Tornadoes are one of the most powerful and destructive forces in nature. Let’s learn about what tornadoes are, how they form, and the conditions that make them happen.
A tornado is a spinning column of air that stretches from a thunderstorm down to the ground. When this spinning air touches the ground, it can cause a lot of damage to buildings, trees, and even people. Tornadoes can be different sizes and strengths, with winds that can blow as fast as 300 miles per hour! Imagine driving a car at 25 miles per hour and then going twelve times faster—that’s how strong a tornado can be.
Tornadoes usually form during severe thunderstorms, especially a special kind called a supercell. A supercell is a big, rotating thunderstorm with strong winds and sometimes hail and lightning. Here are the key ingredients needed for a tornado to form:
Scientists have learned a lot about tornadoes, but they are still trying to understand everything about how they form.
To know if a tornado might happen, it’s important to watch for certain weather conditions:
Tornadoes can happen almost anywhere in the world. They have been seen in every state in the United States and on every continent except Antarctica. This means it’s important for everyone to know about tornadoes, no matter where they live.
A tornado frequency map shows where tornadoes are most likely to happen. Areas in red, orange, and yellow have the most tornadoes, while green areas have fewer.
Tornadoes can cause a lot of damage, costing about $400 million each year in the United States alone. They can destroy homes, roads, and nature, so it’s important for communities to have plans to stay safe.
Tornadoes are amazing but dangerous natural events. By learning how they form and what conditions lead to their development, we can be better prepared for when they happen. Staying informed and ready can help protect us and our communities from the powerful force of tornadoes.
Create Your Own Tornado in a Bottle: Gather two plastic bottles, water, and some glitter or small bits of paper. Fill one bottle with water and add the glitter. Tape the necks of the two bottles together securely. Flip the bottles so the one with water is on top and swirl it in a circular motion. Watch as a mini-tornado forms in the water! Discuss with a friend or family member how this is similar to a real tornado.
Weather Watch: Over the next week, keep a daily weather journal. Note the temperature, wind conditions, and any storms. Draw symbols for sunny, cloudy, rainy, or stormy weather. Discuss with your class or family if any of the conditions you observed could lead to a tornado and why.
Design a Tornado Safety Plan: Imagine a tornado is coming to your neighborhood. With your family, create a safety plan. Decide on the safest room in your house to go to, what supplies you might need, and how you would stay informed about the tornado’s progress. Share your plan with your classmates and see what ideas they have!
