Tornadoes

A tornado is a very strong, spinning wind. It looks like a giant funnel coming down from a storm cloud. Tornadoes can pick up cars, trees, and even houses. They are one of the most powerful storms on Earth.

How They Form

Tornadoes often grow from big thunderstorms. They need warm, wet air near the ground and cool, dry air up high. When these mix the right way, the air starts to spin. If the spinning air touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

A map shows every tornado that hit the United States over many years.
A map shows every tornado that hit the United States over many years. (Tertius51 / Wikimedia Commons)

Tornado Alley

Tornadoes can happen in many places, but they are most common in the middle of the United States. This area is called Tornado Alley. It has the right mix of warm and cool air for big storms. People there know how to find safe places like basements.

Fun Facts

  • The wind inside a tornado can be faster than 300 miles per hour.
  • Most tornadoes only last a few minutes.
  • Tornadoes are sometimes called twisters.

Did You Know?

A tornado that forms over water is called a waterspout and can suck up fish into the sky.