KILLER STORMS (TORNADOES) -- A FORCE OF NATURE…
I like weather rather than climate." -- John Steinbeck
Killer storms (tornadoes) can be unbelievably devastating… They can.., and have destroyed whole towns -- taken lives. And at the same time, they are one of the most amazingly beautiful phenomenas of nature. How, when, why.., and where they form -- that they form at all, is UN-FREAKIN-REAL!
But make no mistake, they are a force of nature that will show you no mercy... And the United States has the highest incidence of tornadoes…There have been over 70,000 tornadoes in the US since the 1950's, averaging about 1200 a year -- with the frequency and strength only increasing in recent decades… In 2011 there was a huge spike in the amount and strength, in particular… There were 1,704 confirmed tornadoes, killing 553 people. 153 of those deaths occurred when the whole town of Joplin Mo. was wiped out, by a EF-5 Multiple Vortex Tornado with winds over 200 miles per hour. It caused an estimated 2.8 billion dollars in damage.
These phenomenons of nature are graded, on what is called the Enhanced Fujita Scale, on a scale of EF-0.., 65-85 mph winds being the weakest, that can cause some light damage to chimneys, street signs, broken tee branches, to an EF-5 being the strongest, with winds over 200 mph with the the strongest reaching 300 mph. Though many consider an EF-4 much more dangerous, being that they are more frequent than the unusual EF-5. Either way, you don't want to be in their path.
They have been defined as a -- narrow violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. And are the most violent of the storms the atmosphere produces, by the NSSL (National Severe Storms Laboratory). There really isn't a tornado season, but they tend to peak in May and June. On average this destructive force of nature kills 60 people a year, depending on time and place. And these killers usually stick around for just 5 minutes.., inflicting their wrath...
Living Amongst Them…
Not only do about 17 million people live in what has been defined as Tornado Alley.., which spans 8 states across the high plains of the US… But every spring, people flock to the area in hopes of experiencing this astonishing weather phenomena -- the tornado. Every year we hear about devastating tornadoes, ripping through Tornado Alley.., and still, people choose to live in this path of destruction -- and more people just come in the hopes of seeing one!
It takes a special (different) kind of person to consciously put themselves in the direct line of fire, of the deadliest, most violent -- force of nature. The average "lead time" is 13 minutes -- from the time a tornado warning is issued for your area, you have 13 minutes to get the hell outta' dodge, or hide in a basement, storm shelter -- whatever option is less than 13 minutes, would be the way to go…
What To Do…
If you happen to find yourself, in the unfortunate situation, of having one of these monsters with a beat on you -- take cover. Out-running a tornado is not a good idea… Look for a study structure, library -- something well built. Something low- lying or underground. But do not stay out in the open, in the path of debris flying through the air, at very high speeds.
When at home -- do not open windows. Get to the basement if you have one, bathroom, a closet (no windows), under the stairs -- under a mattress. And if you are in a mobile home.., get the fuck out. Most, if not all people living in a high risk area, have a tornado plan -- it's just part of life in certain parts of the country.
But these, almost mythical, destroyers of whatever is in their path, and not unique to the Unites States… Argentina, Brazil, Canada and even Britain have their fair share… Given the right circumstances, tornadoes can pop-up just about anywhere.., and have occurred in every state. Still, no one knows what the strongest tornado on record is, because ground-level wind speeds.., have never been measured in the strongest tornadoes.
Now more than ever.., it is extremely important, as a people -- we understand the threat of weather (I can't believe I even wrote that)… With all the crap that already stresses people out.., we also have to worry about -- weather! As more and more incidents of severe weather continues to kill.., and the rate of these incidents increase -- it is wise to be aware of the weather.., and have a plan of action.., if you happen to live in a high risk area, for such events.
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i had a friend who used to chase these things! lol
You know, that sounds fun and exciting -- until one is coming right at you... :))
I lived through an F3 tornado that destroyed portions of my home town in 1998. I saw (from a safe distance) an F2 that severely damaged the University of Iowa campus in 2006. And I saw this funnel cloud this past July from my house.
Wow... That is definitely a funnel cloud!
Does it seem like they are getting more frequent, to you..
I don't think they are getting more frequent. I remember the outbreak of 2011. I lived in Missouri when Joplin was hit. That was a scary year. But there have been similar outbreaks, like in 1974. I think '74 still holds the record for tornado touchdowns.
Yeah, 1974 and 2011 were devastating years for the number of tornadoes -- very scary!
Yep, perhaps I would move to the US, but these tornadoes...
You'd be pretty safe in NYC.., from tornadoes, at least...:))
I've lived in tornado alley and it's weather is bad too often.
It's weird that that so many people in Tornado Valley depend on farming with such bad weather...
My oldest son, to this day, says he wants to see a tornado. I've never seen one but I have been in the proximity a few times. They were small ones and were gone by the time I got to an area to view them. Once I did see the top of one that was twelve miles away. It just looked like a dust cloud.
Seeing one would be cool.., but I don't mind not having to deal with them, here in NYC... :))
Is there any such thing as... non-killer tornadoes....? Ones that will lift you gently off the ground for a few moments of bliss? I ask this in about 15% seriousness...
Maybe one of those friendly EF-0... :))
I'm pleased we don't get proper tornadoes here.
That's a good thing... :))
Absolutely!
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