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Tornado Facts

Tornado Facts ImageAlthough tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most frequently in the United States. In an average year, 1,2000 tornadoes cause 60-65 fatalities and 1,500 injuries nationwide.

Learn How Tornadoes Form | Criteria for a Tornado Warning

  Tornado Facts
  • A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a cumuliform cloud, such as a thunderstorm, to the ground
  • Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are piked up or a cloud forms within the funnel.? The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes can move in any direction and can suddenly change their direction of motion
  • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph
  • The strongest tornadoes have rotating winds of more than 200 mph
  • Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over warm water.? Water spouts can move onshore and cause damage to coastal areas
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