Tornado Formation
Do tornadoes form often or are they rare?
They are very rare! Only 1 in 1,000 storms become supercells and only 1 in 5 or 6 supercells produce a tornado!
Fact or Fiction: Tornadoes can cross rivers and lakes
Fact! It was commonly said that tornadoes can't cross bodies of water, but many of them have.
What type of storm produces tornadoes?
Supercells
What time of the year do tornadoes happen most often?
March through June (spring and early sumer)
Where might you receive a tornado warning?
Phone, tv, radio, sirens
What does the M stand for in SLIM? (the acronym for the ingredients of a tornado)
Moisture (water vapor in the air)
Fact or Fiction: Opening the windows in your house will reduce the damage to your house
Fiction! People used to believe opening your windows would help release pressure from the tornado, but it's actually completely pointless and wastes time you could use to get somewhere safe!
What region of the U.S. is known for having a lot of tornadoes?
Tornado Alley
Can tornadoes happen anywhere on the planet?
Yes! Even in places you wouldn't expect
If you receive a tornado warning, what should you do?
Take shelter
What does the S stand for in SLIM? (the acronym for the ingredients of a tornado)
Shear (wind shear - difference in wind speed in direction)
Fact or Fiction: It is safe to take shelter under a highway overpass
Fiction! Underpasses are very dangerous during a tornado; they can create a wind tunnel effect. It is safer to just lay flat on the ground.
What is the highest rating for a tornado?
EF5
What was the deadliest tornado in U.S. history?
Tri-State Tornado
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?
Watch means there might be a tornado, warning means a tornado has been spotted and you need to immediately take shelter
What does the I stand for in SLIM? (the acronym for the ingredients of a tornado)
Instability (difference in temperatures in the air leads to an unstable atmosphere)
Fact or Fiction: If you are driving, you should try to outrun the tornado.
Fiction! You should immediately pull over and take shelter in a ditch or in a well-built structure.
What is the name of the scale we use to rate tornadoes? Hint: EF
Enhanced Fujita Scale
How long do most tornadoes last?
1 to 10 minutes
What rooms in your house are safest during a tornado?
Basement, interior rooms with no windows, storm shelters
What does the L stand for in SLIM? (the acronym for the ingredients of a tornado)
Fact or Fiction: Tornadoes can change direction at any given moment.
Fact! While most tornadoes travel in a northeast direction, they have been known to unexpectedly change direction.
What time of day do tornadoes happen most often?
Which type of tornado is most common: strong, weak, or violent?
Weak tornadoes! 88% of tornadoes are classified as weak tornadoes
Which types of buildings are not safe to be in during a tornado?
Mobile homes, sheds, storage facilities