A tornado is a violently rotating storm of small diameter and is the most ferocious of all weather events. It extends downwards from the base of a thunderstorm. The width of damage on the ground is seldom more than 300m, although the tornado may touch down along a path of a few kilometers.
Tornadoes occur more frequently in the afternoon in the summer months.
Listen to the radio and TV for warnings of severe storms in your area. In the event of seeing a tornado, move to the pre-designated building or else move into the center of your house and get under a strong piece of furniture, such as a table. Get out of vehicles, caravans and mobile homes, as they can be moved, overturned and even destroyed by the strong winds and flying debris. Stay away from windows, as flying glass and debris cause the most deaths. Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in your vehicle.