Tornadoes are powerful rotating columns of air that form during severe thunderstorms. They most commonly occur in a region of the central United States known as "Tornado Alley". Tornadoes can cause extensive damage by killing and injuring people, destroying property, and removing soil. While tornado watches and warnings aim to protect lives, the unpredictability of tornadoes makes them difficult to fully prepare for or prevent. More advanced prediction systems and continued research on tornado formation and impacts could help mitigate their damage.