Signs that a Tornado is coming
How to tell if a twister is on the way
Unless you are Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) or Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) in Twister, then you probably do not spend your days chasing down tornados or really worrying about them too much. Granted those which live in tornado alley have a bit more concern, but even here the focus on these storms is limited to the “tornado season”. Yet, tornados have become more and more common in all the states. What is more, the severity of the tornados are increasing as well. So how do you know if a tornado is about to hit? Here are 5 ways in which you can identify if a tornado is coming.
1. A quickly darkened sky
Tornados tend to come in quickly, and I am not just talking about the funnel. If the day looks normal with a few clouds and then the sky gets dark very quickly, then there may be a tornado on the way. Keep a look at the sky. If it goes to a dark greenish tint, then the odds are that there will be a tornado in the local area. Of course, you will also want to have your television on or radio broadcasting the local weather so that you can get notified if there is a warning or a watch of a tornado.
2. Funnels
Funnels are a sure sign of a tornado. However, before you grab your bug out bag note that there is a distinctive shape to a tornado funnel. First, they are extensions from a cloud, they are typically not just small tangents. Secondly, tornado funnels tend to stand apart from the rest of the cloud meaning that since it “sucks” there will not be too many clouds going down along the body of the funnel. If you see multiple funnels, it is time to hunker down quick as that may mean multiple tornados.
3. Wind increases
If the wind picks up and the force of the wind increases a great deal in a short amount of time, this may be a sign of a tornado. You should be familiar with what is the normal wind speed in your area as well as the direction of the wind at most times. Even if it storms, there is a level of normality to the wind. If you see that the trees are starting to bend, or worse you start to see the trees sway in a rotating sort of manner, then the odds are that a tornado could be forming.
4. Listen for the whistle
Some people have described the sound of a coming tornado to that of a freight train. It is a loud roar with a continuous rumble and whistling noise. If there are weird noises in the air with the whistle, it could be the debris that a tornado is hurling around. Again, if the winds are high and you are hearing weird noises, it is probably best to get in a safe place.
5. Flying and Falling Debris
I am not stating that you should be looking for flying cows or anything like that. However, if you see that there is a great deal of trash and debris getting kicked up by the winds (more than usual), or if you see that the air has gotten a bit thick with dust, leaves, twigs, and such, then it may be a sign that a tornado is on the way. Additionally, if you notice that large branches, trees, and non-common debris are falling that is a sign. In terms of non-organic content, look for shingles on the roadways. Shingles which have been ripped off of roofs have to land somewhere. If they are being hurled in your direction by the wind, then the chances are pretty high that a tornado (or at least some very damaging winds) are heading your way.
What You Should Do!
Have a plan in place for if a tornado hits. You will want to seek out the central location of your house at the lowest level possible. Stay away from windows and doors. I know that in school you used a book over your head, but please get a mattress and get under it (preferably in a tub). If Driving, get in a ditch or in a place where the tornado can pass over you. Finally, do not forget to have supplies ready for a natural disaster. In a tornado, it is probable that there will be a loss of power, water, and food. Ensure that you have the supplies you need, stored in a safe location so that you can survive a tornado when it strikes.