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Tornadoes are one of the most powerful and violent storms that nature can produce.

They come in all shapes and sizes and can occur in every state in the union, on any day of the year and at any hour of the day.

However, one thing that all tornadoes have in common is that they can be a direct threat to your safety.

What Is A Tornado?

A tornado by definition is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud down to the ground. there may or may not be a visible funnel cloud inside the tornado. in other words...the funnel cloud is not the tornado.

For instance, for many years it was assumed that most tornadoes spin downwards to the ground. Recent research and eyewitness reports indicate that most tornadoes actually spin up from the ground and grow upwards into the thunderstorm.

These types of tornadoes may not actually have a visible funnel reaching the ground making them almost impossible to see.

Frequently, dirt and debris violently rotating at ground level is a good confirmation of a tornado.

Wisconsin Tornados

In Wisconsin, the peak tornado season is May through July.

The peak hours of occurrence are between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. with 5 p.m. being the most favored time for tornadoes to develop.

Roughly three-fourths of Wisconsin tornadoes occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

On average Wisconsin sees 20 tornadoes a year with an average of one fatality each year due to tornado-related injuries.

Our Safety

During this time of year, your safety depends on you being alert and cautious.

Be sure that you understand the difference between a tornado watch and warning. Many people confuse watches and warnings.

Now is a good time to review the difference before severe weather hits. It is also a good time to make sure that you know what county you live in.

The National Weather Service issues warnings on a county basis. Keep abreast of the current watches and warnings from a NOAA weather radio, local TV or radio stations or cable stations.

Tornado Watch

The National Weather Service issues a watch to give you advance notice that the development of tornadoes is possible in your area. this gives you the time to make preliminary plans for moving to a safe shelter quickly if a tornado is sighted.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning is an urgent announcement that a tornado has been reported by a person or indicated by radar and warns you to take immediate precautions.

When a warning is issued, move quickly. Seconds save lives.

What Action Should You Take?

Schools, office buildings, factories and those planning large outdoor activities should all have a well-rehearsed plan of action in case of threatening weather.

This includes having a NOAA weather radio to monitor the current and future weather conditions.

The National Weather Service recommends taking shelter in a permanent structure in an interior hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.

If available a basement is the best choice to take cover.

Auditoriums or areas with windows should be avoided. In last-minute situations a desk may used for cover.

The southwest corner of the basement is not necessarily the safest place because large objects such as motor vehicles can be deposited into basements.

You need something sturdy overhead, such as an I-beam. Another better option in the basement is to get underneath a heavy desk or table or the staircase.

If you are caught outside in the open during a tornado, try to hide in a ditch or ravine. Lie flat and cover your head. If you can..wrap a covering around exposed portions of your body.

Any debris driven by tornado strength winds has the potential to cause serious injury.

What To Do If You're Driving?

Never drive directly towards or the vicinity of a tornado.

Any tornado can change direction or speed and put you directly in its path. Move away from the tornado or get out of the car and take shelter immediately.

Also, never take cover under highway over-passes. The tornadic winds will be even stronger under highway over-passes and you are actually more exposed to flying debris than you are lying in a ditch or ravine.

People have been killed taking cover under highway over-passes.

Mobile Home Safety

If you live in a mobile home you should be especially cautious during times of possible severe weather.

Most mobile homes are not safe in severe weather especially tornadoes. The size and construction of mobile homes makes them particularly vulnerable to overturning in high winds.

Some protection may be provided against damage by securing them with cables anchored in concrete footings.

You should be aware that when high winds or tornadic activity are imminent mobile homes should be evacuated. The NWS advises that in these conditions you should move immediately to a sturdy, permanent structure.

If no such shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or depression in the ground. Act Quickly. A majority of tornado related deaths occur in mobile homes. Preparing ahead of time could save your life.

For additional severe weather information, visit the NWS's Web site.

SOURCE: NWS