Tornado Safety: What to Do Before, During, and After a Tornado
What is a tornado?
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. Tornadoes are often referred to as twisters or cyclones, and they can cause widespread damage and loss of life.
Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common in the Great Plains of the United States and the central and eastern regions of Argentina.
What causes tornadoes?
Tornadoes are caused by the interaction of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains. When these two air masses meet, they create a powerful updraft that can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
As the updraft rises, it begins to rotate due to the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect is a force that deflects moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
As the updraft continues to rotate, it forms a funnel cloud. If the funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.
What are the different types of tornadoes?
There are many different types of tornadoes, but the most common type is the weak tornado. Weak tornadoes have wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour and can cause damage to trees, power lines, and buildings.
Strong tornadoes have wind speeds of up to 158 miles per hour and can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Violent tornadoes have wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and can cause widespread destruction.
What are the signs of a tornado?
There are several signs that can indicate that a tornado is approaching. These signs include:
- A dark, rotating cloud
- A funnel cloud
- Loud, roaring noise
- Debris flying through the air
- A sudden drop in barometric pressure
What should you do if you see a tornado?
If you see a tornado, you should take shelter immediately. The best place to take shelter is in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. You should stay away from windows and doors, and you should cover your head with a blanket or pillow.
If you are outside when a tornado strikes, you should lie down in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.
What should you do after a tornado?
After a tornado, you should check for injuries and damage. If you or someone else is injured, you should call 911 immediately.
You should also check your home for damage. If your home has been damaged, you should contact your insurance company.
You should also be aware of the dangers of downed power lines and gas leaks. If you see a downed power line, you should stay away from it and call 911. If you smell gas, you should leave the area immediately and call 911.
How can you stay safe during tornado season?
There are several things you can do to stay safe during tornado season. These things include:
- Be aware of the weather forecast and be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
- Have a plan for where you will go and what you will do if a tornado strikes.
- Make sure your home is well-maintained and that there are no loose objects that could become projectiles in a tornado.
- Have a battery-powered radio and flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.
- Stay informed about tornado safety and be prepared to take action if necessary.
