However, the Great Plains and Gulf Coast States experience the largest number of Tornadoes. The greatest frequency of Tornadoes occur in April, May and June. The destructive path of a tornado averages about 250 yards in width and 15 miles in length. In extreme conditions, a tornado may travel more than 300 miles and leave a path of total destruction more than a mile wide. Tornadoes will travel up to 70 mph, with wind speeds approaching 400 mhp within the tornado's center.
Tornadoes usually travel from a westerly direction to an easterly direction.
Signs and Warnings Tornadoes develop during severe thunderstorms. While not all thunderstorms create Tornadoes, the potential is there. During violent weather, keep tuned to a local television or radio station for tornado reports. If you are outside and see a funnel-shaped cloud with obvious rotating motion, it may be a tornado. As a tornado develops, it will produce a loud roar that grows louder as the funnel cloud touches the ground.