Introduction What is a Tornado? How, where and when do Tornadoes form. How to survive a Tornado The destruction caused by Tornadoes. Different types of.

Introduction• What is a Tornado?

• How, where and when do Tornadoes form.

• How to survive a Tornado

• The destruction caused by Tornadoes.

• Different types of Tornado and how to classify one.

• Difference between a Tornado “watch” and “warning”.

Definition

• Violent rotating column of wind extending from a thunderstorm.

• Wind-speeds of 250mph plus

• Damage paths of 50 miles wide.

Tornado Formation

Tornado Formation cont.d….

• Change in wind direction along with an increase of speed causes horizontal spinning effect.

• Rotating air tilts becoming vertical, forming funnel shape.

• Funnel extends to the ground becoming the Tornado.

• “Wall cloud”-slow rotating cloud, parent to the Tornado.

• If you see a rotating cloud in a thunderstorm-take no chances

When and Where they occur

•Southern states- March-May

•Northern states- Summer months.

• Mainly in the US but can occur anywhere

“Watches” versus “Warnings”

“Watch”- tornadoes are possible in your area

“Warning”- tornadoes have been sighted by weather radar

Many people confuse their meanings

Different types of Tornado

1. The “Wedge” Tornado

• Straight on sides- not funnel shaped.

• Not stronger than a funnel shape but cover larger areas causing more damage.

Different types of Tornado

2. Another wedge with a different appearance

• Appear as a boiling well of fog as they are positioned close to the rain wall.

• The rain stops and the tornado appears

• Often blamed for striking without warning.

Different types of Tornado

3. Classic funnel but white.

• Tornado seen here is front lit by the sunlight so appears white

•Most Tornadoes are photographed from the west so appear black or grey

Different types of Tornado

4. Discontinuous funnel in the rain

• An example of what might lurk in a tornadic storm

• This funnel made a sudden appearance from out of the rain.

Classification of |Tornadoes• Done using the “Fujita Scale”

F-0: 40-72 mph, chimney damage, tree branches brokenF-1: 73-112 mph, mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturnedF-2: 113-157 mph, considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprootedF-3: 158-205 mph, roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrownF-4: 207-260 mph, well-constructed walls leveledF-5: 261-318 mph, homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, autos thrown as far as 100 meters

Tornado safety tips• Have only a short amount of time to make life or death decisions

• Go to a storm cellar, basement or inner hallway.

• If in a car- get out! Tornadoes turn quickly.

• Stay away from windows under something sturdy

• Lie in a low area and cover your head

Destruction caused by Tornadoes

Schools out!

Just as well there was no-one in this car!

This church was never the same again

Its troublesome when you’ve got no home to come home to.

Summary

• Tornadoes are a serious problem causing widespread devastation.

• Quick thinking could save lives

• Don’t go to Okalahoma area form March to May

Thank you for listening