As the severe weather season approaches, take some time to make a severe weather safety plan for your family, friends and co-workers. Planning ahead will lower the chance of injury or even death in the event severe weather strikes.
Tornadoes develope from severe thunderstorms.
They can approach from any direction, but usually come from the southwest. Although their forward speed averages about 30 miles per hour, they can be nearly stationary or move as rapidly as 70 miles per hour. If hail falls from a thunderstorm, it is an indication that the storm has large amounts of energy and may be severe. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.