Tornadoes

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, capable of extreme destruction. Tornadoes can occur with little or no warning, reaching wind speeds of over 200 mph and causing devastation within minutes. The U.S. experiences more tornadoes than any other country, especially in “Tornado Alley” (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska) and increasingly in the Southeast and Midwest.

Tornadoes may be visible or hidden by rain or darkness, and their paths can be erratic, making sheltering strategies critically important.

Tornado Ratings (Enhanced Fujita Scale)

Preparedness Tips

Before tornado season

• Identify a safe shelter: underground basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows
• Assemble a tornado kit with:
  • Helmet or head protection
  • Sturdy shoes and gloves
  • Flashlights, radios, water, snacks
  • Whistle to signal for help
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts
• Know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning:
  • Watch = Conditions are favorable
  • Warning = Tornado spotted or radar-indicated—Take cover immediately

During a Tornado

If indoors:

• Go to your designated safe space
• Protect your head and neck with pillows, mattress, or heavy blankets
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture if possible
• Stay low to the ground and cover your body from flying debris

If in a mobile home or vehicle:

• Do not stay inside—abandon mobile homes immediately
• Drive to a nearby sturdy building if time allows
• If caught in the open, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head

If at school, work, or public building:

• Follow shelter-in-place protocols
• Move to the lowest interior hallway or room
• Avoid gymnasiums, auditoriums, and rooms with large-span roofs

After a Tornado

• Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and broken glass
• Avoid entering heavily damaged buildings
• Stay informed via radio for secondary storms or rescue instructions
• Help others if safely able—check neighbors and report trapped individuals

Key Resources

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Tornado Safety
  weather.gov/safety/tornado
• NOAA Storm Prediction Center
  spc.noaa.gov
• Ready.gov – Tornadoes
  ready.gov/tornadoes

Recommended Apps

• FEMA App – Alerts, shelter info, disaster assistance
  fema.gov/mobile-app
  
• NOAA Weather Radar Live – Real-time tornado warnings and radar
  noaa.gov
  
• Red Cross – Preparation, alerts, and step-by-step safety
  redcross.org