The Brookhaven leader., 1883-06-14


OF those tornadoes, where the hour
OF the appearance was given, eight oc-
CURED between one and two p. m, thir-
teen between two and three clock,
twenty-seven between three and four
o'clock, fifty between four and five
o'clock, fifty-two between five and six
o'clock, twenty-five between six and
seven o'clock, and decreasing during
the night. Out of those tornadoes whose
courses were reported, three hundred
and ten moved from southwest to north
east and thirty-eight from northwest to
southeast. OF these latter nearly all
were either in the gulf or extreme North
western States and Territories, not one
being in Illinois. Besides these there
were others moving in a variety of di-
rections, but in the general direction of
southeast. The supposition from this
would be that in watching for storms of
this character, especially in Illinois,
they may be confidently anticipated in
the southwest. The same authority
which gives these figures produces a
map showing the relative area of torna-
does. From this it appears that that
portion of Illinois that would be en-
braced in an ellipse drawn with its low
er end at Alton and its upper end at
Joliet, would cover the area in which
the largest number of tornadoes occur.
The width of the path of destruction
varied from forty feet to two miles, the
average being about one-fifth of mile,
while the average length of the tracks
was about twenty-eight miles. Of un-
usually destructive tornadoes Illinois
had fifteen; Kansas, twenty-five; Iowa,
twelve, and Missouri, twelve.
Perhaps the most valuable informa-
ton concerning tornadoes that can be
given the public is an intimation of their
distinguishing characteristics when first
they appear, and such precautionary
suggestions are susceptible of applica-
tion. The Signal Service, in a publica-
tion, says that the approach of a tor
nado is announced from distance by
the appearance of cloud that is usual
ly two or three miles away when first
noticeable. 1t consists of very black,
threatening mass, from the under side
of which descends projection to or
near the earth's surface. Below this
point is the place of destruction. When
the case is severe, a warning noise pre-
cedes the approach of the cloud. Sup
pose person, therefore, to see a tor
nado. indicated by the funne[shaped
cloud approaching. 1t will, if it be a
mile away, require not less than two
minutes to reach him. In that space of
time, if he go in the right direction he
may be able to save himself or diminish
his danger. The cloud or tornado gem
orally moves to the southeast. A posi-
ton not less than seven hundred feet on
the right or south side of line running
northeast from the cloud is measurably
safe. Very few wooden buildings are
safe, especially those with projecting
angles. A one-story house is safer than
two-story house. The safest place of
retreat is in cellar; the danger there,
however, from falling timber is consid-
erable; in cistern, perhaps, is the best
retreat if one be convenient. 1t should
be borne in mind that no form of house
is safe, but, on the contrary. lying flat
on the open ground is much safer than
any shelter afforded by ordinary build
ings.- Chicago Times.