Galmey Community Bible Church

Tornado!   Tornado!   Tornado!

"How Does A Tornado Form?"

Tornado!  One of Nature's Most Violent Storms

A tornado is defined as a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, rotating funnel shaped cloud extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.  The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.  Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. 

What Causes A Tornado?

Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward moving cold fronts.  These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds and tornadoes.  During the spring in the Central Plains, thunderstorms frequently develop along a "dryline," which separates very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west.  Tornado producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.  Remember tornadoes occasionally develop in areas in which a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect.  Remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter (Galmey Church Fellowship Hall) if threatening conditions exist.

Tornado Variations

• Some tornadoes may form during the early stages of rapidly developing thunderstorms.  This type of tornado is most common along the front range of the Plains states.
• Tornadoes come in all different sizes and shapes.  Some are long and skinny, some are really wide, some are tall, some are short. 
• Tornadoes have a life cycle.  It starts thin, gets wider and stronger and then gets weaker and wider or perhaps gets thinner, even "ropey."
• Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up.
• Occasionally, two or more tornadoes may occur at the same time.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between noon and midnight but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night.
• Tornado season is generally March through August, although tornadoes can occur at any time of the year.
• The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to moved in any direction.  The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.

Stay Informed About The Storm

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio and television for the latest tornado Watches and Warnings.

• Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop a severe thunderstorm or tornado.  Watch the sky!
• Warnings are issued when weather service personnel have information from weather radar, spotters and other sources for areas where severe weather is imminent.  Seek shelter immediately!

NOAA Weather Radio is the best means to receive warnings from the National Weather Service.  The National Weather Service continously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios.  The average range is 40 miles, depending on topography.  The National Weather Service recommends purchasing a radio that has both a battery backup and a tone-alert feature which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued.

What To Listen For...

Tornado Watch:  Tornadoes are possible in your area.  Remain alert for approaching storms.

Tornado Warning:  A tornado has been sighted or indicted by weather radar.  If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch:  Severe thunderstorms are possible in the area.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning:  Severe thunderstorms are occurring.

Clues of Tornadoes

Look out for:

• Dark, often greenish sky
• Wall Cloud
• Large Hail
• Loud Roar; similar to a freight train

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"To God Be The Glory"