Tornado Safety Tips

Tornado Safety Tips

A Tornado is nature's most violent wind. Regardless of the location or time of year, if conditions are right, a tornado is possible. Tornadoes can produce wind speeds of more that 250-mph and produce enough energy to run a small city. A tornado can turn harmless items into deadly missiles, move objects miles away without causing harm and bring complete devastation to entire communities.

What is a Tornado?
A tornado is an intense, rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.

When Tornadoes Strike
Tornadoes can strike at any time of day, but they are much more frequent in the afternoon and evening. This is because the heat of the day produces the hot air needed create a tornado-producing thunderstorm.


Where Tornadoes Strike

Tornadoes hit some areas so frequently that certain states make up "Tornado Alley." Although the exact states in Tornado Alley vary among sources, the most agreed upon states include Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas.

How Tornadoes Strike

The ingredients of a tornado include warm damp air trapped near the ground and strong, churning winds. Large thunderstorms with rotating updrafts cause the strongest and deadliest tornadoes.

When a Tornado Watch is Issued:
Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you

When a Tornado Warning is Issued:
Discuss safety options with Park advisor or manager.