How to Tell if a Tornado is Coming? Tornado’s Signs and Alerts

In the US, around 100 people die and thousands are injured annually due to tornadoes. One of the causes of this high number of casualties is that people in affected areas did not recognize tornado signs. How to tell if a tornado is coming?

People can recognize these signs from various phenomena. Knowing those indicators is beneficial for those living in tornado-prone areas. Thanks to this knowledge, they can immediately take ideal responses to stay safe during the disaster.

About Tornados

A tornado is an air column that rotates strongly, with one end touching the ground and the other connected with the cloud base. The type of this cloud is typically a cumulonimbus cloud. 

While rotating violently, a tornado also travels for several kilometers on the ground before it vanishes. A single tornado typically travels 8 km long. However, a family of tornadoes can cause destruction along an area of more than 100 km.

The size of tornadoes varies greatly. On average, this column of air has a diameter of 150m. Tornado’s wind speed also differs from one to another. In many cases, the wind speed of this column is 110 km per hour. However, it is not impossible for this column of air to have a wind speed of 400 kmph.

Tornadoes occur in the Spring and Summer between 3.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. The formation of this air column occurs when cool and dry air meets warm and moist air. Countries that are prone to tornadoes are the U.S., the U.K., Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, India, China, Italy, New Zealand, and South Africa.

How to Tell if a Tornado is Coming?

Can you tell if a tornado is coming? Yes, people in tornado-prone zones can recognize at least 5 atmospheric changes before a tornado occurs. Below are 5 atmospheric signs that a tornado will come.

1. Dark, Green Sky

One of the signs of tornado during the day is a dark, cloudy sky with a touch of green color. The greenish effect on the sky occurs because the rays of the setting sun shine through a cumulonimbus that is heavy with ice and water droplets.

However, this dark, thick cloud does not always signify that a tornado will come. It may also be a sign of other extreme weather, such as heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms. Therefore, people must stay alert when they notice a dark greenish sky.

2. Large Hail

A tornado usually occurs not long after a hailstorm falls from the dark greenish sky. In most cases, the hail from this storm is large, about the size of a golf ball. 

Consequently, this hailstorm can cause minor impairment to houses or vehicles. Moreover, it may injure people. This hailstorm commonly occurs without rain.  

3. Funnel-Shaped Cloud

How to tell if a tornado is coming? A tornado is positively coming if there is a funnel-shaped cloud in the sky. This cloud is almost similar to a tornado. It is rotating and in the form of an air column.

However, the funnel-shaped cloud is not in contact with the ground. Not long after the appearance of this cloud, the other end of the air column will touch the ground, rotate, and create a tornado. Therefore, people must be extra alert and be prepared for the coming tornado.

4. Cloud of Debris

Another sign of a tornado is an approaching cloud of debris. A funnel-shaped cloud will create a debris cloud when its end touches the ground. Moreover, this cloud of debris is rotating and collecting debris and dust.

When the tornado is fully formed, the debris will turn into something similar to a missile. They may injure people and damage properties along the tornado path.

5. Roaring Sound

A tornado typically makes a roaring sound similar to a freight train or waterfall. Therefore, people who hear this loud sound during a stormy and cloudy day must instantly seek shelter.

Tornado Alerts

Aside from those tornado signs, people can tell that a tornado is coming from a tornado emergency alert. In the US, the authority uses a tornado warning system to provide people with early tornado alerts. This system consists of a tornado radar and other equipment to detect tornadoes.

After detecting an incoming tornado, the system will disseminate an alert to people in the affected area. The alert comes in several categories. 

• Tornado Watch: This alert indicates that there is a possibility of a tornado. Those who get this alert must be prepared for a tornado. They must start monitoring the weather/atmosphere, planning an emergency plan, and ensuring their safe room is ready for the emergency. 

• Tornado Warning: The authority will broadcast a tornado warning alert when the weather radar spots a tornado. Consequently, people in the affected area must instantly take action, such as go to the safe room.

• Tornado Emergency: This alert indicates that a powerful and destructive tornado is coming. Therefore, people getting this message must seek shelter immediately.

How to tell if a tornado is coming? The formation of a tornado will cause some atmospheric changes. Moreover, the tornado warning system can detect early tornado signs and disseminate alerts. If your country needs to improve the effectiveness of its tornado warning system, please visit smsbroadcaster.com.