A tornado is a swirling, funnel-shaped cloud with whirling winds that can reach 300 mph that stretches from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornado damage tracks can be more than one mile broad and 50 miles long. Once on land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be accompanied by tornadoes.
What causes tornadoes?
Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms in warm, moist, unstable air along and ahead of cold fronts. Such thunderstorms also may generate large hail and damaging winds. When intense springtime storm systems produce large, persistent areas that support tornado development, major outbreaks can occur.
What is the size of a tornado?
With this said, the typical tornado damage path is about one or two miles, with a width of around 50 yards. The largest tornado path widths can exceed one mile, while the smallest widths can be less than 10 yards. Widths can even vary considerably during a single tornado, since its size can change during its lifetime.
Officially, the widest tornado on record is the El Reno, Oklahoma tornado of May 31, 2013, with a width of 2.6 miles (4.2 km) at its peak. Width of Path averages about 300 to 400 yards but tornadoes have cut swatches a mile or more in width. Speed of Travel averages from 25 to 40 miles per hour, but speeds ranging from stationary to 68 miles per hour have been reported.
San Francisco residents experienced an extraordinary weather alert when a tornado warning was issued for the Bay Area, a region not typically associated with such severe weather events. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautioned locals about the possibility of rotating thunderstorms capable of producing brief tornadoes. The warning, which covered parts of the city and surrounding areas, sent shockwaves across social media as people shared videos of ominous cloud formations and intense winds.
While tornadoes are exceedingly rare in this part of California, unusual weather patterns attributed to climate change are being examined as potential contributors. Meteorologists have also pointed to a convergence of cold and warm air masses as a likely trigger. Though no significant damage was reported, the warning underscored the growing unpredictability of weather in regions historically considered safe from such phenomena.
How to save people during tornado?
Saving people during a tornado involves preparation, quick action, and clear communication. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
1. Before the Tornado (Preparation)
- Stay Informed: Keep a reliable weather app, NOAA Weather Radio, or local news for alerts. Learn the difference between a Tornado Watch (conditions favorable) and a Tornado Warning (tornado spotted or indicated on radar).
- Identify Shelter Areas: Designate a safe room in your home, workplace, or community. Ideal shelters are basements, storm cellars, or interior rooms without windows on the lowest floor.
- Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents.
- Create a Communication Plan: Share emergency plans with family or colleagues, and have contact numbers ready.
2. During the Tornado
If Indoors:
- Seek Shelter Immediately:
- Go to a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room like a bathroom or closet.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Protect Yourself: Use a mattress, heavy blankets, or cushions to shield your head and neck from debris.
- Stay Low: Crouch under sturdy furniture (e.g., a table) if possible.
If Outdoors:
- Find Shelter Quickly:
- Look for a sturdy building nearby.
- Avoid large, open areas or staying under bridges (they create wind tunnels).
- In a Vehicle:
- Do NOT try to outrun a tornado.
- If you see a ditch or low-lying area, exit the vehicle and lie flat, covering your head.
- Stay away from overpasses and large trees.
If in a Mobile Home:
- Evacuate Immediately: Mobile homes are not safe. Move to a designated tornado shelter or sturdy building.
3. After the Tornado
- Check for Injuries: Administer first aid and call emergency services if needed.
- Avoid Hazards:
- Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures.
- Avoid walking or driving through debris.
- Help Others: Assist neighbors, particularly the elderly, children, and those with disabilities.
- Stay Informed: Monitor emergency alerts for updates and guidance.
4. Key Tips for Rescuers
- Coordinate Efforts: Work with local emergency services and follow their directives.
- Use Safety Gear: Wear gloves, boots, and helmets to protect yourself from debris while helping others.
- Clear Escape Routes: Remove debris to create safe paths for evacuation.
- Communicate Clearly: Use whistles or loud calls to locate trapped individuals.
Preparation and quick action can make a significant difference in saving lives during a tornado.