A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour.
How to Identify a Tornado
- Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still
- A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible
- Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible; remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to to the radio or television
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar; take shelter immediately
How to Prepare for a Tornado
- See Emergency Response Plan for general information
- Look for the following danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train
How to Respond to a Tornado
- If you are in a structure:
- Go to a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level
- Go to the center of an interior room
- Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck
- If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home:
- Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building
- If you are outside with no shelter:
- Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge
- Watch out for flying debris