A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. It can cause devastating damage, including leveling well-built homes off their foundations, changing cars into flying missiles and ripping out wide-trunk trees.
Tornadoes are very common in the United States, with more than 1,000 a year. In Ohio, we typically see about 19 tornadoes a year.
Tornadoes are a severe weather phenomenon that can kill or injure hundreds of people. They can form as a result of strong thunderstorms and travel at speeds of 70 to 200 miles per hour.
In Ohio, tornadoes are typically seen in spring and summer, when warm air is bringing stronger storms to the state. However, January and December have seen very low numbers of tornadoes since 1950.
Regardless of what time of year a tornado is hit, it can cause damage. If you see a tornado, go to a safe location.
The National Weather Service recommends a shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar. You should also stay away from windows and doors.
On Monday, February 27th, several severe storms swept through Ohio and prompted tornado warnings for parts of Pickaway, Butler and Clark counties. Among the tornadoes that hit was one in New Carlisle that measured EF1 with wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph.
Ohio is one of the most dangerous places in the world for tornadoes. The state is situated in a fertile nook in the Midwest, far enough from coasts and active faults to avoid most risk of hurricane damage or earthquakes but still within a region known as Tornado Alley.
Tornadoes are powerful, violent storms that are produced when strong thunderstorms produce enough low-level wind shear. They are usually formed over the plains but can also be seen over mountainous areas.
Generally, a funnel cloud is the most obvious sign of a tornado, but they can also take other forms. For instance, waterspouts are tornadoes over water and they typically have a spray ring rather than a debris cloud.
According to the National Weather Service, Ohio has averaged 15 to 16 tornadoes a year since 1950. June is the most common month for tornadoes in the Buckeye State, but December and January have very low totals with fewer than 10 tornadoes each year.
As warmer air arrives in the spring and summer, more storms can form. These systems can often be powerful, producing tornadoes if low-level wind shear is present.
March is typically the least active month for tornadoes in Ohio, but that isn’t always the case. Stronger storms can occur in April and May.
The 1924 Lorain-Sandusky tornado was one of the most devastating events in Ohio history. It killed 85 people and injured hundreds more.
It was the deadliest single tornado and tornado outbreak in Ohio’s history. It killed more than the more well-known 1974 Xenia tornado during the Super Outbreak and the 1985 United States-Canadian tornado outbreak.
Throughout the 1970s, Ohio was a hotspot for severe weather, with many deadly tornadoes occurring here. It was especially common during the summers.
Tornadoes are a serious threat to life and property in Ohio. They can cause severe damage to homes, vehicles and trees.
The most damaging tornadoes occur in the spring and fall, but tornadoes can also strike during summer. Regardless of the time of year, it's important to know what you can do to prepare for a tornado and how to protect yourself.
During a storm, it's best to stay indoors if possible. However, if you do have to leave your home, it's best to take as much shelter as possible.
A tornado can destroy trees, cars, buildings and other structures in a matter of seconds. It's a terrifying experience, but it's important to be prepared.
In addition to taking shelter, it's important to report any injuries and damage immediately. This will help the insurance company process your claim more quickly. It's also a good idea to check the various recovery assistance programs that are available through the federal government.
