Tornadoes
Written by Amanda Springer
C&T840
Table of Contents
Tornadoes......................... 3
How Tornadoes Form....... 5
Tracking a Tornado.......... 6
How to Stay Safe............... 8
Aftermath........................... 10
Glossary............................ 11
Tornadoes
Have you ever experienced a tornado?
Do you know what a tornado is and looks like?
A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. A tornado is capable of having wind speeds as high as 300 miles per hour (mph).
Tornadoes can be very dangerous. They can destroy buildings and houses. They can also knock over trees and sweep up cars in their high winds.
How Tornadoes Form
A tornado forms when warm, wet air meets cool, dry air. The warm air and the cool air press against each other and then starts to spin. This spinning forms a funnel cloud, and this cloud continues turning and growing downward. When this cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.
Tracking a Tornado
Meteorologists study weather and watch tornadoes and other storms as they are forming. They measure wind, temperature, and other parts of tornadoes. This information can help them predict when a tornado might form or what path it could follow.
Tornadoes are a hard thing to predict. They are able to form without much warning and can change their path suddenly. Meteorologists use different tools to help learn more about severe weather so they can protect us.
Staying Safe
It's important to have a plan in place in case of a tornado happening near you. It's best to take cover in a basement, closet, hallway, or under a stairway. You should stay away from windows and outside walls of the building you are in. Crouch down and cover your head with your hands for extra safety.
You should have a family plan in case of a tornado hitting in your area. Have a meeting spot where you know to go when you hear the tornado sirens. Take a battery-powered radio with you to hear updates. This will also help you know when it is safe to come out of your safe place.
Aftermath
Make sure it is safe before you come out of your safe spot after a tornado. Listening to your battery-powered radio will help you know when the tornado has passed. Be extra careful as you walk outside in case of damage done to your house or trees in your yard.
Glossary
funnel cloud - a sprinning, cone-shaped tower of wind that stretches down from a storm cloud but does not touch the ground
meteorologist - a scientist who studies weather
predict - to tell what will happen before it takes place
tornado - a fast-spinning tower of wind that stretches from a thunderstorm cloud and touches the ground