Tornado

Sydney BlasyScienceShepard

What are tornadoes? A violent rotating column of air Extends from thunderstorm to the

ground a violently destructive windstorm

occurring over land, especially in the Middle West, and looks like a long, funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground.

Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm pic: www.globalwarming.org may 2 2013

What conditions cause tornadoes? Thunder storms Abundant low level of moisture Converging winds of Gulf of Mexico &

Canada

Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm

pic:2013 Geol 105 natural hazards by Chris Pearson

How long does a tornado last? Only a few minutes Weak ones last only seconds The strongest ones can last over an

hour (extremely rare)

Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm pic:

Tornado Alley, LLC

When does this phenomenon happen? Peak time of year is March through May Can happen anytime of year (mostly

spring and summer) Most likely between 3 p.m. and 9p.m.

Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm

pic:2011 cliffmass.blogspot.com

Red indicates where tornadoes happen more frequently

What kind of damage to property can a tornado do (if any)?

Cars can be thrown hundreds of feet in the air

Houses can be torn apart Trees can be uprooted Weak tornadoes don’t do much damage Powerful tornado destruction can cost up to

or over $500,000

Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm 2012 Institute for Business and Home Safety

http://www.disastersafety.org pic: Mike Theiss UltimateChase.com

Fun Facts!

In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide.

69% of all tornadoes are labeled "weak tornadoes" meaning they have a lifetime of 1-10+ minutes and winds less than 110 mph.

Every tornado has its own color, sound, and shape.

Info: 2010 Weather Wiz Kids http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm tornado-

facts.com may 3 2013 pic: may2 2013 Tornado-Facts.com