TORNADOES

A tornado is a violent storm with whirling winds of up to 300 miles per hour! It appears as a funnel shaped cloud, from gray to black in color (depending on the amount of debris the storm has picked up) which extends to the ground from the base of the thunderstorm.  A tornado spins like a top, and may sound like the roar of an airplane or locomotive. Tornadoes move at an average speed of 30 miles per hour, and generally move from southwest to northeast, though Alabama tornadoes may follow other paths.
The direction of travel can be erratic, and may change suddenly.  These short-lived storms are the most violent of all atmospheric phenomena, and the most destructive, over a small area. Alabama tornadoes tend to be smaller (usually F-0 to F-1 on the Fujita Scale in southern Alabama, with an occasional F-2), and shorter lived than their Midwestern cousins, but all are dangerous to life and property none the less. However, the tornado that hit Enterprise on March 1, 2007 was rated as an EF-4 tornado.

The Enhanced Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity

Fujita Scale
(Graphic Courtesy FEMA)

The new Enhanced Fujita Scale is based on a three-second gust with wind speeds as follows:

F-0: 65-85 mph, chimney damage, tree branches broken
F-1: 86-110 mph, mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned
F-2: 111-135 mph, considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprooted
F-3: 136-165 mph, roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrown
F-4: 166-200 mph, well-constructed walls leveled
F-5: Over 200 mph, homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, autos thrown as far as 100 meters

When can a tornado occur?

can occur at virtually any time, often with little or no warning. Tornadoes normally occur at the transition boundary between warm, moist tropical air, and cold, dry polar air.

Fortunately for us, we are not subject to the major tornadoes of the Midwest and plains states (known as 'tornado alley'). Tornadoes which form over the Gulf are called 'waterspouts'. Tornadoes often form in the right front quadrant of hurricanes as they make landfall as well.

What is the difference between a tornado WATCH and WARNING?

WATCH is posted, NWS wants the public to know that conditions are right for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. When a tornado WARNING is issued it means that a tornado has been sighted visually, or detected by Doppler radar.  A location for the sighting is normally given in a warning.

What protective actions can I take during a tornado?

Under a tornado WATCH:
When conditions are right for a tornado, there are a few things that you should do:

  • Stay tuned to a local radio or television station or listen to NOAA Weather Radio. Tune it to the appropriate frequency for your particular area.
  • Secure any loose objects outdoors, or move them inside.
  • Survey local structures for the most suitable shelter.
  • Keep watching the sky to the south and southwest. If you see any rotating funnel shaped clouds, report them immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency and TAKE COVER!
Under a tornado WARNING:
This means a tornado has been spotted near your area, or is forecast to move in your direction! TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! Do not leave shelter until you are sure no further danger exists.
  • In a motor vehicle:
    • The least desirable place to be during a tornado is inside a motor vehicle!
    • NEVER try to outrun a tornado in your car!  Stop your vehicle and get out.
    • Seek shelter quickly. Do NOT get under or next to your vehicle.
    • A ditch or ground depression will help, if a tornado shelter is not nearby.
  • At school:
    • Follow the school disaster plan.
    • Stay away from auditoriums, cafeterias, or gymnasiums, or other areas with wide free span roofs.
    • Go into center hallways and stay away from windows..
  • In open country:
    • Move away from the tornado's projected path at right angles.
    • Seek shelter in a ditch, ravine or culvert. Even a low spot in the ground will give you some protection.
    • Stay away from trees.
    • Remember to protect your head.
  • In the home or condo:
    • The safest place to go is the innermost hallway on the lowest floor.
    • An interior closet is relatively safe. An interior bathroom is even better.
      • Four walls surround a small area
      • Bathroom plumbing helps hold things together.
      • The bathtub, sink and toilet help support debris if the house should collapse.
    • Avoid windows!
      • Flying debris causes most injuries and deaths.
      • Flying glass can be deadly!
    • DO NOT OPEN WINDOWS  AS A TORNADO APPROACHES TO EQUALIZE PRESSURES!
      • If a tornado actually gets close enough for a pressure drop to be felt, the strong tornadic winds have probably already caused the most significant damage.
      • Opening windows may actually increase the amount of damage!
  • In a mobile or manufactured home:
    • One of the least desirable places to be during a tornado.
    • Seek shelter IMMEDIATELY!
    • Go to a tornado shelter on foot.  Do NOT drive your car.
    • Do NOT get under your mobile home.
    • If no other shelter is available, lie down in a ditch or ground depression.

After a tornado:

  • Help injured or trapped persons.
  • Give first aid when appropriate.
    • Don't try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
    • Call for help.
  • Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
  • Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
  • Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.
  • Leave the buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
  • Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents--for insurance purposes.
  • Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

 

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