To those who have never witnessed a tornado firsthand, it might seem like a tornado is a very destructive weather phenomenon that only occurs in far-away places like Oklahoma or Kansas. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! While some tornadoes may only measure a couple of yards in diameter, scientists have recorded some that were more than 300 yards across!
Tornadoes are common occurences around the world and throughout history. They have been described in many cultures and religions as a portent of doom, usually appearing shortly before a thunderstorm or a heavy downpour of rain. In some Native American stories, tornadoes are said to be a type of guardian spirit that helps protect the tribe.
The Power Of The Storm
Though tornadoes may not seem very powerful, they’re actually extremely potent forces of nature that can travel with great speed and intensity. On average, a tornado in North America is capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 miles per hour and carrying winds of up to 200 miles per hour! While these numbers may seem rather low compared to other types of wind energy, the fact that tornadoes are unpredictable often makes them a danger. If you get in the way of a tornado, it may not seem like it, but you could potentially find yourself in serious trouble.
Tornadoes are not just limited to the United States either. In fact, one of the most infamous tornado outbreaks in history took place in the Middle East back in 1881.
A Deadly Combination
While some tornadoes are no bigger than a city street, others can be several miles wide! In light of this fact, it’s no wonder that scientists have been hard-pressed to pinpoint exactly what makes some tornadoes much more dangerous than others. One of the main factors that make up a tornado’s strength and deadly nature is its combination of wind speed and cyclonic flow (rotational motion in the same direction). As the wind speed increases, the wider the tornado’s path and the stronger it becomes. This is why scientists have said that a safe strategy to avoid a tornado is to stay indoors or in a basement.
Not all cyclonic flows are created equal, and sometimes they can even combine with a major earthquake or a volcanic eruption to create a devastating tornado. This was the case in 1944 in the town of Fuchsrube in Germany when an entire street was destroyed and over 70 people were killed. Since that time, scientists have been looking for ways to predict when tornadoes may appear so that people can take the necessary precautions.
Watching The Weather For Signs
If you suspect that a tornado may soon be headed your way, it’s important to look for the telltale signs. Aside from an increase in the number of twisters across the country, there are other factors that may suggest that a tornado is about to strike. Foremost among these is the behavior of the clouds and the direction that the wind is coming from.
As mentioned before, some tornadoes can be rather small, but even these are powerful enough to rip apart buildings and blow cars away. In more serious cases, giant tornadoes have been known to flatten entire towns and kill hundreds, if not thousands, of people. In fact, some researchers have gone as far as to say that there’s a direct correlation between the size of a tornado and the number of people that it kills. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to the signs as they appear.
You may want to consult a local weatherman or look up the weather conditions online to get a more accurate idea of what’s happening. Sometimes, these tornadoes can be very difficult to track and predict, even for experienced weather researchers. In other cases, it’s possible to get an idea of where and when a tornado may appear based on available clues. For instance, if you notice that a storm is becoming more organized as it darkens, this could indicate that you’re about to experience a tornado. Alternatively, if you notice that the air feels thick and still, this could also be a sign that a wicked twister is on the loose. These are just some of the things that you need to keep an eye out for.
Seek Cover And Hunker Down
Once you’ve confirmed that a tornado is headed your way, the next step is to take cover and hunker down. The key to avoiding serious injury or death in a tornado is to seek shelter in a small, enclosed space such as a hallway or a garage. Once you’re in there, you’ll be safe from the wind and rain and any debris that the storm may throw at you. Although tornadoes are dangerous, they are not inherently evil; rather, it’s the people that are in the path of these awesome natural forces when they form that are the ones that deserve our attention and our help.
Stay Away From Large Populations
Apart from taking shelter, it’s also a good idea to try and stay away from large populations. This will greatly reduce the chances of you getting into accidents caused by other people and their cars. If you must go outside, do it only when absolutely necessary and make sure that you take the necessary precautions, such as wearing a helmet and reflective clothing.
As tempting as it may be to go outside and try to take a peek at the action, this is generally a bad idea. The last thing that you need is to be caught outside when the tornado strikes. You might not be able to react fast enough to take shelter in time. It may also be difficult to find a small, enclosed space nearby if you’re in the city limits.
Make Sure You’re Prepared For The Weather
Now that you know what to look for, it’s important to be prepared for the weather. Make sure that you have the essentials with you, including the medications that you take, in case you get sick or injured. These items will greatly increase the chances of you surviving a natural disaster. If you live in a place where tornadoes are common, like the Midwest, make sure that you have the tools to survive a cyclonic force of nature. These include things like an extra light source (such as a headlamp or a flashlight), a manual weather radio, and a manual weather forecast. If you live in an area where tornados are a rare occurence, make sure that you still have those manual tools in case the need for them ever arises. Alternatively, subscribe to local news channels to stay abreast of the latest weather conditions. These are just some of the things that you need to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in need of emergency shelter during a severe thunderstorm or a tornado outbreak.