Tornadoes, considered the most violent storms in nature, are more common in the United States than in any other country in the world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization (NOAA), which operates the National Weather Service. While a tornado has been recorded in every state in the US, some parts of the country are more prone to tornadoes than others.
The most important things to know in the event of a tornado:
- No terrain is safe from tornadoes.
- If a tornado warning is issued, move to a safe place or shelter, such as a basement or under sturdy furniture.
- Stay away from windows.
- If you are in your car when a tornado warning is issued, get out of the car immediately and seek shelter.
What Causes a Tornado?
Tornadoes should be taken seriously because they can cause a lot of destruction, even uprooting trees and bringing down buildings. Winds can reach over 300 miles per hour. Thunderstorms generally start most tornadoes, along with a clash of warm, humid air with cool, dry air. This collision causes an unstable atmosphere and creates a spinning effect of spinning air that rises vertically. When a funnel cloud like this lands on the ground, it is classified as a tornado.
East of the Rocky Mountains is where tornadoes occur most frequently, specifically in a subregion known as Tornado Alley. Tornado Alley includes the midwestern states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, as well as the southern state of Texas. Not included in Tornado Alley, but the southeastern states of Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida are also known for their heavy tornado activity.
The map above shows the average annual reports of tornadoes in the United States, where yellow represents 1 to 3 reported tornadoes per year, orange represents 3 to 5 reported tornadoes per year, and red represents 5 to 10 reported tornadoes. by year.
A tornado has been recorded for each month of the year, but spring and summer are the seasons when tornadoes occur most frequently.
Peak time for tornado activity
- Southern States: March to May
- Northeast States: June to August
- Midwestern States: April to June
- Western States: May to July (except California, where the season runs from January to April)
Difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning
The National Weather Service defines a tornado watch as: “Tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay alert for approaching storms.
The National Weather Service defines a tornado warning as: “A tornado has been seen or indicated by the weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your previously designated safe location.
There are environmental and auditory cues to alert you to the possibility of a tornado. They are, according to NOAA:
- Dark sky, often greenish
- Wall cloud
- Big hail
- Loud roar; similar to a freight train
You can also tune in to television and radio, as the National Weather Service issues announcements in the event of a tornado watch or warning in the form of a news “scan” or an Emergency Broadcast System test. Otherwise, a smartphone app that is capable of delivering push notifications is ideal.
Some of the deadliest tornadoes in US history.
- The “Tri-State Tornado” killed nearly 700 people and injured more than 2,000 more in March 1925, devastating Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
- The “Natchez Tornado” traveled along the Mississippi River in Louisiana and Mississippi in 1840, killing more than 300 people.
- The “St. Louis Tornado” occurred in 1896 and winds may have reached up to 260 miles per hour. More than 250 people died 255 people and about 1000 were injured.
