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Tornado Warning VS Tornado Watch: What You Need To Know

When it comes to severe weather, nothing is as devastating as a tornado when you consider the inch to inch devastation. Tornados often possess stronger winds than hurricanes, and due to the cyclone shape of a tornado, it increases the damage potential. Tornados are also especially dangerous if you are in its path. A single tornado can take out a full town when powerful enough. Some areas of the country are more susceptible to tornados than others due to natural weather patterns. Wherever you live, it is important to know what the difference is between a tornado warning vs watch.

What Is a Tornado Warning?

When it comes to a tornado warning vs watch, you need to know what the difference is. As you’ll be watching television or listening to the radio, you might hear or see an announcement regarding a tornado warning or watch. You need to know what the difference is with regard to these two weather conditions. If you do not know the difference, then the result can be devastating. Many people have suffered unnecessarily because they did not take the right precautions beforehand. This is where we come in to help. 

With regards to a tornado warning, it means a tornado has developed and been identified in the area. When a tornado has been identified, it is from someone who has spotted a formed tornado, or it has been identified on radar.

With a tornado warning, it is important to get into place and execute your plan of action for when a tornado warning gets called. For some families, this means hunkering down in a safe space in their home, while for others it may mean coming indoors. 

When considering tornado warning vs watch, there are several categories of tornadoes you need to know about. When a tornado warning is given, you’ll be told not only the current category but the potential for it to grow or diminish based on current and forecast weather. Technically, there are six kinds of tornado categories you need to be made aware of and the possible damage each brings with it.

F0

This is the lowest level of a tornado. It brings with it wind speeds between 40 and 72 miles per hour. In terms of potential damage, some tree branches down, shallow-rooted trees ripped up from the ground, and damaged signposts are possible. Additionally, some chimney damage may be possible, but in general, it is not as serious as any of the other tornado categories.

F1

A category F1 tornado is the next step up. It brings wind speeds between 73 and 112 miles per hour. With regards to an F1 tornado, damage will be moderate. Some roofing and siding may be removed under the heavy wind, and mobile homes become more vulnerable at this point in time due to the lack of a secure structure (or any good way to direct wind away from the building). This is on top of the damaged caused by an F0. The high wind may also flip lighter cars and make it extremely difficult to handle.

In this type of tornado, you want to be in a safe area of your home so that you do not get hurt by any falling debris. 

F2

The next step up is the category 2, or an F2 tornado. This sees wind speeds between 113 and 157. At this point, the tornados are becoming especially dangerous and will probably cause significant damage. On top of what an F1 tornado causes, this category of tornado may uproot larger trees and mobile homes can be completely torn apart, leaving nothing behind. The wind is also strong enough to knock over train cars and semi-trucks. Small items, such as branches and street signs, become projectiles and are extremely dangerous. Even fencing and other smaller material turn into dangerous debris.

F3

An F3 tornado category will see wind speeds between 158 and 206 miles per hour. At these kinds of wind speeds, entire forests are destroyed, with most trees pulled from the ground. Beyond just train cars, entire trains can be flipped from the tracks, and well poured and secured walls and roofs may be blown from homes. If you are outdoors during any tornado level it’s important to get indoors, but it is especially important with an F3 category tornado. 

F4

Second, only to the most powerful tornado category of all the groups, the F4 is powerful and devastating. It comes with wind speeds between 207 and 260 miles per hour. Entire houses may be totally raised. Vehicles may also become projectiles and tossed through the air. These are vehicles of several thousand pounds tossed around without any problem at all.

F5

This is the strongest size and category of tornado. It is basically a super tornado and often is only formed in certain areas of the world due to the necessary weather patterns needed for it to develop. With these kinds of tornados, the wind speed will increase to between 261 and 318 miles per hour. The damage caused is beyond that of what an F4 is capable of doing. Full houses are not only destroyed, but they are ripped up from the foundation and often sent spinning through the air (similar to the Wizard of Oz). Even steel-reinforced structures are susceptible to damage.

It is important for you to take all tornado watch and warnings seriously. No matter the size of the storm, you are in danger if you are outside or not in a safe location. Even if the tornado is a watch, there likely is a major storm going on that, in and of itself, is capable of damage. So, whenever there is foul weather, it is important for you to keep the radio or television turned on and stay informed as to what is going on and what you and your family need to be doing.

What Is a Tornado Watch?

When understanding what a tornado warning vs watch is, a tornado warning always means the tornado has been identified. It has been seen, or detected and confirmed, so there is without a question of doubt a tornado in the area. A tornado watch, on the other hand, means there are atmospheric conditions favorable to the formation of a tornado. This means that while no tornados have been identified and there may not even be the formation of funnel clouds yet, all the weather in the area suggests the possibility, and even the likelihood, of a tornado formation.

When looking at a tornado warning vs watch, the tornado watch is an early warning. It is telling you that there is the chance of a tornado and that you should move to safety as quickly as possible. By the time a tornado forms, you will not have the kind of time you need to move to safety, especially if a tornado has been spotted in the area. Tornados can switch direction without notice, so even if a tornado has moved past a neighborhood, it can swing back. In short, tornados are unpredictable.

One of the best ways to always stay prepared is by having a tornado kit ready as well as knowing what your tornado plan is. Be sure to review your tornado plan with everyone in your family so that everyone is on the same page. 

Tornado Warning vs Watch: What You Need to Know

When it comes to a tornado warning vs watch, it is important to take action right away no matter what is going on. A tornado watch means you should be on the lookout for a tornado, as there is not yet one in the area, but there is a good chance of one forming. Due to this, you need to move to a safe location and wait out the storm.

A watch needs to be taken seriously. There are some who see it as a watch and do not take the necessary precautions right away. This has the potential of putting them in harm’s way. Tornados often form with very little warning. Some funnel clouds develop slowly as it makes its way down to the ground. Other funnel clouds are formed right away, which means a tornado watch can move to a tornado warning in a matter of moments. If the tornado forms in the immediate area, you’ll see the tornado before the warning is issued. Because the tornado can develop almost instantly, by the time the warning is issued, it might be too late.

It is important to have some sort of device on hand that allows you to check the weather reports while you are in your shelter. In the event of a tornado, if power and electrical lines are above ground, there is a strong chance you will lose electricity. Due to this, you need a device that is able to still receive wireless transmissions. Even your cell phone may not work correctly if you are either underground or if a nearby cell tower has been damaged. It is a good idea to have a battery-operated radio in your home, along with flashlights, so if power is lost, you can stay up to date on what’s going on.

There are locations where tornados are more likely to develop than others. Wherever you live, you do need to have the necessary safety precautions in place, so you are as prepared as possible.

Conclusion

In terms of the amount of damage and destruction based on the strength of a storm, nothing else on the planet is able to compare with what a tornado is able to do. That is why it is so important for you to be mindful of what is going on, and what the weather is like in your area. You will probably receive a tornado watch notification before anything else. When you receive this, you need to take the precautions right away. This will give you enough time to do what you need to do, gather the necessary supplies, and make your way into your shelter. Storms capable of forming a tornado do not last long, so you will not be in your shelter for long, but for the betterment of your family, it is necessary to move quickly.

Types Of Tornadoes: 10 Things You Need To Know

In any given area of the world, there are certain natural disasters to be wary of depending on the climate, time of year, and weather tendencies. In places near the ocean, hurricanes are a very real and threatening possibility that drive hundreds of people to evacuate their homes every year. However, in many flat states across America, tornados are the largest weather-related threat. There are many types of tornadoes, with varying shapes, sizes, and ability to damage homes.

Many people have seen the Wizard of Oz and heard of tornado alley, but few people truly understand the reality of a tornado. There is much more to a tornado than simply a large funnel of wind that destroys homes; they can form in many different conditions and have a wide range of potential for destruction. Tornadoes can cause extreme damage to homes, farms, and lives if those living in at-risk areas remain unaware and unprepared. Because of this very real threat, it is advisable to learn about the many types of tornadoes and how to proceed if one touches down in your area.

Quick Navigation
What Is a Tornado? 
Types of Tornados: 10 Things to Know
How to Stay Safe in a Tornado
Conclusion

What Is a Tornado? 

A tornado is a vertical funnel of air that is spinning in circles extremely quickly. Tornadoes grow out of thunderstorms, and they often occur alongside hail. The winds in a tornado can be as rapid at 250 miles an hour, and it can create a clearing up to a mile wide and 50 miles long. There are many types of tornadoes, but the most damaging and threatening develop from extremely large, destructive thunderstorms called supercells.

Types of Tornados: 10 Things to Know

Firenadoes

When evaluating what type of tornado you're dealing with, there are many factors to take into account. Each individual tornado can be any variety of shape, size, color, and consistency. Tornadoes vary greatly depending on how they have formed and which elements they are surrounded by. Here are some of the many types of tornadoes that can develop.

1. Supercell Tornadoes

The type of tornado that most of us think of when picturing a tornado is a supercell tornado, which is borne from a large, destructive thunderstorm. This variation often stays on the ground for a very long time period, often over an hour. Supercell tornadoes are typically more violent and longer-lasting than other tornadoes, and their winds can be faster than 200 mph.

2. Landspout Tornadoes

The physical formation of landspout tornadoes is all in the name- they are essentially waterspouts that have formed on the land. These are typically less powerful than supercell tornadoes, and they do not form wall clouds like some other tornado types do. Landspout tornadoes frequently develop along the edge of thunderstorms, forming from the air that has been cooled by the rain. This form of tornado is often seen beneath large cumulus clouds or cumulonimbus clouds.

3. Gustnados

Gustnadoes are one of the weaker types of tornadoes, as they typically last a very short period of time and have slower winds than other forms. They are basically clouds of debris or spirals of dust that form from the gusting winds of thunderstorms. They can also be described as faster, larger dust devils. Gustnadoes form in very dusty areas and they usually cause less damage than supercell tornadoes or other larger variations.

4. Waterspouts

A waterspout tornado is a tornado that forms above water, and it almost always disappears when it crosses onto the land. Most develop from cumulus clouds that have expanded rapidly or from small thunderstorms. Their funnels consist of condensed freshwater droplets, but they form over warm tropical oceanic waters. Waterspouts can be frightening for those who live near the sea, but they are not known for causing huge amounts of damage due to their dissipation upon reaching land.

5. Dust Devils

Dust devils are a form of tornadoes that result from very dry, hot, clear weather conditions on dry land or desert. They often develop in the late morning or early afternoon, when the sun is highest in the sky and hottest on the ground. Dust devils are relatively harmless, as they last for a few minutes or less and have wind speeds that are usually less than 70 mph. Dust devils form when slow desert breezes result in a swirling tunnel of dust, and they are less powerful than the weakest tornado.

6. Firenadoes

Firenadoes, also known as fire tornadoes or fire devils, are created from the strong heat resulting from volcanic eruptions or large forest fires. They form when the wind of the fire concentrates on an initially small eddy and then becomes a tornado-like column of fire and smoke. Firenadoes can have winds of over 100 mph, which can have devastating effects on land and property.

7. Shrouded Tornadoes

Although most people picture tornadoes as a long tunnel of wind that comes from a wall cloud, some tornadoes are hidden by the storm that creates them. These are called shrouded tornadoes, and they are basically impossible to see because of their hidden formation. This results in a very dangerous situation, as onlookers will simply believe that they have come in contact with a large storm, while in reality there is a tornado lying in wait.

8. Wedge Tornadoes

Most types of tornadoes form the shape of a wedge, which can become so wide that it seems to simply be a large block of somber clouds. The wedge is usually larger in width than the distance from the cloud to the ground. This can be confusing because onlookers often can't discern a wedge tornado from a low-hanging cloud. Many major tornadoes take the form of a wedge.

9. Dissipating Tornadoes

Dissipating tornadoes take on fascinating forms as they disappear. They are also called "rope tornadoes," as they take the form of a very long funnel that resembles a rope or tube. These tornadoes curl and twist into elaborate, complex shapes that are as compelling as they are dangerous. When the length of the funnel increases, the winds creating it weaken and the tornado eventually dissipates completely.

10. Colorful Tornadoes

Tornadoes can take on different shades and colors depending on the physical environment they develop in. Tornadoes that form over water are blue or bright white, while mountainous tornadoes are white due to the snow. Funnels that twist slowly suck up a large amount of dirt and debris, which results in a very dark shade of brown, while tornadoes in the Great Plains can be red due to the reddish soil they ingest. Types of tornadoes that are created in dry areas with a lack of loose soil to suck up can be almost invisible, only identifiable by the swirls of dirt at their base.

How to Stay Safe in a Tornado

After A Disaster

There are many guidelines for how to remain safe and secure during a tornado, but one of the most important strategies is to have a designated place to go should a tornado hit. This place should be storm shelter at best, but other suitable options are a central room in the basement such as a bathroom or closet. You should be in the lowest level of the house possible, with as many walls between you and the tornado as you can. You should also place yourself away from windows, as there is a chance of glass breaking and wind coming through them.

It is also a good idea to have an emergency supply kit in your designated safe area, complete with bottled water, first aid items, a flashlight, and a weather radio. Putting cushions on top of yourself once you are in the shelter is also an added protection from debris that may fall. If you find yourself in a car when a tornado hits, immediately pull over and find shelter. It is best if you can find a building with a shelter, but if this is unavailable, a ditch is a much safer choice than a car.

Along with following safety precautions once you are in the dangerous situation of a tornado, using preventative measures is another way to reduce the potential danger. If there are storm warnings in your area, avoid roads and shopping until the danger passes. Ensure that your designated storm shelter area is available and stocked with necessary supplies. Also, make a plan with family members and have frequent storm drills during tornado season to be fully prepared for all types of tornadoes that may come your way.  

Conclusion

Tornado In Hand

Most people have one picture in their mind when they imagine a tornado, but the reality is that tornadoes come in many forms, with varying consequences for those they strike. Learning about the many types of tornadoes that exist is not only fascinating, but it is also the perfect way to be as prepared as possible should you find yourself at the mercy of such a storm. If you are well-informed and fully prepared for a tornado, it will do significantly less damage to you and your loved ones. The next time storm season rolls around, remember these facts to stay informed and out of harm's way.

What to Do in Case of a Tornado: 7 Things to Remember

People often forget just how common tornado activity really is. In the United States alone, people can expect around 1,000 tornadoes per year. However, tornadoes are just rare enough that people often forget to prepare for them.

In the following article we’ll look over what to do in case of tornado activity. We’ll cover both how to prepare for tornadoes and what to do if caught unawares. The tips will help everyone stay safer in the event of tornado activity.

Considering the Safest Locations

Location is the single most important part of tornado safety. Everyone’s seen video footage of areas where a tornado has leveled almost everything within an area. The first goal of tornado safety is finding one of those sturdy locations.

The best choice is a basement. Just the simple fact that it’s below ground provides significant safety benefits. It lacks any real danger from walls blowing in. And there’s usually little to no risk of windows shattering.

However, if one can’t get to a basement than those same principles should be kept in mind. One should try to find a safe location with as many properties as possible in common with basements. A room should have as few windows as possible, solid walls and lack any risk of the floor giving way.

Coordinating Plans with Family and Friends

One of the most important parts of tornado safety is staying somewhere safe. When considering what to do in case of tornado activity one should keep that fact in mind. And part of that involves considering what might prompt someone to leave a safe location.

Someone’s friends and family are among the most common lures that take them out of safety. Once one has reached safety it’s natural to worry about loved ones who aren’t there. But running out to try and find them will usually just increase overall risk to everyone.

One can get around this problem by simply talking to family members about tornado safety. It’s best to first agree on an ideal location to meet up. Again, the family’s basement is an ideal choice if it’s an option.

But talking over the issue can ensure that one knows they have a place to safely wait it out. This keeps all parties safe and reduces need to actually head out into the storm.

Consider Basic Pet Care

Of course one can’t make plans with pets. But a little preparation can ensure that they’re safe during the tornadoes. When considering what to do in case of tornado activity one should always plan for pet safety.

If one has a basement than it’s a good idea to use it for pet food storage. That way the family pet has a ready supply of food during the event. One should also plan for an appropriate cage or carrying bag for the pet.

During storms most pets will panic and try to find a place to hide. Putting them in an enclosed environment will help to calm them down. They’ll derive a sense of safety by staying in a small enclosed space. And the pet’s owners can make sure that he or she isn’t dashing out into danger.

Emergency Prepardness Kit for your Pet

The Vital Importance of Water

When people consider survival situations they’ll usually think of food options. But most people can safely go around a week without eating. However, most people can only go about two days without water. It’s a far more important resource to plan around than food.

A tornado has a good chance of disrupting water service. And even if it remains functional, one might not be able to actually access an appropriate spigot. This is why one should ensure that water is stored and replenished in one’s basement or other safe location.

It can also be a good idea to keep some bottled water in one’s trunk. When people are caught on the road they can still take the water with them to safe locations.

You’ll Need Battery Power

Physical health should be one’s primary concern during a tornado. But mental health is nearly as significant. When considering what to do in case of tornado it’s important to keep stress in mind. People need something to take their minds off the tornado as they wait it out.

Electricity turns an extended wait in the dark to a far more pleasant experience. One can usually expect a power outage during tornado activity though. As such, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance with rechargeable batteries.
The easiest and most cost effective option are USB chargers. One can charge the batteries through either a USB port or wall socket. And one can then plug USB powered devices into them as a source of electricity.

The most significant advantage there is phone access. A phone provides everything from reading material to flashlights. One shouldn’t rely on a phone as a primary source of news during the tornado though.
Poor signal strength and outages are the norm during a tornado. And it’s further compounded by connectivity issues if one is in a basement. But when a phone’s internet connection is working, it can be immensely valuable.

battery powering a light

Keeping in Touch with Local News

Keeping up to date with a tornado’s progress can be more difficult than one would suspect. We’ve already touched on why smartphones tend to become unreliable during tornadoes. But TV service tends to break down as well. And on top of that it’s limited by the fact that electricity itself is unreliable during tornado activity.

The best solution is a crank powered FM/AM radio. Prices range from around $20 for a barebones model to around $100 for deluxe devices. The latter are usually intended to work during multiple different types of emergencies.

But they’ll usually come with features that are superfluous for tornado prepping. Solar cells, for example, aren’t very useful during a tornado.

Radio is usually the most reliable form of mass communication during tornadoes. Even when electricity, phone lines and the internet are down the radio will usually still work. And with a hand crank there’s no need to worry about power. This instantly ensures that one will have access to reports on the severity and eventual dissipation of a tornado.

Combining Previous Tips into a Single Portable Solution

Most of the tips so far have assumed one can reach a secured area that has been prepared in advance. But one can’t always assume that getting home is feasible. That’s why it’s a good idea to combine some of the ideas into a portable solution.

When considering what to do in case of tornado it’s a good idea to create an emergency kit. The exact contents might vary due to one’s personal priorities. For example, someone who values staying light weight will want to keep water stores low. And someone who wants to keep costs down might go for the cheapest versions of any given device.

But one can usually pack a small charger, some water, a crank radio and food into a fairly small package. One might even do it multiple times to ensure that it’s readily available in one’s car, office or other location.

Final Thoughts

These tips form a basic framework for one’s preparations. But when considering what to do in case of tornado activity it’s important to expect the unexpected. Tornadoes are among the most chaotic natural disasters one will ever encounter.

That’s also why it’s so important for readers to share their own experiences. People who’ve gone through tornado activity should comment with their stories. Real life experiences can often calm people’s worries and concerns. When someone is preparing for a tornado, hearing about people who’ve gotten through them is a big help.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3

What to Do if Caught in Severe Storms: Essential Survival Tips

Severe storms come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s no surprise that people get confused about the safest course of action. What’s good for one severe storm situation isn’t always good for the next.

This article will explain the safest courses of action for the most common types of severe storms: floods, hail, lightening, high winds and tornadoes, and blizzards. You are often faced with several of these emergencies at once, but if you know what to do in each situation, you can keep your cool and find a safe place to ride it out.

5 Types of Severe Storms and How to Stay Safe

Flooding

man pushing his car through flood waters
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Flooding killed 126 people in 2016 alone. It is by far one of the most dangerous consequence of severe storms that a human can face, and also one of the most preventable causes of death. This is because most flooding deaths occur when a driver tries to move through shallow water and is swept away. The truth is that it only takes 18 inches of water to carry away a small car. Once you are in deeper water, you’re at great risk of drowning because flood water flows so fast it’s like trying to swim through a riptide.

If you are in this situation:

  • Remain calm.
  • Immediately unlock your doors.
  • Remove your seat belt and roll down your windows.
  • If you are wearing a heavy jacket, remove it because it will make it harder to swim.
  • Climb out through the windows if you can and get to high ground.

If you can’t open your windows, you must wait for the car to fill with water to open the doors. Don’t waste your energy trying to open the doors before the water pressure equalizes. You will need that energy to swim. Instead, stay very calm, look for the nearest safe location to swim to. Take a very deep breath at the last minute and push hard on the doors, they will open when the water pressure has equalized.

Hail

how hail looks like
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Hail can reach near 100 mph by the time it hits the ground. That means that even small hail can kill if it hits your unprotected head. So, during severe storms, make sure you find shelter before the hail starts. If you are in a building, stay away from windows as sideways falling hail can shatter them and injure you severely.

If you are out in the open with no better shelter, get in your car. DO NOT try to shelter under a lone tree as it will draw lightening. A stand of several trees can be safer if there is no other option. If you are in an open field without even this possibility, get down on the ground in a crouching or fetal position and cover your head and the back of your neck to protect them. Shield your spine as well, even if you can only do so by lying on your side with your hands over your face and neck.

Lightning

how to crouch in the lightning strike safety position
Image Source: Outdoors.StackExchange.com

Believe it or not, you can survive a lightning strike, but the best bet is not to get hit in the first place. The obvious is to seek shelter immediately when the storm approaches and wait inside until 30 minutes after you year the last sound of thunder. Lightning can travel for miles.

If you are caught in the open, DON’T hide under a lone tree. If you can hide in an area that is lower than and near to but not too close to a dense growth of trees, this can help, but never hide near a tall isolated object. Also, don’t lie flat on the ground. It just increases surface area for damage.

Instead:

  • Move away from anything metal so you aren’t touching it.
  • Crouch low as you can.
  • Lift up your heels so only the balls of your feet are touching the ground to minimize contact.
  • TOUCH YOUR HEELS TOGETHER (this helps the electricity to only arc from one foot to the other instead of entering your entire body).
  • Cover your ears with your hands to protect them from hearing loss.

Should the hair on the back of your neck stand up, you need to assume the above position immediately.

High Winds or Tornadoes

car facing a tornado
Image Source: Reliable-Remodeler

First, if caught outside during these types of severe storms, do not try to seek shelter under a highway overpass. As the wind is pushed through an overpass, it actually increases in velocity, which increases your chances of being swept away.

If you are driving and you can still safely drive, don’t try to outrun a tornado because they can travel at 70mph, which is not a safe speed to drive in a severe storm. Instead, if you are still safely driving, angle away from it at 90 degrees.

If the storm is catching you, you need to exit the car and find shelter. If none is available, you should lie in a ditch as far away from trees, cars and large objects as possible. Protect your head and spine in the same way as you would during a hail storm.

The same advice goes for high winds, AKA straight line winds, which can be almost as dangerous as a tornado. Straight line winds knock over cars and people, so if you are facing these, you need to lie flat in a ditch till they pass.

Blizzards

car stuck in snow after a blizzard
Image Source: SafeBee.com

Prevention and preparedness are key to surviving these types of severe storms. If you are caught in your car, turn off the engine to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and break out your emergency kit which should include prepackaged snacks, water and lots of blankets, boots, gloves and coats. It should also have a well sealed container for melting snow in case you run out of water. You must stay hydrated to stay warm.

You can turn the engine on every few minutes to warm the car and keep it from locking up; just don’t run it continuously. If you are on the side of the road, keep your seat belt on and turn on your hazards. You can still be hit by someone else who is trying to drive through.

If you are not in a car, seek shelter out of the wind and keep moving to keep your body warm. Remember, hydration is the most important thing you will need in this situation. Your body can stay warm more easily if you are well hydrated.

A Word of Ending

These are only basic beginners tips for surviving severe weather. However, they cover the leading causes of death in each situation. All are a very good starting point that you should learn and memorize. The National Weather Service also has a great deal of information on this topic. Weather.gov is another great source. Ultimately, the way to survive severe storms is to stay calm, think clearly and take decisive action to protect yourself at the first sign.

Do you have any severe weather tips that you would like to share? Please comment below!

How Do Tornadoes Form and Where Do They Occur Most?

How do tornadoes form and why do we fear them so much? Tornadoes are the most violent storms that our weather can produce. They occur in very large thunderstorms under specific weather conditions. The United States sees roughly 1,200 tornadoes every year. They occur most often in the spring and early summer, and the most common times for them to occur are between 4 and 9 PM.

Tornadoes during rush hour are particularly dangerous because they can catch travelers unaware in their cars. This article will answer your questions about tornadoes including “how do tornadoes form?”.

tornado on the side of the road

What is a Tornado?

Tornadoes are measured by the Enhanced Fujita Scale. This scale is a more accurate version of the original Fujita scale, named after Dr. Ted Fujita who was a pioneer in discovering how do tornadoes form.

Tornadoes on this scale are given a rating from F0 to F5. The ratings were based on the severity and type of damage the tornado inflicts. As tornado research advanced, a panel of structural engineers and meteorologists used their collective experience with their knowledge of how do tornadoes form to improve the Fujita Scale and more accurately assess wind speeds.

The Enhanced Fujita scale has been in place since 2007 and rates wind speeds as followed:
EF-0: 65 to 85 MPH
EF-1: 86 to110 MPH
EF-2: 111 to135 MPH
EF-3: 136 to165 MPH
EF-4: 166 to 200 MPH
EF-5: 200+ MPH

An EF-5 tornado is incredibly devastating, able to destroy buildings and level well-built houses to the foundations. If you see clean slabs or foundations in the damage path of a tornado, it is likely an EF-5. EF-5s are rare, composing less than 1% of all tornadoes, but some unfortunate towns have seen more than their fair share. Moor Oklahoma suffered 2 F5 tornadoes—one in 1999 and the next in 2013.

How Do Tornadoes Form?

There was very little research to answer the question of how do tornadoes form until recently. With the development of special equipment and cars that can withstand the brute force of strong storms, intrepid storm chasers have added a wealth of knowledge to this research area over recent years.

When cold air fronts meet warm air, the accompanying storms combine to form a supercell. In this situation, warm air rises as cold air falls. If the temperature differences are extreme enough, this pattern of circulation happens so fast that it causes a tornado to appear. At this point, the answer to how do tornadoes form follows a very specific and predictable pattern:

  • First, the wind changes direction and wind speed increases.
  • As the change in wind speed increases in altitude, a horizontal spinning starts at the lower atmosphere.
  • Then, the air rises with the thunderstorms updrafts, causing the horizontal rotation to become vertical.
  • Finally, the lower cloud base becomes a wall cloud and a tornado forms. The area of rotation can be from 1 to 6 miles wide, wreaking an incredible path of destruction that can leave a house completely undamaged on one side of the street while completely destroying the house on the other.

Tornadoes carry out a particular lifecycle once they have formed. First, the rotating air (called the mesocyclone) starts moving toward the ground with the rear flank downdraft. Then, a small funnel builds at the lowest part of the wall cloud. When the rear flank downdraft hits the ground, the tornado becomes visible as it lifts dirt and debris. This is the point at which the funnel touches the ground and a tornado is officially formed.

The path of the tornado at this point depends on the rear flank downdraft. If it runs out of warm air, the tornado dies. This is why the most violent tornadoes occur with the most extreme temperature differences between cold and warm fronts.

tornado outside of the city

Where Do Tornadoes Occur Most Often?

Tornadoes have occurred on literally every continent except for Antarctica. When studying how do tornadoes form, it is best to look at the latitudes between 30 degrees and 50 degrees in both hemispheres. This is where clashes between cold and warm fronts are most likely to take place.

In the U.S.A.

The United States is the tornado’s favorite stomping ground, with more than 1,200 occurrences a year. Most take place in the infamous tornado alley, which stretches throughout the central part of the nation in the Midwest. In contrast, Canada only sees roughly 100 tornadoes in a given year.

Of the Midwestern states, Texas and Oklahoma suffer the largest number of tornado outbreaks, with some areas averaging 9 or more tornadoes per 10,000 square miles per year. Florida, Indiana and Nebraska run a close second with 7 tornadoes per square mile per year. All of the states in tornado alley can expect at least three major tornadoes per 10,000 square miles per year, so most residents take precautions such as building specialize underground storm shelters or reinforced basements to shelter from the damaging winds and debris.

In states where basements are impractical because of extreme fluctuations in temperature, humidity and soil composition, tornado shelters usually consist of “hidey holes.” These shelters shallowly buried outside, close to the back door and are only large enough to provide short-term refuge for a family of four. They are usually made of plastic or metal and provide very secure protection from even F5 tornadoes for the duration of the storm.

US tornado risk map

Worldwide

Tornadoes are a rare occurrence in the rest of the world. New Zealand only sees roughly 20 or 30 in a year. Europe, Argentina, Africa, Australia, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines all experience tornadoes, but they are a rare event compared to frequency in the United States Midwest.

It is highly recommended that any person who lives in a tornado prone area have underground protection from these storms. If no underground protection is available, the next best option is a bathtub with a mattress for protective covering. Failing that, the interior room of a building will have to do. Never try to weather a tornado in a car. The force of a direct tornado hit to a car can be equivalent to a 200 MPH crash. It is best to exit the vehicle and find a shallow ditch to wait out the storm.

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