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Commonly Misunderstood Terms

                  TORNADO WATCH:                                                   TORNADO WARNING:
                  Tornados may develop                                                   Tornado detected; take shelter

         SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH:                     SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING                   Severe thunderstorm detected                                       Severe thunderstorms may develop

Typical Tornado Season

The Great Plains of North America provide the most favorable environment on Earth for the formation of tornadoes. Seventy-five percent of the world's reported tornadoes. (about 1,000 annually) occur in the U.S., and another 5 percent touch down in Canada. Most tornadoes occur east of the Rocky Mountains in spring. States along the gulf of Mexico start the tornado season in the spring. During April and May, the highest numbers of tornadoes occur in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakota's. In May through August, the Midwest, northern Great Plains, and Great Lakes have the most tornadoes. By late fall, the highest frequency is along the Gulf. Some hurricanes produce weak but numerous tornadoes in heavy rainsqualls at landfall. In most regions, tornadoes are most common during the warmest part of the day when surface air has heated to become most unstable. On the Plains and in the Midwest, most tornadoes occur during the late afternoon to early evening. In the Gulf states, they can occur during day or night.

F-Scale

Professor T. Theodore Fujita, renowned tornado researcher at the University of Chicago, developed a tornado intensity scale many years ago.  The categories, F0 to F5, are described below:

                   Category   Winds(MPH) Damage
                            F0        30-72              Light
                            F1        73-112            Light
                            F2        113-157          Moderate
                            F3        158-206          Severe
                            F4        207-260          Devastating
                            F5        261-318          Incredible

F0 and F1 Tornadoes are considered weak.
F2 and F3 Tornadoes are considered strong.
F4 and F5 Tornadoes are considered violent.

Nationwide, only 2% of tornadoes are violent, but they account for 68% of tornado related fatalities.

Do NOT attempt to open your windows if a tornado threatens.  This does NOTHINGto protect you, and may lead to injury from shattering glass.  Do NOT go to the southwest corner of your home.  Research clearly shows that the safest place is a small interior room in your home.

Tornado Safety Tips

• In homes:    stay away from windows and outside walls.  Go to the basement or to an interior closet or small room.  Get under something sturdy.

• In Schools or Factories:    Move quickly (Follow advance plans) to shelter areas or to an interior hallway or lowest floor.

• In High-Rise Office Buildings:    Go to interior small rooms or hallways.

• In Shopping Centers:    If available, go to designated shelter areas; otherwise, take cover in an interior rest room or small shop.  DO NOT go to your car.

• In Mobile Homes:    Damage can be diminished if the mobile home is properly blocked and anchored.  Consult your local or state authorities.

• In Open Country:    Lie flat in the nearest depression with your hands shielding your head. BE ALERT for flash floods.

• In Your Car:    DO NOT try to outrun the tornado.  If available, take shelter in a sturdy structure; otherwise, get in the nearest depression or ditch.

The lightning created during thunderstorms is very dangerous.  Here are some important safety rules:
If possible, go inside a building or get into a car.
If outside, do not stand near isolated tall objects, like a tree.  Do not touch any metal structures.
Crouch on your knees and bend over.
Avoid water.
Do not use a corded telephone or any electrical appliance.
Remain inside for at least 20 minutes after the thunder has ended.