Tornado

A tornado is defined as: a violently rotating column of air usually accompanied by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a cumulonimbus cloud and having a vortex several hundred yards in diameter whirling destructivelyat speeds of up to 300 miles per hour.

Although tornadoes will normally only stay on the ground for no more than 20 minutes, damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long, however, one tornado can touch ground several times in different areas. Tornadoes can occur in any state but are more frequent in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. The most likely time for a tornado to occur is between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can happen at any time.

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.

A tornado warning* is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by a weather radar.

(* at this time, the City of Ann Arbor Siren Warning System will be activated)

Click here for Tornado History in Michigan

Tornado Danger Signs:

Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible.

Look out for:

Dark, often greenish sky
Wall cloud
Large hail
Loud roar, similar to a freight train

Caution:

Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

Safety Rules During:

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement (under a sturdy piece of furniture) or a Safe Room.
If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
Stay away from windows. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
Get out of automobiles immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building. If a building is unavailable or there is no time, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the car. Be aware of potential for flooding. In urban or congested areas, never try to outrun a tornado in a car or truck; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it in the air.
If caught outside, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of potential for flooding.
Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter.
Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.
Do not open windows, use time to seek shelter.
Use arms to protect head and neck.

After the 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.
Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home when authorities say it is safe.
Turn on a radio or television to get the latest emergency information. Use the phone only for emergency calls.
Clean up spilled flammable liquids immediately. Leave the building if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
Take pictures of the damage - both the house and contents - for insurance purposes.

After the Storm:

Don't sign contracts with Contractors.
Board up your home.
Keep all receipts.
Don't tell the insurance company how much structural damage you think you have, let the professionals do their job.
Have your policy number ready when you call the insurance company.
Tell them you want your name on a list for an insurance adjustor to come to your home.

The Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity
Fujita Scale	wind speed range	damage description	annual tornadoes
F0	Under 72	some home damage	200
F1	73 - 112	some roof damage	280
F2	113 - 157	roofs removed	170
F3	158 - 206	homes torn apart	40
F4	207 - 260	homes leveled	10
F5	261 - 318	homes blown away	1
F6	319 - 379	inconceivable	0

The brief damage description is for strong frame homes. Mobile homes can be destroyed in the F1 range.