A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm toward the ground. Tornadoes can produce extremely powerful winds concentrated over a relatively small area, allowing them to damage buildings, overturn vehicles, uproot trees and throw debris through the air.
Although tornadoes are generally associated with severe thunderstorms, they can develop very quickly. This makes preparation, recognising warning signs and knowing where to take shelter extremely important.
WHAT IS A TORNADO?
A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.
It may appear as:
- A funnel-shaped cloud
- A dark rotating column
- A cloud of dust and debris
- A rapidly rotating mass of air
- A large funnel extending from the cloud toward the ground
Not every tornado looks exactly the same. Some may be clearly visible, while others can be partly hidden by rain, darkness or debris.
WHAT CAUSES A TORNADO?
Tornadoes develop from powerful thunderstorms when particular atmospheric conditions occur.
1. WARM, HUMID AIR
Warm and humid air near the Earth's surface can provide energy for strong thunderstorms.
The warm air rises rapidly, while cooler air descends in other parts of the storm.
This creates powerful updrafts and downdrafts within the thunderstorm.
2. WIND SHEAR
One of the important ingredients associated with tornado formation is wind shear.
Wind shear occurs when wind speed or direction changes with height.
These changes can create rotating air within a storm. Under the right conditions, this rotation can become vertically oriented and contribute to tornado formation.
3. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS
Tornadoes are generally associated with powerful thunderstorms.
A strong thunderstorm may contain:
- Powerful updrafts
- Strong downdrafts
- Heavy rain
- Large hail
- Lightning
- Strong winds
- Rotating air
However, not every severe thunderstorm produces a tornado.
WHY ARE TORNADOES SO DANGEROUS?
The danger comes primarily from the combination of extreme winds, flying debris, structural damage and rapidly changing conditions.
CDC identifies extremely high winds and flying or falling objects as major hazards during tornadoes.
1. EXTREMELY STRONG WINDS
Tornado winds can become extremely powerful.
The strongest tornadoes can produce winds capable of:
- Destroying buildings
- Uprooting trees
- Damaging roofs
- Throwing vehicles
- Destroying electrical infrastructure
- Moving large objects
NOAA notes that the strongest tornadoes can produce some of the fastest winds observed on Earth.
2. FLYING DEBRIS
Flying debris is one of the most serious causes of tornado injuries.
Objects that may become dangerous projectiles include:
- Roof tiles
- Wood
- Glass
- Metal
- Tree branches
- Signs
- Furniture
- Vehicles
- Building materials
Even relatively small objects can become dangerous when travelling at high speed.
CDC identifies flying and falling objects as major hazards during tornadoes.
3. BUILDING DAMAGE AND COLLAPSE
Tornado winds can damage or destroy structures.
Potential damage includes:
- Roofs being torn away
- Walls collapsing
- Windows breaking
- Doors being blown open
- Structural supports being damaged
- Buildings becoming unstable
A damaged building may remain dangerous even after the tornado has passed.
4. FALLING TREES
Strong winds can uproot or break trees.
Falling trees can:
- Injure people
- Damage houses
- Block roads
- Damage vehicles
- Break power lines
Trees should therefore not be considered adequate shelter during a tornado.
5. VEHICLES CAN BE OVERTURNED OR THROWN
Vehicles provide poor protection against tornadoes.
Strong tornado winds can overturn or move cars, buses and trucks.
For this reason, people should not try to outrun a tornado by driving. CDC recommends going to the nearest suitable sturdy shelter instead.
6. POWER LINES AND ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Tornadoes can knock down:
- Electricity poles
- Power lines
- Transformers
- Electrical equipment
Downed power lines can remain electrically live and can cause severe injury or death.
Never touch a fallen power line or approach it closely.
7. GAS LEAKS AND FIRES
Damage to buildings and infrastructure can cause gas leaks or electrical faults.
This can create secondary dangers such as:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Electrical shock
After a tornado, avoid using flames, matches or electrical switches if there may be a gas leak.
WARNING SIGNS OF A POSSIBLE TORNADO
Sometimes a tornado develops quickly, leaving little time to react. Recognising the warning signs is therefore important.
Possible signs include:
1. ROTATING FUNNEL-SHAPED CLOUD
A rotating funnel extending downward from a thunderstorm cloud may indicate a tornado.
If the funnel reaches the ground, it is a tornado.
2. LARGE CLOUD OF DEBRIS
Sometimes the tornado itself may be difficult to see.
Instead, you may notice:
- Dust
- Trees
- Pieces of buildings
- Other debris
being rapidly lifted or thrown into the air.
3. DARK OR GREENISH SKY
A dark or greenish appearance to the sky can occur during some severe thunderstorms.
However, this sign does not by itself confirm that a tornado is occurring.
Treat it as a reason to pay close attention to official weather warnings.
4. LARGE HAIL
Large hail can occur with severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.
If large hail is occurring together with other severe-weather signs, seek appropriate shelter.
5. A LOUD ROARING SOUND
A tornado may produce a loud roaring sound that some people describe as resembling a train.
However, do not wait to hear this sound before taking shelter. If an official tornado warning is issued, shelter immediately.
TORNADO WATCH VS TORNADO WARNING
Understanding these terms can help people respond appropriately.
TORNADO WATCH
A tornado may develop because atmospheric conditions are favourable.
During a watch:
- Stay alert
- Monitor weather information
- Check where the safest shelter is
- Keep your phone charged
- Be prepared to take shelter quickly
TORNADO WARNING
A tornado has been detected, sighted or indicated by weather radar.
A warning means you should:
TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A TORNADO
1. GO TO THE SAFEST PLACE AVAILABLE
If you are inside a house or sturdy building, go to:
- A basement, if available
- An interior room without windows
- The lowest practical floor
- A hallway
- A bathroom
- A closet
Stay away from windows.
2. PROTECT YOUR HEAD AND NECK
Flying debris is a major danger.
If possible:
- Get underneath a sturdy table or workbench
- Cover your head
- Cover your neck
- Use a mattress, blanket or other protective material if available
The priority is getting into appropriate shelter quickly rather than searching for protective equipment.
3. STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS
Do not stand near windows to watch the tornado.
Windows can break and send dangerous glass into the room.
Move to an interior area without windows.
4. DO NOT USE A MOBILE HOME AS SHELTER
Mobile homes can be particularly vulnerable to strong tornado winds.
If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby sturdy building where you can shelter before severe weather occurs.
5. IF YOU ARE AT SCHOOL OR WORK
Follow the building's emergency plan.
Move quickly and calmly to the designated shelter area.
Avoid:
- Windows
- Large open rooms
- Gyms
- Auditoriums
- Cafeterias
unless those areas have specifically been designated as appropriate shelters.
6. IF YOU ARE IN A SHOPPING CENTRE OR LARGE BUILDING
Move to the lowest level available and stay away from windows.
Large buildings with wide open spaces can present additional risks because their structures may be more vulnerable to severe wind damage.
7. IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE
If there is a sturdy building nearby, enter it immediately.
If no suitable shelter is available, move to a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine and lie flat while protecting your head and neck.
Avoid areas with many trees.
8. IF YOU ARE DRIVING
Do not attempt to outrun a tornado.
If a sturdy shelter is nearby and can be reached safely, go there.
If you cannot reach a safe shelter, CDC recommends getting down in the vehicle and covering your head and neck, or leaving the vehicle when necessary to seek a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. Avoid stopping underneath highway overpasses or bridges.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A TORNADO
The danger does not necessarily end when the tornado disappears.
1. WATCH FOR DEBRIS
Be extremely careful around:
- Broken glass
- Nails
- Metal
- Broken wood
- Damaged vehicles
- Fallen trees
Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when cleaning up debris.
2. STAY AWAY FROM DAMAGED BUILDINGS
Do not enter a severely damaged building until authorities determine that it is safe.
Buildings may collapse unexpectedly because their structural supports have been damaged.
3. STAY AWAY FROM FALLEN POWER LINES
Never touch a fallen electrical wire.
Keep away and report it to the relevant emergency or electricity authorities.
4. WATCH FOR GAS LEAKS
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak:
- Leave the building
- Avoid flames
- Avoid electrical switches
- Do not use matches
- Contact the appropriate emergency service
Gas leaks can cause fires and explosions.
HEALTH EFFECTS AND INJURIES AFTER A TORNADO
Tornado-related injuries can include:
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Eye injuries
- Crush injuries
- Puncture wounds
Dust and debris can also affect the eyes and respiratory system.
If someone has a serious injury, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
CARBON MONOXIDE DANGER AFTER A TORNADO
Power outages are common after severe storms.
People may use:
- Generators
- Charcoal grills
- Gas-powered equipment
- Camping stoves
However, these devices can produce carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless and can cause sudden illness or death.
Never operate generators, charcoal grills or fuel-burning equipment inside a house, basement or garage.
HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE A TORNADO
1. IDENTIFY YOUR SAFE ROOM
Choose the safest location in your home before severe weather occurs.
Ideally, this should be:
- On the lowest floor
- Away from windows
- Away from exterior walls
- An interior room
- A basement or storm shelter where available
Make sure everyone in the household knows where to go.
2. PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT
An emergency kit can include:
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- First-aid supplies
- Essential medication
- Flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Power bank
- Battery-powered radio
- Important documents
- Whistle
- Basic protective equipment
Keep the kit somewhere that is easy to reach.
3. SECURE LOOSE OBJECTS
Before severe weather arrives, secure or bring indoors objects that could become projectiles.
Examples include:
- Garden furniture
- Tools
- Outdoor decorations
- Bins
- Lightweight equipment
- Loose building materials
Reducing potential debris can reduce the risk of injury and property damage.
4. CREATE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
Discuss:
- Where everyone will shelter
- How to receive warnings
- Where emergency supplies are stored
- How family members will communicate
- Where to meet after an emergency
Practise the plan so that everyone knows what to do.
CAN TORNADOES BE PREVENTED?
No.
Tornadoes are natural atmospheric phenomena and cannot currently be prevented.
However, the number of injuries and deaths can be reduced through:
- Better weather monitoring
- Early warnings
- Safe shelters
- Public education
- Emergency planning
- Building safety
- Rapid evacuation or sheltering
CDC notes that although tornadoes cannot be prevented, preparation and appropriate safety actions can protect people.
TORNADO SAFETY: DO'S AND DON'TS
| DO | DON'T |
|---|---|
| Take shelter immediately after a warning | Don't wait to see the tornado |
| Move to an interior room | Don't stand near windows |
| Go to the lowest safe floor | Don't stay in a mobile home |
| Protect your head and neck | Don't try to outrun a tornado |
| Follow official weather alerts | Don't ignore emergency warnings |
| Stay away from damaged buildings | Don't enter unstable structures |
| Stay away from fallen power lines | Don't touch electrical wires |
| Use flashlights during power outages | Don't use candles unnecessarily |
| Use generators outdoors | Don't operate generators indoors |
| Wear protective clothing during cleanup | Don't walk barefoot through debris |
IMPORTANT TORNADO WARNING SIGNS TO REMEMBER
Remember these possible signs:
🌪️ ROTATING FUNNEL CLOUD
A rotating funnel extending from a thunderstorm.
🌑 DARK OR GREENISH SKY
May accompany severe thunderstorms.
🧊 LARGE HAIL
Can occur with powerful thunderstorms.
🌀 CLOUD OF DEBRIS
Dust and objects may be lifted into the air.
🚂 LOUD ROARING SOUND
A powerful roar may accompany some tornadoes.
If an official tornado warning is issued, do not wait for these signs—take shelter immediately.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tornadoes are powerful and potentially deadly weather phenomena that can develop from severe thunderstorms when atmospheric conditions become favourable. Warm, humid air, unstable conditions and changes in wind speed or direction with altitude can contribute to the development of rotating storms and tornadoes.
The major dangers include extreme winds, flying debris, collapsing structures, falling trees, overturned vehicles, electrical hazards, fires and injuries.
The most important protection is early preparation and immediate sheltering. When a tornado warning is issued, move to a safe interior location away from windows. If you are outside, seek sturdy shelter as quickly as possible. Never deliberately approach a tornado or remain outside to watch it.
After the tornado passes, remain cautious. Fallen power lines, damaged buildings, broken glass, debris, gas leaks and carbon monoxide can create additional dangers.
Remember: When a tornado warning is issued, don't wait—TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general disaster-preparedness education. During an actual severe-weather emergency, always follow the latest instructions from your local meteorological, emergency-management and public-safety authorities.
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