Tornado Safety Info Everyone Should Know

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

When you know that the weather in the spring can be unpredictable, you can take steps to always be prepared for the chance of severe thunderstorms that lead to the perfect conditions for a tornado to strike.

The months of April and May are notorious for the highest occurrences of tornadoes at 30% and 24%, respectively. This means we are currently entering into the height of tornado season throughout the United States. Included in this blog are some tips and information on tornadoes that can help keep your family prepared for the worst possible scenario.

Ideal Conditions for a Tornado

There are approximately over 1,000 tornadoes that occur in the U.S. each year, and they are the product of severe thunderstorms, especially those known as “supercells.”

The formation of a tornado occurs when changes in wind speed and direction create a horizontal spinning effect within a storm cell. This is then tipped vertical by rising air moving up through the thunderclouds.

At first look, you will not see the tornado’s signature funnel cloud because it will be transparent until water droplets from the storm’s moist air condense or when dust and debris are picked up. A typical tornado can grow to be 660 feet wide and will move at 10 to 20 miles per hour, although larger and faster tornadoes have been observed. Hail and intense winds of over 200 mph can accompany tornadoes.

Typically, tornadoes occur in the late afternoon, but it is vital to remember that they can occur at anytime and anywhere.

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that SERVPRO® of North Huntington is ready and waiting to jump into action and get cleanup and restoration of your property underway.