Tornado
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending between, and in contact with, a cloud and the surface of the earth.
Tornadoes are generally spawned by thunderstorms, though they have been known to occur without the presence of lightning. The stronger tornadoes attain an awe-inspiring intensity, with wind speeds that exceed 200 mph and in extreme cases may approach 300 mph.
The United States has the highest incidence of tornadoes worldwide, with about 1,000 occurring every year. Texas alone leads the nation with over 70 a year!
According to Stu Ostro, a Senior Weather Specialist at The Weather Channel, this is due to the unique geography that brings together polar air from Canada, tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico, and dry air from the Southwest to clash in the middle of the country, producing thunderstorms and the tornadoes they spawn.
This tornado touched down in Enid, Oklahoma in 1960.
courtesy of Indirect.com
Tornadoes
can come one at a time, or in clusters, and they can vary greatly
in length, width, direction of travel, and speed. They can leave
a path 50 yards wide or over a mile wide. They may touch down for
only a matter of seconds, or remain in contact with the ground
for over an hour.
What do you do if a warning is issued?
Information gathered from http://weather.com
Hurricane/Tropical Storm | Flood | Lightening | Earthquake
