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.
Stay tuned to radio and television reports in your area. Keep watch on the sky. A tornado warning means tornadoes have been sighted. You should take shelter immediately. If you see any revolving funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to your local police department, sheriff's department, fire department or dial 911.