Tornadoes - The Spinning Storms - Reading Passage with Quiz for Teachers, Parents & Homeschoolers

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Tornadoes are dangerous spinning columns of air. Knowing the signs and having safety plans can help protect you from these intense storms.

Written by Neha Goel TripathiPublished by Workybooks

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tornadoes, funnel clouds, Tornado Alley, EF scale, storm safety

Tornadoes are powerful, spinning columns of air that stretch from a thunderstorm down to the ground. They look like funnels and can be very dangerous. Tornadoes can happen anywhere, but they're most common in the United States in an area called "Tornado Alley."

These storms can spin faster than any other wind on Earth. They can pick up cars, destroy houses, and throw debris for miles. Tornadoes usually last for just a few minutes, but some can last for over an hour.

Scientists use weather radar to spot tornadoes forming. When they see signs of a tornado, they send out warnings to keep people safe. If a tornado is coming, the safest place to be is in a basement or a small, inside room on the lowest floor of a strong building.

Tornadoes are ranked on a scale from EF0 to EF5, with EF5 being the strongest. While tornadoes can be scary, knowing what to do and being prepared can help keep you safe during these powerful storms.

What is a tornado?

A heavy rainstormA spinning column of airA type of cloudA strong wind blowing in one direction

Where are tornadoes most common in the United States?

Tornado AlleyThe East CoastAlaskaHawaii

How long do most tornadoes last?

Several hoursA few daysA few minutesAbout a week

What do scientists use to spot tornadoes forming?

TelescopesWeather balloonsWeather radarSeismographs

What is the safest place to be during a tornado?

Outside watching the stormIn a carIn a basement or small, inside room on the lowest floorOn the top floor of a building

How are tornadoes ranked?

By their colorBy how long they lastFrom A to FFrom EF0 to EF5