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Summary
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They are rotating, funnel-shaped clouds that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Their whirling winds can reach 300 miles per hour. They can strike quickly with little or no warning, devastate a neighborhood in seconds, and leave a path of damage over a mile wide and 50 miles long. Tornadoes can also accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Although there are no guarantees of safety during a tornado, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety, and losses. If you do experience a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed. You may need help in finding ways to cope.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Learn More
- DisasterAssistance.gov (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Also in Spanish
- National Weather Service: Watch, Warning, Advisory Display (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
- Safety Guidelines: After a Tornado (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
- Safety Guidelines: During a Tornado (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
- Tornadoes (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
- Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Children (American Psychological Association)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Examining Factors Influencing Protective Actions Among Persons with Disabilities During the...
- Article: Stunning tornado: severe pulmonary hypertension due to cor triatriatum sinister.
- Article: The impact of probabilistic tornado warnings on risk perceptions and responses.
- Tornadoes -- see more articles
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.