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Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They come from powerful thunderstorms and appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds. Tornado winds can reach 300 miles per hour. They cause damage when they touch down on the ground. They can damage an area up to one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk, but states in "Tornado Alley" have the highest risk. Tornadoes can form any time of the year, but the season runs from March to August. The ability to predict tornadoes is limited. Usually a community will have at least a few minutes warning. The most important thing to do is TAKE SHELTER when a tornado is nearby. | ||||
Tornadoes are classified into 3 main groups: |
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| Weak:
wind speeds up to 110 mph |
Strong:
wind speeds 110 to 205 mph |
Violent:
wind speeds 205 to 320 mph |
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Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. Stay tuned to the radio or television news. Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted. Take shelter immediately!
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Listen to a radio or watch television for weather updates. If a tornado is coming, you MUST seek shelter. An underground shelter is best, such as a basement or storm shelter. If you don’t have a basement, find an inside room or hallway or closet on the first floor AWAY FROM WINDOWS. If you are at school during a tornado, listen and do what your teacher says. If you are outside and far away from a safe building, lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Lie face down and cover your head with your hands. If you are in a car, take shelter in a nearby building. If you can't get to a building, lie down ina ditch or ravine. After a tornado, watch for broken glass and power lines that are downed.
If you see people who are injured, don’t move them unless they are in immediate
danger. Call for help right away!
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