Every year the southern states are wracked by malicious weather systems known as tornadoes, primarily from March to May. From spring into summer is the season for northern states. But with a constantly changing weather system tornadoes are becoming all the more likely at unsuspected times.
There is no storm considered non violent and tornadoes can be considered the most violent. They can strike without warning and cause immense damage to an entire town in a matter of minutes. Sometimes the sirens cannot come quick enough.
In essence hurricanes are more powerful, tornadoes are versatile and very hard to predict. They strike instantly and quickly. This is why it can be difficult for weather tracking systems to spot them and provide effective warning time.
Therefore, people often only know there is a tornado if they are watching the skies. Tornadoes appear as a massive funnel reaching down from the clouds, constantly circulating. Winds can gain such strength that houses end up like tumble weeds.
How To Tell If A Tornado Is Approaching
It is imperative that you understand what you are dealing with, before any safety measures, so you can spot the signs and appearance of this malicious weather system.
You must understand that before a tornado actually strikes, winds may not even appear destructive even just minutes before you see a tornado form. There is actually what is called the calm before the storm, where the wind is calm and it may not even be raining.
Thunderstorms usually appear first, they may or may not be trailed by a tornado but you must be prepared for such an event. There is always that possibility that should not be left to chance.
Sometimes tornadoes cannot even easily be seen. They are just wind after all. Making them just that much harder to track. It is the debris that is scooped up along the way that creates the funnel that is seen.
People that have survived through tornadoes often describe a loud roaring sound. Or that it sounds like a freight train is just coming through your house, and with equal power too.
Precautions To Take During Tornado Warnings
Before a tornado lands there is usually what is described as a dark and violet greenish sky. Also a clear indicator is a swirling cloud called a 'funnel cloud' is seen in a potential danger zone.
Basements provide the most reliable protection from tornadoes being they are located underground. But lots of homes don't have basements. So the next option is the crawl space. If you do not even have a crawl space its best to get in an area in the middle of your home with no windows.
If you are on the road driving and things are starting to take a turn for the worse and you need to seek cover, bridges provide excellent cover and protection. They are very solid and there is usually one not too much farther down any highway. If there's no bridge you can also get into a large ditch, as tornadoes are known to kind of jump over them.
Tornadoes can be devastating and ruin lives in seconds and often without any warning at all. However, if you read and become more informed about the warning signs and safety precautions in the event of a tornado; lives may be saved. Although losing a home is hard to deal with losing a life is even harder. Our lives are the most important things in the world and I hope I have provided some useful tips on emergency tornado preparation.
Article By Gabe Redfield
