Tornadoes: Your Turn to Predict the Twisters!

Will Tornadoes Hit Today?

Time to test your tornado prediction skills! Let's see if you can predict if tornadoes will touch down today, and if so, where they will hit.

One note--you're dealing with live information here. Sometimes the computers will have problems and you may not be able to see all the data. This is just like the real world. Sometimes forecasters have to make tough predictions when their computers break down.

If some data doesn't work for you, please let your teacher know...then proceed with the challenge. It's just like what we have to do when we forecast your weather.

Step One: What will happen?
Your first step is to look at where thunderstorms may hit today, and decide if they will create tornadoes. You will have help from professional meteorologists, since you will look at some forecast graphics. Your job will be to decide if you agree with the outlooks and make up your own forecast telling if and where tornadoes will hit.

Average Number of Tornadoes by Month

Is this tornado season? Some months are more likely to bring twisters. Remember, tornadoes can happen in any month...but they are much more likely in spring and summer.

Severe Storms Forecast Map

To get a tornado, you have to have a severe thunderstorm. Check out what the experts think will happen today. This map shows the how likely areas are to have severe storms.

Step Two: Make a forecast!
From what you've seen, make a forecast for what will happen in the next few hours.

Where do you think severe storms will hit?

Name a few states that will get severe storms.

Do you think the storms will create tornadoes?

Not all severe storms make twisters.

Pick the one state you think is most likely to get a tornado.

You can also choose "none" if you think there will be no tornadoes today.

Step Three: Check back tomorrow to see if you were right.
You can watch tonight's local and national news to see if there were any tornadoes that caused damage or injury. In addition, check back here and look at these information sources.

Severe Weather Report Log

Severe storms forecasters keep this daily log of all the severe storms reported. It is updated every morning, so be sure to check back here tomorrow to see the reports for today.

On-line News Source

Check this news archive to see if there are stories about any severe weather.

Next: Where do tornadoes get all their energy?

There are 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 documents. (Credits | Glossary | Bibliography)

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This lesson created by "The Why Files," a NISE project funded by the NSF. Lesson used by permission. Original lesson and graphics copyright NISE. Modifications copyright BPNM.
Image courtesy NSSL (National Severe Storm Laboratory)