A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes can produce massive destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be more than one mile wide and 50 miles long. The typical tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but they have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but it may vary from stationary to 70 mph. Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most frequently in the United States Rocky Mountains during the Spring and Summer months. In an average year, as many as 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, which can result in an average of 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries.

Protection against Tornadoes

 The National Weather Service alerts the public to sever weather hazards by issuing watches and warnings that are broadcast on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) weather radio, television, and commercial radio. Meteorologists issue a tornado watch when weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Watches are often issued hours before severe weather develops and generally cover many counties or even several states. A tornado warning means that a tornado is occurring or is imminent. A warning is issued if a tornado has touched down, if a funnel cloud is present, or if Doppler radar indicates the presence of strong rotation in a thunderstorm updraft. The area covered by a warning is much smaller than a watch, usually only a county or two, or a portion of a county.

What to do if a tornado WATCH is issued:

• When you hear the Tornado Watch advisory, keep your eyes on the sky for signs of a possible tornado and listen to the radio for the latest advice from the National Weather Service.

What to do in case of a tornado WARNING: 

• During a Tornado Warning, people should seek shelter immediately in a basement or in the interior portion of a building (a closet, interior hallway, or bathroom). Mobile homes and cars have a tendency to roll in high winds and should therefore be abandoned. Structures with large, free-span roofs, such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, and supermarkets, are subject to collapse and should also be avoided. If caught outside, a person should lie flat in a ditch and cover his or her head for protection from flying debris.