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Tornadoes
Tornadoes are spiraling columns of air that extend downward from the bottom of giant thunderclouds. The winds spiral upward and inward, creating a tight, twirling funnel of air that reaches down to the ground and sucks up things in its path. Tornadoes can be several hundred yards wide and reach speeds of up to 300 mph.
The region between the Rockies and the Appalachians is often called "tornado alley," as it sees the most frequent violent storms. Cold air from Canada swoops down and mixes with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and dry air from the Rockies, creating ripe conditions for such storms. The largest concentration of tornadoes is in Oklahoma, Texas and Florida, though the ones in Florida are far weaker.
The only way to prepare for a tornado is to be alert to changing weather conditions, listen closely to weather forecasts, and be wise to the danger signs, such as dark greenish colored sky and hail. However, far in advance of storm season, you should have an Emergency Supply Kit prepared, know precisely where to go and what to do, whether caught indoors or outdoors during a tornado.
Download Tornado Checklist (pdf)
- Ready.gov / Tornadoes
- Tornadoes: Are You Ready? / FEMA
- Tornadoes: Nature's Most Violent Storms / Guide from NOAA & Red Cross
- Tornado FAQ / Storm Prediction Center, NOAA
States affected:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming