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FACTS:
- Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms.
Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes
can cause fatalities and devastate a
neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a
rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from
a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds
that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths
can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles
long. Every state is at some risk from this
hazard.
- They may strike quickly, with little or no
warning.
- They may appear nearly transparent until
dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms
in the funnel.
- The average tornado moves Southwest to
Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move
in any direction.
- The average forward speed of a tornado is 30
MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
- Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and
hurricanes as they move onto land.
- Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over
water.
- Tornadoes are most frequently reported east
of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer
months.
- Peak tornado season in the southern states
is March through May; in the northern states, it
is late spring through early summer.
- Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3
p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.
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How can I protect myself from a tornado?
Know your terms: Familiarize yourself with
these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:
Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms.
Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio,
commercial radio, or television for information.
Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Take shelter immediately.
What to do before a tornado: Be alert to
changing weather conditions.
- Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television
newscasts for the latest information.
- Look for approaching storms
- Look for the following danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if
rotating)
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs,
be prepared to take shelter immediately.
What to do during a tornado:
If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter
immediately!
| If you are in:
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Then:
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| A structure (e.g. residence, small
building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory,
shopping center, high-rise building) |
Go to a pre-designated shelter area
such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the
lowest building level. If there is no basement, go
to the center of an interior room on the lowest
level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners,
windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls
as possible between you and the outside. Get under a
sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head
and neck. Do not open windows. |
| A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home |
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor
of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter.
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little
protection from tornadoes. |
| The outside with no shelter |
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and
cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the
potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are
safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested
areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle
immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from
tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries. |
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual
process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and
physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how
to access it makes the process faster and less stressful.
This section offers some general advice on steps to take
after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home,
your community, and your life back to normal. (Please
click on the links below to take you to FEMA's Website for
more information)
Any Additional questions? Please click the logo to the
left to learn more. |
