Tornado facts for kids would leave them amazed about nature and help them exhibit caution. Tornadoes are nature’s most powerful storms that can destroy buildings, flip cars, and uproot trees (1). They are rotating, cone-shaped clouds extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The whirling winds can reach a speed of 300 miles per hour and damage an area around 50 miles long and one mile wide. They hit quickly without much warning that the wind dies down, and the air becomes still before they arrive (2). Meteorologists detect an approaching tornado with the help of a radar (1). Read the post to learn essential and interesting facts about tornadoes for kids.
Causes Of A Tornado
Tornadoes are caused when a region receives cool, dry air; warm, dry air; and warm, moist air combinedly. They always start with a thunderstorm that forms when the warm, moist air rises above and mixes with the cool, dry air (1).
This storm turns strong when the wind at a higher altitude has more speed and a different direction than the wind at a lower altitude. The phenomenon is called wind shear, and it tilts and rotates the storm.
If a storm becomes intense, it takes up more warm air into the storm cloud. Meanwhile, the cool air below gives rise to a small wall cloud. A funnel cloud is formed inside the wall cloud, extending to the ground and rotating the air on the ground.
When this rotating air on the ground meets the funnel cloud, it forms a tornado.
When the updrafts start losing their energy, the tornado disappears. Tornadoes build up and disappear quickly, most of them lasting for less than 15 minutes (3).
Tornado Safety For Kids
Tornadoes are destructive, and therefore, it is essential to be alert and stay safe. Check on a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch indicates the possibility of a tornado, while a tornado warning indicates if the tornado has approached or is approaching soon. In case of a tornado warning, you should soon go to a safe place (4). The following are the safety measures you should be taking from before to after a tornado (2) (5) (6):
Before a tornado
Talk to your family about tornadoes. Discuss how it occurs and what you can do to stay safe. Use simple words to explain the concept to your children.
Teach the warning signs to your children: dark, green sky; large, low-lying clouds; large hail; and loud roar.
If your children go to a school or daycare center in a tornado-prone area, check the center’s emergency plan. Discuss this plan with your children too.
Practice tornado drills with the family because these will help you to reach a safe spot in less time when a real emergency arises.
Build an emergency kit, including food and water to last for at least three days, medications for seven days, essential documents, radio, batteries, pet essentials, and helmets for adults and children.
During a tornado
If you are in a building, seek shelter in the interior part of a basement or storm cellar. If a basement is not available, stay in the interior part of your house with no windows, even a bathroom or a wardrobe.
Wear sturdy shoes and protect your head with a helmet or lie under something sturdy, such as a table.
If you are outside the house or live in a mobile home, seek shelter on the lowest floor of a strong building.
If there are no buildings in the vicinity, lie flat and cover your head and neck with your arms.
If you are in a vehicle, put your head below the window and cover it with a cushion or blanket.
Stay calm and provide simple instructions to children. Use distracting activities to comfort them.
After a tornado
Stay informed to get the latest news about tornadoes.
After the tornado is over, involve your children in the cleaning-up activities.
Wear sturdy shoes during clean-up as there might be pieces of glass or nails on the ground.
Do not touch any loose or broken power line.
Talk to your children and help them express their feelings. Help them overcome any negative emotions. Assure them that the situation is not permanent and can be handled with proper awareness.
Perform model effective stress handling techniques in front of children.
Continue your family routine as usual in the recovery phase.
Seek help if children’s reactions worsen or persist for six weeks after the tornado’s arrival.
20 Informative Facts About Tornadoes For Kids
Tornado Pictures For Kids
Tornadoes are severely destructive thunderstorms that can happen in any part of the world. Although catastrophic tornadoes cannot be managed by taking safety precautions, the good news is that most tornadoes are not severe, and people can save their lives if they stay alert and follow safety tips. However, the places falling under Tornado Alley are at greater risk because they provide the right conditions for a tornado to form. So, carefully follow the guidelines before, during, and after a tornado.
