Tornadoes are small, severe storms of short duration formed by winds rotating at very high speeds. Tornadoes form several thousand feet above the earth's surface, usually during warm, humid, unsettled weather, and usually in conjunction with a severe thunderstorm. As the thunderstorm moves, tornadoes may form at intervals along its path, travel for a few miles and dissipate.

Tornado clouds are most often thunderstorm clouds. An hour or two before a tornado, topsy-turvy greenish-black clouds appear, which sometimes go down instead of up. Tornado sounds resemble a deep roar.

Tornado Watch

When a tornado watch is announced it means that tornadoes are expected in or near the area. Residents should keep their radio or television tuned to a local station for information and advice. You should keep watching the sky, especially to the south and southwest.

Tornado Warning

When a tornado approaches, immediate action may mean the difference between life and death.

• Residents should be advised to seek shelter below ground level, if possible.
• If outside, move at right angles away from the tornado. If escape is impossible, lie flat in a ditch or low spot.