Tornadoes

1. Quick facts

1.1. Tornadoes are sometimes called twisters.

1.2. A tornado is a rapidly spinning tube of air that touches both the ground and the cloud above.

1.3. Extreme tornadoes can reach wind speeds of over 300 miles per hour.

2. What causes a tornado?

2.1. Tornadoes happen when a cold wind high up meets warmer air and warmer winds lower down.

2.2. The winds swirl and the warmer air from below rushes upwards at a terrific speed.

2.3. As the tornado moves forward, this warm wind rushing upwards can pickup any objects in its path.

3. Where do tornadoes happen?

3.1. US states most often hit by tornadoes include Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Florida.

3.2. Tornadoes happen in every continent of the world.

3.3. The most dangerous tornadoes happen in the southern states of the USA.

4. Before a tornado..

4.1. Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go incase a tornado threatens.

4.2. Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.

4.3. Prepare a disaster kit for the car and home.

5. During a tornado..

5.1. Go to a basement. If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor.

5.2. Get out of cars. Do not try to out run a tornado in your car, leave it immediately.

5.3. If you're outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat.

6. After a tornado..

6.1. Stay indoors until it is safe to come out.

6.2. Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger.

6.3. Watch out for downed power line.

6.4. Use a flashlight to inspect your location.