A tornado is a very powerful storm. A tornado is a spinning column of air that touches the ground. It can cause a lot of damage. It can destroy buildings and lift trees out of the ground. A tornado can also move cars and trucks miles from where they were parked.

How is a tornado formed? The weather has to be just right for a tornado to form. A tornado begins with a thunderstorm. The next thing needed is warm moist air and cool dry air. When these two types of air meet, the air becomes unstable. With unstable air, a tornado might form. All thunderstorms do not create tornados.

The United States has more tornados than any other place in the world. A tornado can happen anywhere. It is more likely to form in the central and southern United States.

Safety is important when you see a tornado. Go to the basement or the lowest place in a building. Get in a bathtub or a closet and away from any windows. If you are in a mobile home or car, get out. You need to get in a ditch or lay flat on the ground if you are outside. These tips will keep you safe in a tornado.