Around 800 tornadoes are reported each year across the United States. That's why it's essential to understand the signs that indicate a tornado is coming, especially in high-risk states.
Not all signs of a tornado are obvious, and failing to be prepared could result in damaged property, including roof damage, and prolonged pauses in business operations.
Tornado warning signs include severe thunderstorms, rotating clouds, and flying debris. Learn about the various tornado signs to look out for, preparation tips to initiate before severe weather, and other information that is essential to protect residential and commercial properties.
Warning signs of a tornado include:
- 1. Severe Thunderstorms
- 2. Thundering Noise
- 3. Rotating Clouds
- 4. Flying Debris
- 5. Darkening Sky
- 6. Wall-Like Clouds
- 7. Heavy Hail
- 8. Silence
- 9. High Humidity
1. Severe Thunderstorms
Tornadoes often emanate from severe thunderstorms, forming pillar-like funnels of air that descend and reach the ground. For this reason, severe thunderstorms are one of the most obvious signs that a tornado may occur.
While not all thunderstorms are tornado-producing, those that bring heavy rain, high winds, and hail have the greatest potential.
2. Roaring or Rumbling Noise
A tornado sound is a loud rumbling that has been compared to the roar of an approaching freight train. If severe weather generates this ominous sound, there’s reason to believe a tornado has formed.
3. Rotating or Funnel Cloud
Tornadoes form at the base of clouds in severe thunderstorms. As such, rotating air protruding from the base of thunderstorm clouds is a key indicator that a tornado is developing.
These rotating clouds are often referred to as funnel clouds and may be preceded by heavy rainfall and hail. Rain may abruptly start and stop as a result of the strong winds and debris may begin to rise.
4. Cloud of Debris
Debris clouds are a hallmark warning sign of a tornado. Debris begins to rise due to the rapid air circulation produced by a tornado, which is essential for a tornado to form. The direction of the debris cloud indicates the path of the tornado.
5. Darkening Sky
Skies significantly darken and take on a green or a murky brown hue when severe thunderstorms are approaching. These types of thunderstorms are often associated with producing tornadoes. When severe weather is imminent, it’s best to plan to seek shelter immediately.
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6. Wall-Like Clouds
Wall-like clouds are another key indicator that a tornado is developing. These cloud formations are accurately named as they resemble a moving, wall-like structure of clouds. When these types of clouds are detected, there’s a significant chance a tornado may be approaching.
7. Hail
Hail, which can damage roofs, vehicles, and break windows, is often present in severe thunderstorms that spawn tornadoes. In some cases, the process of producing hail within a cloud can also cause a tornado to form.
A key sign that a cloud may generate a tornado is when rain rapidly turns into hail. This abrupt change can indicate a significant change in temperature and changing wind patterns that are conducive to the formation of a tornado.
8. Silence
Many have reported experiencing the colloquial “calm before the storm " in the minutes before tornadoes hit. This can include an abrupt moment of winds dying down, rain stopping, and a significant reduction in noise.
This silence can feel jarring, considering the aggressive noises that typically emanate from severe tornado-producing thunderstorms.
9. High Humidity
The thunderstorms that produce tornadoes require a significant amount of humidity. As a result, increases in humidity can indicate that severe thunderstorms and tornadoes may be approaching.
Preparation Tips for Tornadoes and Severe Weather
Tornadoes have the power to wreak havoc on properties, ruining residences and devastating commercial properties. Those in areas at risk of experiencing severe weather should have a plan that includes key tornado preparation tips to protect properties, families, and homes.
- Have a plan: People should know in advance where to go to stay safe and how long it will take to get there. Additionally, make a communication strategy that includes predetermined emergency contacts and communication lines.
- Postpone activities: When severe weather is expected, it’s best to postpone all activities and stay sheltered.
- Stay informed: Pay attention to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, TV newscasts, and online news resources to stay informed about severe weather.
- Be aware of emergency alerts: Learn what different emergency alerts in the area, mean and where to take cover.
- Tornado warning: Immediately take shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or interior windowless room.
- Severe weather warning: Shutter windows and doors and seek shelter inside. If no buildings are nearby, take shelter in a hard-topped vehicle.
- Flood warning: Evacuate to higher ground immediately in response to flood warnings. If time permits, turn off utilities at the main and disconnect appliances, moving essentials to upper levels and outdoor furniture indoors. Never walk through moving water or drive through flooded areas.
- Act fast: Severe weather can take its toll in the blink of an eye. Keep emergency kits up-to-date and routinely cover emergency evacuation and communication plans with family.
- Ready homes and business structures: Homes and business structures must be properly prepared for tornadoes to reduce the amount of damage inflicted. This includes securing loose objects and closing all openings to the property to avoid unnecessary water leaks.
Trust Rainbow Restoration® for Storm Damage Restoration
Planning in advance and understanding how to tell if a tornado is coming is essential to stay safe amid severe weather. Failing to prepare can leave properties severely damaged with mold, water damage, and electrical problems.
When tornadoes or other disasters strike, count on Rainbow Restoration for fast, courteous, and effective residential and commercial property restoration.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Rainbow Restoration is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Rainbow Restoration location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Signs of a Tornado FAQ
Setting the highest standards in water, fire, and mold damage restoration requires a continuous focus and dedication to education and improvement. This commitment to exceptional service also includes using our years of experience and expertise to answer your restoration questions.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about signs of a tornado.
What’s the difference between a tornado watch vs. warning?
There is a difference between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning.” A tornado watch means that the weather conditions are conducive to generating a tornado. In contrast, when a tornado warning goes into effect, it means that one should take cover because a tornado has been spotted in the surrounding area.
How large can the damage path of a tornado be?
According to the National Weather Service, the average damage path of a tornado is around 50 yards. The largest ever recorded tornado paths have been over 2 miles wide.
What are three signs of a tornado?
Three key signs of a tornado include rotating clouds, wall-like clouds, and a thundering, freight train-like roar.
How do you predict a tornado is coming?
There are a variety of indicators that can be used to predict if a tornado is coming. These include increases in humidity, flying debris, and clouds projecting rotating columns from their bases.
Why does it get quiet before a tornado?
The lull before a tornado is associated with the structure of supercell thunderstorms that commonly produce tornadoes. After the thunderstorm's core, which contains the most intense winds and precipitation, passes over the area, a temporary period of relative calm can set in, followed by the tornado's arrival.
How to tell if a tornado is moving toward you?
Ways to tell if a tornado is moving toward the area include wall-like clouds, clouds of debris, and a thundering, train-like noise moving in one’s direction.
What does it look like when a tornado is forming?
Key visual indicators that a tornado is forming include rotating clouds protruding from the base of storm clouds, wall-like clouds, and a darkening sky that takes on a green or murky brown color.
