Tornadoes are dangerous and can be deadly. More tornadoes strike the central United States than any other place in the world. The peak of tornado season is April through June, with a second peak in the fall. A tornado, however, can occur during any month and at any time of day.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere, including Alabama. During the last 10 years, the state has averaged 63 tornadoes per year. In 2011, the state was hit by 145 tornadoes, more than twice the 10-year average. To find out how other states compare, see the National Climatic Data Center for maps of documented tornadoes.

Tornadoes typically form in a supercell thunderstorm that has an organized internal structure characterized by a single, rotating updraft.

Tornadoes typically form in a supercell thunderstorm that has an organized internal structure characterized by a single, rotating updraft.

How Will You Know You Are in Danger?

Recognizing conditions that may develop into a tornado is one of the most important components of storm safety. According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes typically form in supercell thunderstorms. A supercell thunderstorm has an organized internal structure characterized by a single, rotating updraft.

A funnel cloud is a region of strong rotation in a thunderstorm. The funnel cloud becomes a tornado when it reaches the ground. Storm watchers look for dust and debris on the ground beginning to rotate as an indication that the circulation has become a tornado. Learn more about thunderstorms from JetStream, An Online School for Weather from the National Weather Service.

Most people become aware of tornado danger through watches and warnings issued by the NWS. Stay alert to weather forecasts for information about potential severe weather. Weather bulletins and sky conditions will indicate an approaching storm. Listen to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, local television station, or radio station for weather information. You can also sign up from several sources to receive severe weather alerts on your cell phone or mobile device.

Storm Destruction

Hurricane and flooding Damaged BuildingStraight-line winds may cause as much damage as a tornado. While the destruction may be similar to that of a tornado, the damage typically occurs in one direction along a relatively straight path. If the winds are greater than 57 mph at most points along the path, the windstorm is considered a derecho. According to the Storm Prediction Center, these windstorms are associated with bands of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.

Know the Difference between Watches and Warnings

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in your area. Be alert to approaching storms when your area is under a tornado watch. Watches are usually issued for 4 to 8 hours. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted by storm spotters or indicated by weather radar. A warning can be issued without a tornado watch being in effect. Warnings are usually issued for about 30 minutes. If you are in the path of the storm, immediately go to your safe location.

True or False?

Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.

FALSE: No place is safe from tornadoes.

Low pressure associated with a tornado causes a building to explode as the tornado passes overhead.

FALSE: There is usually enough air leakage through building connections to equalize the inside and outside pressure. Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage.

Tornadoes don’t hit cities.

FALSE: Tornadoes have struck cities, including Fort Worth, Texas; Joplin, Missouri; Birmingham, Alabama; and Nashville, Tennessee. Living in an urban area does not protect you from tornadoes.

A safe room is the best protection from a tornado.

TRUE: Next to a safe room, the best place to be during a tornado is an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

What Can I Do to Protect Myself? Before stormy weather

Develop an emergency storm plan for all family members whether at home, work, school, or outdoors.

Teach children the name of their county and the names of surrounding counties because storm alerts are given by counties. Keep highway maps in several convenient locations to follow storm movement given by weather bulletins. Also use maps to plan multiple evacuation routes if you must evacuate. Stay especially alert when traveling in unfamiliar regions.

Conduct frequent storm drills.

Have a NOAA Weather All Hazards Radio with a battery backup and warning alarm to receive warnings.

Listen to radio or TV for weather updates.

If your activity is outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions during threatening weather. You may need to delay activities until the danger has passed.

If a tornado warning is issued or threatening weather approaches

Move to a previously designated safe area, preferably a safe room.

If a safe room is not available, move to a basement or an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. Crouch under a sturdy desk or rugged furniture if it is located near a central wall. Place pillows or blankets over your upper body for extra protection.

Stay away from doors and windows.

Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car.

Fun Things Your Kids Can Do to Get Ready for Tornadoes and Other Disasters

— Let them practice saying or writing their names, your name, and your phone number.

— Take them to StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes, an online interactive weather experience from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes and partners at flash.org.

— Play games and test their knowledge at Ready.gov.

— Introduce them to Sparky the Firedog who has fun activities for young children. See the National Fire Protection Association website.

Revised by Emery Tschetter, director, Extension Communications and Marketing, Auburn University. Originally written by Virginia Morgan White, former Extension Outreach Programs Administrator, Auburn University.