Tornadoes are incredibly destructive, wreaking havoc on everything in their path. They can last for an hour and may have winds of up to 200 mph.

One of the most popular ideas for stopping tornadoes involves a fleet of satellites collecting solar energy, transforming it into microwaves, and beaming them to large storm fronts, where they'd heat the cold downdrafts that cause tornadoes. Another idea is to seed the storm area with cloud seeds, tiny particles (like silver iodide or potassium iodide) that facilitate rain by letting water cling to them and go from vapor to liquid.

The first thing to do is get out of your car or mobile home, if it's not in a sturdy building. During a tornado, these are the most dangerous places.

Find a low-lying area and lie flat on your back, using your hands to protect your head. If you don't have a low-lying area nearby, go to the basement of a sturdy building, or seek shelter in an interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

Immediately report downed power lines or broken gas lines. This will help emergency crews turn off the electricity and gas as quickly as possible, which can save lives.

If you're inside, hide under a piece of sturdy furniture. It will keep you from falling and will protect your head and neck, which are more likely to be injured by flying debris.

You should also practice your tornado escape plan and drills regularly, so that everyone in the family knows what to do when a tornado is near. This will make the situation less stressful and require less thinking on your part.