Tornadoes are rotating columns of air attached to thunderstorms that can reach the ground. They occur most frequently in the central US between March and August. Tornado wind speeds can exceed 300 mph and they can be over a mile wide. The damage and strength of tornadoes is measured using the Fujita scale, ranging from F0 to F5. Over the past 70 years in the US, tornadoes have caused over $25 billion in damage and injured or killed over 80,000 people.

1. Tornadoes Photo courtesy of NOAA/SPC

2. Tornado Facts A tornado is a rotating column of air attached to a thunderstorm that comes in contact with the ground. The most violent of all atmospheric events is the tornado. On average, 800 to 1000 tornadoes occur in the U.S. each year. Tornadoes occur in every state in the U.S. Tornado winds reach 300 mph.

3. Tornado Facts Tornadoes can be a mile or more wide. Tornadoes can travel at speeds from almost stationary to 70mph. The life of a tornado can exceed one hour. Tornadoes most likely occur between 3 and 9 pm. Tornadoes may appear transparent until dust and debris are picked up.

4. Tornado Strength F-0: 40-72 mph chimney damage, tree branches broken F-1: 73-112 mph mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned F-2: 113-157 mph considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprooted F-3: 158-205 mph roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrown F-4: 207-260 mph well-constructed walls leveled F-5: 261-318 mph homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, autos thrown as far as 100 meters The strength of a tornado is determined by using the Fujita - Pearson Tornado Scale

5. Since 1950: Tornadoes have caused over $25 billion in damage in the United States. Tornadoes have injured over 80,000 people in the United States. Tornadoes have killed over 4,500 people in the United States.

6. States Where Most Tornadoes Occur Texas Oklahoma Arkansas Alabama Mississippi Illinois Missouri Indiana Louisiana Tennessee

7. Tornado Damage Oklahoma City May 8, 2003

10. Tornado Forecasting Meteorologists can predict severe storms and issue warnings that appear on your television or computer screens