Tornadoes Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms and can leave an area devastated in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, striking the ground with whirling winds of up to 200 miles per hour or more. A tornado spins like a top and may sound like an airplane or train.
Tornadoes can strike at any time of year and often accompany hurricanes.
They occur most frequently during April, May and June. Be sure everyone in your household knows in advance where to go and what to do in case of a tornado warning Make an inventory of your household furnishings and other possessions. Supplement the written inventory with photographs. Keep inventories and photos in a safe deposit box or some other safe place away from the premises. Whenever severe thunderstorms threaten your area, listen to radio and television newscasts for the latest information and instructions.