higher into the sky until they freeze into ice. Once they
become heavy, they will start to fall to the ground.
What is the largest hailstone recorded in the United States?
The largest hailstone is 8 inches wide and weights about 2 pounds. It fell in Vivian, South
Dakota on July 23, 2010.
When are tornadoes most likely to occur?
Tornadoes can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day. However,
tornados happen most often March through May, and during the summer. Tornadoes are
most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where are tornadoes most likely to occur? More than 500 tornadoes typically occur in
the great plains area. This area is known as "Tornado Alley". Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas,
Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana all
make up Tornado Alley.
Tornado Safety Tips
BEFORE A TORNADO:
1. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens.
2. Make sure you know which town you live in.
3. Prepare a kit with emergency food for your home.
4. Have enough food and water for at least 3 days.
DURING A TORNADO:
1. Go to a basement, a bathroom or closet.
2. Get out of cars.
3. Stay away from fallen power lines.
AFTER A TORNADO:
1. Stay indoors until it is safe to come out.
2. Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger.
3. Watch out for power lines that have fallen down.