1. Tornadoes
Defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

2. Tornadoes Occur in many parts of the world
Found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains
Most frequent during the spring and summer months.
An average of 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide each year
80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries average per year.
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.

3. Tornado Formation

4. Tornado Formation cont.d...

5. Tornado Formation Cont’d
Change in wind direction along with an increase of speed causes horizontal spinning effect.
Rotating air tilts becoming vertical, forming funnel shape.
Funnel extends to the ground becoming the Tornado.
“Wall cloud”-slow rotating cloud, parent to the Tornado.

6. When and Where they occur
Mainly in the US but can occur anywhere
Southern states- March-May
Northern states- Summer months.
Wayne County
All Counties
Historical Tornado Statistics for Southeast Lower Michigan
(updated through 2001 season)

7. “Watches” versus “Warnings”
Many people confuse their meanings
“Watch”- tornadoes are possible in your area
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind coworkers where the safest places within your office are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.
“Warning”- tornadoes have been sighted by weather radar

8. Tornado Clues Look out for: Dark, often greenish sky Wall cloud
Large hail
Loud roar; similar to a freight train
Tornado
Clues
A lower cloud base in the center of the photograph identifies an area of rotation known as a rotating wall cloud. This area is often nearly rain-free. Note rain in the background.
Moments later a strong tornado develops in this area. Softball-size hail and damaging "straight-line" winds can occur with this storm.

9. Tornado
Variations
Some tornadoes may form during the early stages of rapidly developing thunderstorms.
Occasionally, two or more tornadoes may occur at the same time.
Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up.
Waterspouts are weak tornadoes that form over warm water.

10. Different types of Tornado
The “Wedge” Tornado
Straight on sides- not funnel shaped.
Not stronger than a funnel shape but cover larger areas causing more damage.

11. Different types of Tornado
Another wedge with a different appearance
Often blamed for striking without warning.
Appear as a boiling well of fog as they are positioned close to the rain wall.
The rain stops and the tornado appears

12. Different types of Tornado
Classic funnel but white.
Tornado seen here is front lit by the sunlight so appears white
Most Tornadoes are photographed from the west so appear black or grey

13. Different types of Tornado
Discontinuous funnel in the rain
This funnel made a sudden appearance from out of the rain.
An example of what might lurk in a tornadic storm

14. Classification of |Tornadoes
Done using the “Fujita Scale”
F-0: mph, chimney damage, tree branches broken F-1: mph, mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned F-2: mph, considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprooted F-3: mph, roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrown F-4: mph, well-constructed walls leveled F-5: mph, homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, autos thrown as far as 100 meters

15. How
Tornadoes
Hide
Tornadoes hide in many ways -- under cover of darkness, heavy rain, landscape.
They usually develop in areas in which a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect. Remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist

16. Tornado
Myths
MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.
FACT: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through
Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a
10,000 ft. mountain.
MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the
tornado passes overhead.
FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural
damage.
MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize
pressure and minimize damage.
FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the
windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.

17. In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
Stay away from windows
If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Tornado
Safety
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.
Interior bathroom was all that was left standing of this house:

18. Tornado Safety at School
Go to an inside hallway at the lowest level (central 1st floor hallway).
Stay inside
1st floor aisle side cubicles under work surface
Rooms (restrooms, etc. adjoining 1st floor aisle
Avoid places with wide-span roofs areas
Move away from exterior walls and windows
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a cubicle work surface or heavy table or desk and hold on to it. (Several of the people that survived the Jarrell tornado lived because they had gotten into a bathtub).
Use arms to protect head and neck.

19. Tornado Safety Get out of automobiles.
Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.

20. Vehicle Procedures During a Tornado
Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

21. Procedures for Outdoors
If possible, get inside a building.
If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Use arms to protect head and neck.

22. Before A Tornado Happens
Conduct tornado drills each tornado season. Designate an area in the office as a shelter, and practice having everyone go there in response to a tornado threat.

23. Tornado Drill Procedures
When the tornado alarm is given you must immediately:
Always treat any alarm as the real thing.
Take cover quickly
Go to the designated tornado shelter for your office.
Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
Use arms to protect head and neck.
Safety personnel should monitor the process and fill out the evacuation report.

24. After the All Clear Is Given
You must follow all procedures set forth in the emergency evacuation policy.
Report to the designated meeting area for roll call.
Remain calm, no smoking or talking.
Follow the directions of safety personnel.
Evacuation Meeting area.

25. Communications Is Key Element After the Tornado.
Remember to follow the communications procedures set for your department. Staying in touch will help:
Ease the concerns of family members.
Formulate a response to the emergency with information supplied by you on the status of the system.

26. Destruction caused by Tornadoes
Its troublesome when you’ve got no home to come home to.
Schools out!
Just as well there was no-one in this car!
This church was never the same again

27. Summary
Tornadoes are a serious problem causing widespread devastation.
Quick thinking could save lives

28. Thank you!