A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that descends from a cumulonimbus cloud and appears as a funnel. A funnel cloud can be observed before it actually touches the ground and becomes a true tornado. Often, there are sightings of funnel clouds that never reach the ground, therefore they are not really tornadoes.

Tornadoes are, locally, the most destructive of all weather phenomena. Wind speeds normally range between 100 mph to over 300 mph. They can completely vacuum-up fields, homes, cars and other objects that are in their path. Many have compared the sound of a tornado's winds to a train's or airplane's roar. Tornadoes can continue a path of destruction for 10 miles or more before dissipating. Some tornadoes have been known to travel over 200 miles!

Tornadoes can strike any time during the year, but are most common in late spring and early summer. They may also accompany tropical storms and hurricanes.

Terms to Know  

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado in a given area. Stayed tuned to local radio and TV stations for further information.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Proceed immediately to a safe place.

Tornado Preparedness

Make sure you have a NOAA Weather Radio with batteries

Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be a basement, but if there is no basement, go to a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lower floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

If you are in a high rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lower floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

If you are outside, hurry inside to a sturdy building. Go to the basement if one is available or stay on lower floor.

If a building is not available, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.

If you are in a car or a mobile home, get out of your car and head for safety.

Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing at least:

-First-aid kit and essential medications.
-Battery-powered radio
-Flashlight and extra batteries
-Canned food and can-opener
-Bottled water

After Tornado Passes

Keep calm. Stay in your shelter until after the storm is over.

Check people around you for injuries. Begin first-aid and seek help if necessary.

Check utility lines and appliances for damage. If you smell gas, open windows and turn off the main valve. Don't turn on lights or appliances until the gas has dissipated. If electric wires are shorting out, turn off the power.

When outside, watch out for downed power lines and trees.

Notify your insurance agent and provide as much detail as possible about damage to your property.

Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

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