Tornadoes

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.

Front

What shape is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is shaped like a funnel.

Front

Where should you go during a tornado?

Back

You should go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

Front

What causes a tornado to form?

Back

A tornado forms when warm, moist air rises and meets cool, dry air, creating instability in the atmosphere.

Front

What is a storm chaser?

Back

A storm chaser is someone who follows storms, especially tornadoes, to study them.

Front

What is the Fujita scale?

Back

The Fujita scale is a scale that rates the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause.

Front

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

Back

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.

Front

What is the average lifespan of a tornado?

Back

The average lifespan of a tornado is about 10 minutes, but some can last longer.

Front

What is the strongest tornado category on the Enhanced Fujita scale?

Back

The strongest tornado category is EF5, which can cause incredible damage.

Front

What are the typical wind speeds of a tornado?

Back

Tornado wind speeds can range from 40 mph to over 300 mph.