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The Midwest portion of the United States has the worst tornadoes in the
world, with Kansas and Oklahoma being the two most affected states, while
Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and North Texas following follow closely
behind.
A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending
from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are
capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.
Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide.
Tornadoes can happen any time of the year and any time of day.
In the southern states, peak tornado season is from March through May.
Peak times for tornadoes in the northern states are during the summer.
A few southern states have a second peak time for tornado outbreaks in
the fall. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Planning for a Tornado
When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make
life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the
keys to surviving a tornado.
 | Conduct tornado drills each tornado season. Practice getting to your
shelter from different areas of the house. Practice this at night, as well
as during the day. Practice with your pets, if you have any, so they too
can become comfortable with the escape plan. |
| Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a
tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work
and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
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Tornado Watches and Warnings
It is very important that you discuss with your family members the
difference between a "tornado watch" and a "tornado warning."
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes
are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is
time to remind family members where the safest places within your home
are located, and listen to the radio or television for further
developments.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or
indicated by weather radar.
Tornado Danger Signs
Learn these tornado danger signs:
| An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
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| Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
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| Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
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3-D Tornado Simulation
Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale
Emergency Planning, Supply Kits and What to do After a Tornado Strikes
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