Tornado FAQs
What is a Tornado?
Tornadoes are swirling, violent columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm down to the ground. These violent air columns can be powerful enough to uproot trees, throw automobiles, and rip the roofs off of homes.
Consider purchasing the following items to keep your family safe during a tornado:
This emergency radio is designed to be used during disasters and emergencies. It has several features, including a rechargeable battery, a solar panel, and a hand turbine power generator.
The SentrySafe safe features a flush-mounted design that is both waterproof and fire-resistant, ensuring long-lasting use and protection for your valuable items. It also comes equipped with a privacy key lock
This product is an extra-long window insulation tape that comes in two widths: 1 inch and 1.4 inches, with a total length of 33 feet, which is enough to seal gaps around your doors and windows. It is made from high-grade silicone, which is flexible, durable, and easily cut as needed.
How do Tornadoes Form?
Tornadoes form when there is a supercell thunderstorm (a thunderstorm with a spinning column of air in its center) begins to swell in size, sucking warm air and moisture up toward the supercell and pushing out dry, cold air toward the ground. The updraft of warm air battles with the supercell’s downward push of cold air, causing a spinning funnel cloud into a progressively smaller area which increases the spinning speed. Once this funnel is forced to touch down to the ground, a tornado has formed.
When is Tornado Season?
That depends on where you live. Different areas of the US have different tornado seasons, although tornadoes can and do occur outside these months. In general, tornadoes tend to form between the hours of 4-9 PM.
- Gulf Coast: April, May
- Tornado Alley: April, May, June
- Southern Plains: May, June
- Northern Plains: June, July
Where is Tornado Alley?
Colloquially known as “Tornado Alley,” the states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota are the states that tend to be most often hit by tornadoes. Note that tornadoes can and do hit other areas outside of Tornado Alley although they tend to be more common in these states.
What’s the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?
A tornado watch alert indicates that the weather conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. It does not mean that a tornado has formed yet.
A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted on radar and is posing a serious threat to the surrounding area. If you get a tornado warning, take shelter in your designated safe room immediately.
Consider purchasing the following items to help keep you and your family safe during a tornado:
This packaged plastic sheet is a versatile product that can be used for a variety of purposes in your home, garden, and garage. You can use it to cover and protect your furniture, appliances, and equipment from dust and debris.
DURASACK Heavy Duty Sand Bags are made from woven polypropylene, which is a tough and durable material that can withstand the elements. The bags and tie strings are treated with a UV inhibitor, ensuring they remain intact even after prolonged exposure to the sun.
This product is a weather stripping and is manufactured in China. It is produced by FROST KING, a company that also manufactures door and cabinet hinges and hardware.
How is Tornado Strength Measured?
The strength of tornadoes is measured on the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale), ranging from weakest EF0 through strongest EF5. Below is an explanation of each level of the EF-Scale and the potential damage each can cause.
| EF-Scale Rating | Wind Speeds | Damage Potential |
|---|---|---|
| EF0 | 65-85 MPH | Minor Damage: Branches on trees may come off and some weak bushes may be uprooted. |
| EF1 | 86-110 MPH | Moderate Damage: Roof shingles may be ripped off and mobile homes could be overturned. |
| EF2 | 111-135 MPH | Considerable Damage: Roofs can be torn off of houses and mobile homes may be completely destroyed. Trees may be snapped. |
| EF3 | 136-165 MPH | Severe Damage: Large buildings like office buildings and shopping malls may be completely destroyed. Cars may be lifted off the ground and thrown. |
| EF4 | 166-200 MPH | Devastating Damage: Even well-constructed homes may be completely leveled and destroyed. Cars will be picked up and launched elsewhere. |
| EF5 | 200+ MPH | Catastrophic Damage: Buildings, even well-constructed ones, may be destroyed all the way down to their foundations. Cars and other large objects may end up a mile away from their original locations. |