Tornado Facts
(Information provided by the Michigan Committee for Severe
Weather Awareness -
http://mcswa.org/tornadofactsheet.aspx)
1. What is a tornado?
It is a column of violently rotating winds extending down
from a thunderstorm cloud and touching the surface of the
earth.
2. What is the difference between a tornado and a funnel
cloud?
A funnel cloud is also a column of violently rotating winds
extending down from a thunderstorm; however, it does not
touch the earth.
3. How many tornadoes usually occur in Michigan every
year?
An average of 16 tornadoes occurs in Michigan each year.
Since 1950, 239 persons have been killed due to tornadoes.
During this same time, Michigan has experienced 874
tornadoes.
4. When do tornadoes generally occur?
Most tornadoes occur during the months of May, June, July
and August in the late afternoon and evening hours. However,
tornadoes can occur anytime of the day or night in almost
any month during the year.
5. How fast do tornadoes travel?
Tornadoes generally travel from the southwest and at an
average speed of 30 miles per hour. However, some tornadoes
have very erratic paths, with speeds approaching 70 mph.
6. How far do tornadoes travel once they touch the
ground?
The average Michigan tornado is on the ground for less than
10 minutes and travels a distance of about 5 miles. However,
they do not always follow the norm, and have been known to
stay on the ground for more than an hour and travel more
than 100 miles.
7. What is a tornado watch?
A tornado/severe thunderstorm watch is issued whenever
conditions exist for severe weather to develop. Watches are
usually for large areas about two-thirds the size of Lower
Michigan and are usually two-to-six hours long. Watches give
you time to plan and prepare.
8. What is a tornado warning?
The local Weather Service (NWS) office issues a tornado
warning whenever a tornado has been sighted or NWS Doppler
Radar indicates a thunderstorm capable of producing a
tornado. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued whenever a
severe thunderstorm is observed or NWS Doppler Radar
indicates a thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds
or large hail. Warnings are for smaller areas, such as
counties, and are usually 30 to 90 minutes in length. You
must act immediately when you first hear the warning. If
severe weather is reported near you, seek shelter
immediately. If not, keep a constant lookout for severe
weather and stay near a shelter.
9. How do I find out about a warning if my electricity is
already out?
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards with battery back-up
capability is your best source to receive the warning. In
some areas, civil emergency sirens may be your first
official warning. In addition, if your television or radio
has battery back-up capability, you may receive NOAA’s
National Weather Service warnings from local media.
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