A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year and anywhere in the world. They are most often found in the Midwest region of the United States where warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler dry air from the Great Plains. This clash creates the perfect conditions for tornadoes to form.
Tornadoes are classified according to their wind speed which is measured by the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale. The EF Scale goes from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest). The wind speed of a tornado is not the only factor that determines its strength. Other factors include the size and shape of the tornado as well as the amount of debris it picks up.
The vast majority of tornadoes are EF0 or EF1 with wind speeds of 73-112 mph. These tornadoes typically cause damage to trees power lines and roofs. EF2 and EF3 tornadoes are much less common but can cause significant damage to structures like homes and businesses. EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are extremely rare but when they do occur they can cause catastrophic damage including the complete destruction of entire neighborhoods.
While tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world they are most common in the United States. In fact the United States averages about 1200 tornadoes each year which is more than any other country. Tornado Alley is a nickname given to an area in the Midwest that sees a high concentration of tornadoes. The states of Texas Oklahoma Kansas Nebraska South Dakota and Iowa are all part of Tornado Alley.
Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night but they are most common in the afternoon and evening hours. The peak time for tornadoes in the United States is between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm local time.
While tornadoes can occur in any season they are most common in the spring months of April May and June. This is because the warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico is often clash with cooler dry air from the Great Plains during these months.
While most tornadoes last for only a few minutes some can last for hours. The longest-lived tornado on record occurred in 3 April 1999 and lasted for more than 3.5 hours. This tornado affected parts of Oklahoma Kansas and Nebraska.
Tornadoes can cause a great deal of damage depending on their size and strength. EF0 and EF1 tornadoes typically cause damage to trees power lines and roofs. EF2 and EF3 tornadoes can cause significant damage to structures like homes and businesses. EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are extremely rare but when they do occur they can cause catastrophic damage including the complete destruction of entire neighborhoods.
In addition to causing damage to property tornadoes can also injure or kill people. An average of 60 people are killed by tornadoes in the United States each year. Most of these deaths occur when people are caught in their vehicles. This is why it is so important to never try to outrun a tornado in your car. If you see a tornado the best thing to do is to find a safe place to take shelter immediately.
Can a tornado pick up a car?
Yes tornadoes can pick up cars.
How fast can a tornado travel?
Tornadoes can travel up to 350 kilometers per hour.
How wide can a tornado be?
Tornadoes can be up to 1 kilometer wide.
What is the most damage a tornado can cause?
The most damage a tornado can cause is a F5 on the Fujita Scale which is when wind speeds reach 318-422 kilometers per hour.
How many deaths does a tornado usually cause?
On average tornadoes cause 70 deaths per year in the United States.
How many injuries does a tornado usually cause?
On average tornadoes cause 1500 injuries per year in the United States.
What should you do if you see a tornado?
If you see a tornado you should immediately go to a safe place such as a basement or storm shelter.
What should you not do if you see a tornado?
You should not try to outrun a tornado in your car.
What is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is when a tornado is spotted or indicated by weather radar.
What is a tornado watch?
A tornado watch is when conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.
What is the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch?
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar while a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.
How long does a tornado warning last?
A tornado warning usually lasts for 30 minutes.
How long does a tornado watch last?
A tornado watch can last for several hours.
What is the difference between a severe thunderstorm and a tornado?
The main difference between a severe thunderstorm and a tornado is that a tornado is a rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground while a severe thunderstorm is a thunderstorm that is accompanied by wind gusts of at least 110 kilometers per hour.
What is the difference between a tornado and a tropical cyclone?
The main difference between a tornado and a tropical cyclone is that a tornado is a rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground while a tropical cyclone is a rotating storm system that forms over warm ocean waters and has sustained winds of at least 119 kilometers per hour.
