Tornadoes

Tornadoes

• Watch Tornadoes 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMWoYPaQx0Q

What are they?

• A tornado is a violent rotating funnel of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.

• They form when a rotating air is lifted upward into a storm, creating a spinning column with very high winds.

Where do they form?

“Tornado Alley” in the central US has the most tornadoes, though the Midwest and the South see many as well.

Where do they form?

They occur on every continent except Antarctica, though 75% occur in the United States.

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Tornadoes: Shapes and Sizes

Weak Tornadoes EF0 and EF1

• 69% of all tornadoes

• Less than 5% of tornado deaths

• Lifetime 1-10+ minutes

• Winds less than 110 mph

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Strong Tornadoes EF 2 and EF 3 • 29% of all tornadoes

• Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths

• May last 20 minutes or longer

• Winds 110-165 mph

Tornadoes: Shapes and Sizes

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Violent Tornadoes EF 4 and EF 5 • Only 2% of all tornadoes

• 70% of all tornado deaths

• Lifetime can exceed 1 hour

• Winds greater than 165 mph

Tornadoes: Shapes and Sizes

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EF Scale Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Wrj7mTJ6M

Tornadoes: Shapes and Sizes

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Effects of Tornadoes

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Effects of Tornadoes

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Warning Systems

TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.