Tornadoes

Have you ever witnessed a tornado?

While being stationed in Oklahoma, I witnessed a tornado! It was very scary! I remember we were woken up from sleeping outside and we were being yelled at to run to the bus! Seeing that tornado was unbelievable, the sky looked so unreal. We raced away to safety and thankfully no one was harmed. I never want to witness a tornado again. I will never live where there are tornadoes!

Tornado heart

What is a tornado?

A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending between a cloud and the surface of the earth.
Tornadoes are usually formed by thunderstorms. Even though, they have been known to occur without the presence of lightning.
 

 

Tornado Facts

 
Tornado wind speeds are estimated on the damage they cause. Tornadoes are categorized on a scale of 0 (weakest) to 5 (strongest).
 
The United States has the highest incidence of tornadoes worldwide, with more than 1,000 occurring every year. This is due to the unique geography that brings together polar air from Canada, tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico, and dry air from the Southwest to clash in the middle of the country, producing thunderstorms and the tornadoes they spawn.
 
Tornadoes can come one at a time, or in clusters, and they can vary greatly in length, width, direction of travel, and speed. They can leave a path 50 yards wide or over a mile wide. They may touch down for only a matter of seconds, or remain in contact with the ground for over an hour.

When & Where are Tornadoes?

In the United States, "tornado season" is generally in the spring. Tornadoes usually occur April through July. May and June are the peak months. But like thunderstorms, tornadoes can form any time of the year.

The area in which tornadoes are most common is known as "tornado alley," typically defined the region from Texas north to Nebraska. Even though, tornadoes can and do occur in every state in the country.

http://www.weather.com/