What is tornado?
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as twisters or cyclones, although the word cyclone is used in meteorology, in a wider sense, to name any closed low pressure circulation. Tornadoes come in many shapes and sizes, but they are typically in the form of a visible condensation funnel, whose narrow end touches the earth and is often encircled by a cloud of debris and dust. Most tornadoes have wind speeds less than 110 miles per hour (177 km/h), are about 250 feet (76 m) across, and travel a few miles (several kilometers) before dissipating. The most extreme tornadoes can attain wind speeds of more than 300 miles per hour (483 km/h), stretch more than two miles (3.2 km) across, and stay on the ground for dozens of miles (more than 100 km).Oklahoma Tornado (Watch here) |
Condensation
Tornado family
Tornado outbreak
Severe tornado outbreaks
Tornado Watch
Tornado Warning
A "tornado warning" is given if somebody has actually seen a tornado or if a tornado 'signature' (usually the storm has a 'hook' or 'U' echo) has shown up on radar.Tornado Emergencies
Tornado emergencies are a special weather statement saying that a powerful tornado is about to hit an area with a lot of people in it (cities like Nashville, TN), a tornado has been spotted, and the tornado is expected to cause deaths.Safety tips
To keep safe in a tornado, here are some tips you can follow:- Go to the lowest floor of the building. Stay close to the center of the building and away from windows, for example a bathroom with no windows and get in to the bath tub.
- Find a piece of strong furniture or a mattress to go under or hide in a closet and wait until it is over.
- If you are in a school, do not go to the gymnasium or any other place that has a high ceiling. Squat near the wall, placing your hands on the back of your head.
- If you cannot find shelter, find the lowest, most protected ground and cover your head with your hands.
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