1. Tornado Sydney Blasy Science Shepard

2. What are tornadoes?  A violent rotating column of air  Extends from thunderstorm to the ground  a violently destructive windstorm occurring over land, especially in the Middle West, and looks like a long, funnel- shaped cloud extending toward the ground. Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather- tornado.htm pic: www.globalwarming.org may 2 2013

3. What conditions cause tornadoes?  Thunder storms  Abundant low level of moisture  Converging winds of Gulf of Mexico & Canada Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm pic:2013 Geol 105 natural hazards by Chris Pearson

4. How long does a tornado last?  Only a few minutes  Weak ones last only seconds  The strongest ones can last over an hour (extremely rare) Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather- tornado.htm pic: Tornado Alley, LLC

5. When does this phenomenon happen?  Peak time of year is March through May  Can happen anytime of year (mostly spring and summer)  Most likely between 3 p.m. and 9p.m. Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather- tornado.htm pic:2011 cliffmass.blogspot.com Red indicates where tornadoes happen more frequently

6. What kind of damage to property can a tornado do (if any)?  Cars can be thrown hundreds of feet in the air  Houses can be torn apart  Trees can be uprooted  Weak tornadoes don’t do much damage  Powerful tornado destruction can cost up to or over $500,000 Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm 2012 Institute for Business and Home Safety http://www.disastersafety.org pic: Mike Theiss UltimateChase.com

7. Fun Facts!  In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide.  69% of all tornadoes are labeled "weak tornadoes" meaning they have a lifetime of 1-10+ minutes and winds less than 110 mph.  Every tornado has its own color, sound, and shape. Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm tornado- facts.com may 3 2013 pic: may2 2013 Tornado-Facts.com