Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms. In an average year, about 1,000 tornadoes are reported across the United States, resulting in 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes and can occur anywhere in the U.S. at any time of the year. In the southern states, peak tornado season is March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the summer.
- Are you prepared for Nature’s Most Violent Storms?. A preparedness guide including safety information for schools prepared by the National Weather Service, FEMA and the American Red Cross.
- NOAA Severe Weather Awareness
- Weather Safety for Kids — Owlie Skywarn’s Weather Book about Tornadoes (PDF)
Storm Reports – includes monthly tornado statistics, deadly tornadoes, current severe weather reports and more from the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.Severe Storm Climatology — Where and When Do Severe Thunderstorms Occur? (Storm Animations, Total Threats, Annual Cycles)Severe Weather Information from NOAA’s National Weather Service — information about Tornadoes, Thunderstorms, FloodsTornadoes of the 20th Century — a list of the more notable tornado outbreaks that occurred in the U.S. during the 20th century.Golden Anniversary of Tornado Forecasting: 50 Years of Service to the American PeopleTornado Climatology — Long-term Averages by State
The April 3-4, 1974 Super Outbreak was the largest known outbreak of tornadoes, with 148 tornadoes in 11 states. This and more Tornado Fast Facts.
VORTEX: Unraveling the Secrets – created by the National Severe Storms Laboratory as a prototype educational site for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This is the oldest known photo of a tornado. It was taken on
August 28, 1884 near Howard, South Dakota. The name of the photographer is not known.
For more tornado photos and drawings, visit the Severe Storms Laboratory and Historic NWS Albums of NOAA Photo Library – home of more than 30,000 public domain photos.