Natural Disaster: Tornadoes

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.