In March 2023, dozens of tornadoes ripped through communities in several states across the South, devastating businesses and communities. In Alabama and Mississippi, nearly two dozen people died. Trucks and cars piled up on highways, and the twisters obliterated businesses and homes.
On average, organizations that use AccuWeather SkyGuardⓇ Warnings receive an average of 16 minutes of advance notice compared to 8 minutes from all other sources. The extra time allows businesses to execute their emergency plans and seek shelter before a tornado hits their facility. It’s proven that these businesses are better prepared and employees are safer.
What is a tornado?
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that touches the ground from a thunderstorm. A tornado funnel is visible because of all the water droplets, dust, and debris. Tornadoes are considered one of the most violent storms in nature.
What causes a tornado to happen?
A tornado forms from a large thunderstorm when warm, humid air rises and cool air falls. These conditions can cause air to spin inside the cloud. They start horizontally but then drop vertically to the ground.
Where do tornadoes happen?
Tornadoes can happen anywhere but are most common in the U.S. Roughly 1,200 tornadoes touch down in the U.S. each year. Many of these tornadoes occur in “tornado alley,” a vast area in the central U.S. with a high occurrence of tornadoes. Tornado threats can shift from the Southeast in the cooler months to the Plains in May and June and the northern Plains and Midwest in the summer.
When do tornadoes happen?
Tornadoes can happen any time of year. Tornadoes can happen any time during the day or night, but most occur between 4-9 p.m. Tornadoes that happen at night are the most dangerous.
What to do during a tornado?
>>READ MORE: When minutes matter: how to plan for and respond to a SkyGuard Tornado Warning
Superior Accuracy™: Better informed, Better protected, Better prepared.
Be proactive with AccuWeather SkyGuard Warnings backed by Superior Accuracy™, which will deliver site-specific alerts and warnings well before severe weather hits, giving you much-needed time to prepare.
Benefits of SkyGuard® Warnings:
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