Tornado: tor·na·do (noun)
1. A violently rotating column of air extending from a cumuliform cloud, such as a thunderstorm, to the ground. Twister, cyclone, whirlwind,
Tornadoes form from an intense battle of hot and cold air. There's warm, moist air below and cold, dry air above, with a thin lid of stable air between. When the warm air rushes through the lid of stable air and mixes with the cold air. An updraft and a downdraft begins and a thunderstorm forms. Air rotating on a horizontal axis gets pushed diagonally from the updraft, resulting in a tornado.
¨ Tornadoes can happen at any time of day, any time of year
¨ Form quickly and travel in very unpredictable directions.
¨ Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane, but are also found in the rain bands.
¨ The stronger the hurricane, the more of a risk for a tornado
¨ Preparedness is critical
¨ They may appear transparent until dust and debris are picked up or the cloud forms in the funnel.
¨ Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water (more on waterspouts in the next blog)
Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible.
Remain alert for approaching storms.
Watch the sky and stay turned to local weather station via tv or radio.
Tornado Warning
a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar.
Take shelter immediately
Safety Tips:
- Stay calm
- Stay away from windows
- Go to the low, center room
- Hide under sturdy furniture
- Protect your head and chest, crouch, face to floor, hands behind head
- Cover yourself with blankets
- Have a supply kit located in your shelter with flash light, radio and sturdy shoes
In schools and offices: seek designated shelter in interior rooms or hallway's on ground floor,
or lowest floor possible. Avoid auditoriums and gymnasiums.Evacuate mobile homes and vehicles!
Seek shelter in substantial structure, ditch or culvert.
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