True or False:
1. On a local scale, tornadoes are the most destructive of all atmospheric phenomena.
True.
2. Tornadoes can appear in many other parts of the world, but they occur most frequently in the United States.
True.
3. The strongest tornadoes have rotating winds of more than 100 mph.
True, some of the strongest tornadoes have winds up to 250 mph.
4. Tornadoes always give you a warning when they’re coming.
False: Sometimes tornados strike quickly with little to no warning. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or low-hanging clouds may hide others.
5. The following are two signs that could forewarn you of an impending tornado: still and quiet conditions, a green sky.
True. While many people might think that tornadoes follow intense thunderstorms, many times (but not all), right before a tornado, the air may go suddenly still and quiet. If you ever see a sky get suddenly dark and greenish in color, you should check your local forecast. While a green sky alone doesn’t indicate that a tornado is definitely coming, it is one of the first signs that tornadoes give of their presence
6. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 12 and 3 pm.
False: They are actually most likely to occur between 3pm and 9pm, but can occur at any time.
7. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
True. If you find yourself under a tornado warning or actually witnessing a tornado, seek shelter immediately. If you are outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
8. The lowest level of a shelter is the safest spot during a tornado warning.
True: Basements and storm cellars are safest during tornados. If you can’t go to a lower level or basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
Terms to know:
“Tornado Watch” indicates that severe storm conditions are expected to surface in your area, and could result in a tornado. Remain alert for approaching storms. Know what counties or parishes are in the watch area by listening to your local radio/television station.
“Tornado Warning” indicates that an actual tornado has been sighted in your area, or is indicated by weather radar.
Information courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (www.noaa.gov) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov).
Sandi Duncan is the Managing Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. 
If you notice a hole in the upper left-hand corner of your Farmers' Almanac, don't return it to the store! That hole isn't a defect; it's a part of history. Starting with the first edition of the Farmers' Almanac in 1818, readers used to nail holes into the corners to hang it up in their homes, barns, and outhouses (to provide both reading material and toilet paper). In 1910, the Almanac's publishers began pre-drilling holes in the corners to make it even easier for readers to keep all of that invaluable information (and paper) handy.
5 comments
I personally survived the May third tornado which was the storm with the srongest winds ever recorded. At that speed it sounded more like a jet taking off to me. It is something that I would never foreget. You kow something though, I am not afraid of tornades at all. When you liove in Oklahoma most of you life it is something you kind of get use to.The reason why this part of the country is known as tornado alley is because we are close to the gulf and also close to the Rockies.
Warm moist air comes up form the gulf and cool dry air comes down from the rockies.
These air masses come togeather over North Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas thus we have tornades.
i do not like TORNADO
Very helpful information. I live in hurricane country but there have been tornadoes here on occasion. I actually witnessed two very strong tornadoes when I lived in Atlanta. I will never forget the sight of the tornadoes or the sound of the freight train. Very, very helpful information in this article. I didn’t know about the green sky. Going to share this with my friends every where.
Thanks for your question Patricia,
According to some additional research the old theory was to keep windows open but NOW they are saying that windows should stay shut. Researchers realize that wind blowing into open, or broken, windows pushes up on the roof. At the same time, wind blowing over the roof is making it act like an airplane wing that generates a lifting force. If the roof lifts off, the walls can fall outward, making it look like the building exploded.
So it’s best to keep them closed.
This is a nice article.Could be life saving!Is there a reason that the windows should not be opened?Ps I love this site.
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