Let’s Twist Again Notes

Life Cycle of a Tornado Developing Stage Tornado circulation develops where the storms updraft are the strongest. Circulation gradually builds down (and up) Downdraft develops near back edge of storm. Downdraft descends to the ground along with the tornado circulation because of rapidly lowering barometric pressure at the ground.

Developing

Mature Stage Once tornado touches down, still getting warm moist air Downdraft begins to wrap around tornado

Dissipating Stage When downdraft COMPLETELY wraps around tornado the in flow to the tornado is completely cut off. Loses intensity Funnel decreases in size Looks rope like dissipates

Tornado Classification Fujita Scale Tornado Classification System for rating tornadoes based on their intensity. numerical value F0-F5 F0-F1-Weak (light-moderate) 40-72 mph F2-F3-Strong (significant-Severe) 73-157mph F4-F5-Violent (devastating-incredible) 207-318 mph

Things to Know about tornadoes Tornadoes generally come from the Southwest (SW) The safest place in your home would be the Northeast (NE) corner of your basement (if you have one and if you do not have any window in that spot) If you have windows-the next closest location If you don’t have a basement an interior room in the NE location

OK, let’s see what we know…

Where are the most intense and devastating tornadoes in the world found? Brazil Canada United States Mexico 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Tornadoes are most likely to strike during what time of day? Morning Afternoon and evening Midnight Anytime of day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

The area in the US most frequently hit by tornadoes is called Tornado Drive Tornado Valley Tornado Lane Tornado Alley 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Why is this area more commonly hit? Because a high pressure system is formed because of the coriolis effect and this creates instability in the air. Because the jet stream flows creating instability in the air as well as an area of low pressure that draws warm moist air in from the Gulf. Because the horse latitudes create low pressure causing warm moist air to rise, creating instability in the air Because the High Pressure is formed at the equator creating warm moist rising air leading to instability in the air. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

When the National Weather Service issues this, it means that conditions are right for a tornado. A Tornado Watch A Tornado Warning A Tornado Lookout 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

What should you and your family do in case of a tornado watch? Find shelter and turn on tv or radio Go outside and watch for funnel clouds Clean up yard from any loose items Call family and friends 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

What does a tornado warning mean? Conditions are right for a tornado A tornado has been spotted A severe thunderstorm has been spotted 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Which of the following is NOT considered safe places during a tornado? Basement Interior room or closet Bathroom Under a tree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

When you are taking cover you should Lay as flat as you can Call someone you trust Cover your head and neck Bring supplies into your room with you, because you could be there a long time. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34