1. Nature’s Deadliest Weapon
Tornados
Nature’s Deadliest Weapon

2. TORNADO WATCH - Tornadoes are possible in your area
TORNADO WATCH - Tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay tuned to the radio or television news. TORNADO WARNING - A tornado is either on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. Seek shelter immediately!

3. What is a tornado A tornado is a violent rotating column of air
It goes from a thunderstorm to the ground.
They are very dangerous.

4. What can they do?
They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards.
They can also drive straw into trees.
Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide to 50 miles long.

5. How do tornadoes form? Most tornadoes form from thunderstorms.
You need warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from Canada. When these two air masses meet, they create instability in the atmosphere.

6. When do tornadoes happen?
Tornadoes can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day.
In the south, tornado season is from March through May.
In the north, tornado season is during the summer.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

7. Where do tornadoes happen. http://www. nssl. noaa
The central part
of the United
States, is where
more than 500
tornadoes occur
every year. It is
commonly known
as "Tornado Alley".

8. What are the different types of tornadoes?
Waterspout
Dust Devil
Gustnadoes
Supercell Tornadoes
Landspouts

9. Waterspout Rotating wind that forms a tunnel over water.
Sometimes moves to land.
Winds up to 200 mph
Can reach up to 10,000 feet

10. Dust Devil Swirls of hot air that move upward.
Commonly found in the desert
Top wind speeds up to 60 mph
media.graytvinc.com/images/dust+devil.jpg

11. Gustnadoes Weak funnels that are not connected to clouds
Often come with thudnerstorms
Can be mistaken for tornadoes because of debris

12. Supercell Tornado Largest and most dangerous tornado
Spin under rotating storms
Winds up to 300 mph
Can be up to a mile wide
Can last for several hours
media.graytvinc.com/images/supercell+tornado.jpg

13. Landspouts Form on land under cumulus clouds Winds up to 140 mph
Last from minutes
media.graytvinc.com/images/landspout.jpg

14. Fujita Scale of Tornadoes
F0: mph, Branches broken off trees; minor roof damage
F1: , Trees snapped; mobile home pushed off foundations; roofs damaged
F2: mph, Mobile homes demolished; trees uprooted; strong built homes unroofed
F3: mph, Trains overturned; cars lifted off the ground; strong built homes have outside walls blown away
F4: mph, Houses leveled leaving piles of debris; cars thrown 300 yards or more in the air
F5: mph, Strongly built homes completely blown away; automobile-sized missiles generated

15. Before a Tornado Have a disaster plan ready
Make sure everyone knows where to go
Prepare a disaster supply kit:
Include a first aid kit, canned food, a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.

16. During Tornado
Go to a basement or an interior room like a bathroom. Make sure there are no windows.
Get under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or a desk.
If you live in a mobile home, get out.
Never try to outrun a tornado in your car. Leave it immediately.

17. After Tornado Stay indoors until it is safe to come out.
Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger.
Watch out for downed power lines.
Use a flashlight to inspect your home.

18. At School
Students should go to the basement. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor away from windows.
Crouch down on your knees and protect your head with your arms.