Tornadoes 101
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Tornadoes 101 |
A
tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a
thunderstorm to the ground. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported
nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1500 injuries. Tornadoes can occur
anywhere at any time of the year. In the Midwestern states, peak tornado
occurrence is in mid March through late June.
Missouri is considered at high risk from tornadoes and is in “tornado
alley” which places the state in the top 5 for tornado activity.
Most tornadoes occur between 12 PM and 12 AM (the warmest part of the day
which provides the lift for the formation of severe thunderstorms)
Know
what to listen for...
A Tornado
Watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain
alert for approaching storms.
A Tornado
Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by
weather radar. Move to your predesignated place of safety
Stay
informed of weather conditions by tuning into local radio and television
stations or by listening to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest tornado watches
and warnings. Remember, tornadoes occasionally develop in areas in which a
severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect, so listen for that
information as well. Remain alert!
Know
what to look for... Environmental Clues
dark, often greenish sky
wall
cloud
large hail
loud roar, similar to a freight train
some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground.
some
tornadoes are clearly visible while other are obscured by rain or nearby
low-hanging clouds
Know
what you can do... Tornado Safety
Before
the Storm
Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school, and when outdoors.
Have frequent drills.
Know
the county in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to
follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
Listen
to radio and television for information.
If
planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary
action if threatening weather is possible.
Know
who is most at risk: people in automobiles; the elderly, very young and the
physically or mentally impaired; people in manufactured (mobile) homes or
people who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier.
If
a Warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches...
In
a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
If
an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway
on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Stay
away from windows.
Get
out of automobiles.
Do
not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
If
caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.
Manufactured
(mobile) homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes
and should be abandoned.
Each
year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance
warning. Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did
not believe a tornado would actually affect them. After you have received the
warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek
shelter before the storm arrives. It
could be the most important decision you will ever make.
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Webpage maintained by: Bob Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Email comments to: schultheisr@missouri.edu Last revised: 11/21/2007 |
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