Be Ready for natural Disasters: Essential Preparedness for Hurricanes, Wildfires, Earthquakes & Civil Unrest

Under the Storm: A Guide to Tornadoes, Preparedness, and Safety

 

Tornadoes rank among the most violent and destructive atmospheric phenomena, capable of inflicting catastrophic damage and posing a significant threat to life and property. While their impact is relatively localized, their intensity and unpredictability demand a thorough understanding of their formation, behavior, and mitigation strategies.

 

 

 

Formation and Development

 

Tornadoes typically develop from severe thunderstorms known as supercells. These storms are characterized by a rotating updraft called a mesocyclone.

Several factors contribute to tornado formation:

 

Instability: A mass of warm, moist air near the surface and a mass of colder, drier air aloft create atmospheric instability, fueling thunderstorm development.

Wind Shear: Changes in wind speed and direction with height (wind shear) cause the air to rotate horizontally.

Tilting and Stretching: The horizontally rotating air is tilted vertically by the storm’s updraft and then stretched, intensifying the rotation and forming a mesocyclone.

Ground Contact: If the mesocyclone descends and makes contact with the ground, a tornado forms.

 

 

 

Tornado Classification

 

Tornadoes are classified based on the damage they cause, using the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF).

This scale ranges from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest), estimating wind speed based on observed damage indicators:

 

• EF0 (65-85 mph / 105-137 km/h): Light damage, such as broken branches and damaged chimneys.
• EF1 (86-110 mph / 138-177 km/h): Moderate damage, including roof shingles removed, broken windows, and overturned mobile homes.
• EF2 (111-135 mph / 178-217 km/h): Considerable damage, including roof damage, uprooted trees, and overturned trains.
• EF3 (136-165 mph / 218-266 km/h): Severe damage, including well-constructed houses destroyed, forests leveled, and cars lifted off the ground.
• EF4 (166-200 mph / 267-322 km/h): Devastating damage, including well-constructed houses leveled and cars thrown long distances.
• EF5 (Over 200 mph / Over 322 km/h): Incredible damage, with houses completely swept away, steel-reinforced structures twisted, and cars thrown hundreds of meters.

 

 

Geographic Distribution and “Tornado Alley”

 

Tornadoes can occur in many parts of the world, but are most frequent in the United States, particularly in an area known as “Tornado Alley.”

This region includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Unique atmospheric conditions in this region, characterized by the collision of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains, create an environment favorable for tornado development.

 

 

It is crucial to understand the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning... and an Emergency

 

Tornado Watch:

Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

 

Tornado Warning:

Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

 

Tornado Emergency:

Seek Shelter Immediately! A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible. Call friends and family who are within the watch area to ensure they are aware of the situation. If you see a tornado approaching, do not attempt to outrun it in a vehicle; shelter in place. Once safe, be sure to monitor your local forecast for the latest updates.

 

 

In the United States, living in “Tornado Alley” requires a multifaceted preparedness approach encompassing an understanding of the risks, the development of a comprehensive safety plan, the creation of a well-stocked emergency kit, and knowing how to react during a tornado warning, empowering individuals and communities to minimize the threat to life and property.

 

Understanding the risks begins with understanding how tornadoes form.

As stated before, tornadoes form within severe thunderstorms called supercells, characterized by rotating updrafts called mesocyclones. When this rotating air descends and touches the ground, it becomes a tornado. Also as we explained earlier, several factors contribute to tornado formation, including warm, moist air near the ground, cold, dry air aloft, and winds that change in speed or direction with height (shear.)

 

Significant advancements have been made in tornado forecasting and detection, including Doppler radar, which can detect rotation within storms, helping to identify potential tornado development, and other early warning systems to provide timely alerts to communities at risk.

Supercomputer models are used to predict severe weather events with increasing accuracy enabling the issuing of "tornado watch" and "tornado warning" broadcasts. 

 

Being able to recognize the warning signs of an approaching tornado can provide valuable time to seek shelter.

These signs include a dark, greenish sky, large hail, a loud roar or rumble that does not fade, a rotating wall cloud, and a funnel cloud descending from the sky.

If you observe any of these signs, take cover immediately, even if a warning has not been issued.

 

 

Developing a Family Tornado Safety Plan is Paramount.

Identify the safest place to shelter in your home. The best option is an underground shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar. If an underground shelter is not available, seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows, doors, and exterior walls. A closet, bathroom, or hallway can provide some level of protection.

 

If you live in a mobile or manufactured home, understand that these structures offer little protection against tornadoes. The safest course of action is to evacuate to a designated community shelter or a sturdy building.

Develop the evacuation plan and practice it regularly.

 

Communication is key during a tornado event.

Establish a communication plan with family members, including an out-of-state contact who can serve as a central point of communication. Ensure everyone knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado.

 

Creating a emergency kit is essential to sustain you and your family during and after a tornado.

This kit should include a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a whistle to signal for help, and important documents in a waterproof container.

 

Once a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. If you are in a building, go to the designated safe room or an interior room on the lowest level. Crouch down to the floor, cover your head and neck with your arms, and protect yourself from flying debris. Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.

If you are outdoors, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from trees, power lines, and other objects that could be toppled.

 

After the tornado has passed, check for injuries and assess the damage. Report any injuries or damage to the authorities. Be careful of downed power lines and other hazards.

 

Effective tornado preparedness is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your safety plan, replenish your emergency kit, and stay informed about weather conditions in your area. By taking proactive steps to prepare, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to tornadoes and protect yourself, your family, and your community.