Tornadoes emerge from thunderstorms accompanied by hail and can carve a mile-wide path up to 50 miles. They pose significant threats to communities and property, launching vehicles and turning debris into lethal airborne hazards.
Watches and Warnings
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center issues watches and warnings for tornado activity. Officials indicate a watch when weather conditions may form a tornado and announce a warning when a tornado is imminent—urging the community to seek shelter. Common signs can include dark, green, and isolated clouds, or hail and loud noises in the sky.
Tornado Season and Scale
Tornadoes generally take place from spring to early summer and fall but can happen across the U.S. at any time and vary on strength and capability. The Enhanced Fujita Scale places tornadoes into five categories based on destruction and wind speeds up to 300 MPH—ranging from EF0 (least destructive) to EF5 (most destructive). Tornadoes are mostly categorized between EF0-3.
Tornado Emergency
Fatalities and injuries commonly occur from people unaware of warnings or proper procedures. Tune into the local weather station and ensure you’re prepared before, during, and after a tornado emergency.
Before
Seek immediate shelter or the nearest structure for cover. Avoid vehicles, mobile homes, highway overpasses, and bridges—wind strength and flying debris can harm or fatally strike you. Inspect your shelter for hazards and secure large items, store toxic materials safely, and shut all windows. Create an emergency kit with three days’ worth of non-perishable food, rechargeable flashlights, bottled water, and first-aid supplies.
During
Hunker down under heavy furniture on the lowest level without windows, such as a basement interior, closet, bathroom, or central hallway. If you’re traveling and cannot locate shelter, pull over and lie flat in a ditch or culvert and shield your head.
After
Check yourself and your loved ones for injuries. Assess your shelter for structural, electrical, water, or gas hazards and damages. Avoid using utilities, matches, or candles and use a flashlight until area is safe. Evacuate unstable structures and keep distance between fallen powerlines.