TORNADO DEFINITION: A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, in association with a deep convective cloud, in direct contact with the earth's surface. The tornado is not just the visible condensation funnel but rather is the entire circulation of wind that makes up the vortex. It is the tornado's wind that primarily does damage rather than the rapid pressure change within the tornado. Tornado strength is defined by the damage it produces using the Fujita-Pearson damage scale. This scale is now replaced by using the Enhanced-Fujita scale which is also given below.
NOAA WATCH AND WARNING DEFINITIONS: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH- The conditions are favorable for the development of thunderstorms that will contain hail = or > than 3/4" in diameter or convective wind gusts = or > than 58 mph. Severe thunderstorms are also capable of producing a tornado TORNADO WATCH- The conditions are favorable for the development of tornadic storms SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING- A severe thunderstorm has been spotted by a valid storm spotter or there is strong evidence from radar data that a severe thunderstorm is occurring TORNADO WARNING- A tornado has been spotted by a valid storm spotter or there is strong evidence from radar data that a tornado is occurring TORNADO PREPARATION WHILE AT HOME: 1. If tornado warning is issued or you have evidence a violent storm is approaching, go to center most point in the building such as a closet or bathtub on the lowest floor (go to basement if there is one) and while covering yourself crouch down as low as possible. 2. Stay away from windows 3. Listen to battery operated NOAA weather radio for updates TORNADO PREPARATION WHILE TRAVELING: 1. The most dangerous place to be when hit by a tornado is inside a motor vehicle 2. If a tornado is nearby, safely park the car and take shelter in the center of a sturdy building on the lowest floor. If there are no buildings around, take shelter in the lowest safe elevation in the immediate vicinity such as a ditch 3. Know the tornado threat that day before traveling. Do not drive into thunderstorms, especially on days in which a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is in effect in or near the area 4. Listen to battery operated NOAA weather radio for updates TORNADO MISCONCEPTIONS: 1. It is thought erroneously by some that areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are safe from tornadoes. Tornadoes can strike any location where strong thunderstorms can occur. There are no long term "force fields" that prevent tornadoes from striking a location in a region where strong thunderstorms can occur 2. The low pressure within a tornado was once thought to cause buildings to explode. This does not occur. It is of no benefit to open windows |