1. Let’s Twist Again Notes

2. 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.

3. Developing

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

5. 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

6. 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)
mph

7. 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

8. OK, let’s see what we know…

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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