This book was not written for meteorologists or for scientists in any field, although they likely will be among its most interested readers. Furthermore, it contains no mathematical equations and the few technical terms used are explained in lay language. It was written for people on farms, in kitchens, factories, schools, and stores. It provides accurate and readable accounts of tornadoes in Iowa and their characteristics, as well as some safety guidelines. However, the book has regional and even national interest since tornadoes anywhere have many similarities.
Tornadoes are a serious and, unfortunately for some a heart rending experience.
Still, we need to understand natural phenomena if we are to cope with them adequately. Safety education is the second major purpose. For example, recent research has shown that a number of conventional ideas about tornado safety are either misleading or in error. Also in this book are accounts of personal experiences during tornadoes. You may occasionally smile as you read some incidents.