Tornadoes

About Tornadoes

Tornadoes are a rotating column of air that extends to the ground. Tornadoes produce dangerous wind and lightning. Most tornadoes last less than 10 minutes but move quickly with little warning. 

Tornadoes can cause extreme damage to anything in its path, including destroying building, flipping cars, and creating dangerous flying debris. 

Tornadoes are classified by the F-Scale (now the Enhanced F-Scale) to determine strength and damage. The wind speeds are estimates because nobody knows the true wind speeds of a tornado at ground level in most cases. 

EF Number3 Second Wind Gust (mph)
065 to 85
186 to 110
2111 to 135
3136 to 165
4166 to 200
5Over 200

Know Your Alerts

Yellow Triangle With Tornado In Center

Tornado Watch  

There is a potential that a tornado may occur in the next 2 to 4 hours

If you get this alert, prepare to seek shelter. Review your emergency plan and check with family/friends to make sure they are prepared. 


Red Triangle with Tornado in Center

Tornado Warning

A tornado is happening or about to happen in the area. A tornado could occur in a few minutes to half an hour.

If you get this alert, take action immediately. Go into an interior room in a sturdy building on the lowest level. Take cover and protect your head and neck. 

Tornado Safety

  1. Before a Tornado
  2. During a Tornado
  3. After a Tornado

Know Your Risk

Listen to news and sign up for OC Alerts to be notified of weather and other emergencies in your area. 

Know that signs that a tornado is likely includes rotating, funnel-shaped clouds, approaching debris, and a loud roar. 

Make a Plan

Identify the places in your home that you can use as a shelter during a tornado. Have a plan for you and your family in case of disaster. 

Update Your Emergency Kit

Make sure that your home is prepared to shelter in place for several days. Have a kit with emergency supplies, food, water, flashlights, and more. Tornadoes can destroy infrastructure including power lines. 

Visit Ready.gov for more information on how to be prepared for winter storms and other emergencies