Yes. This is especially possible if the hail or tornado occurs in an unpopulated area far from the nearest radar site.
Nothing is certain, but a major sign is rotation in the clouds during a thunderstorm with a lowering of the cloud base. The stronger the rotation, the more likely there will be a tornado. When a storm is approaching the most important thing to do is listen to your local radio or television station, or to whatever device carries current, local weather reports. Meteorologists are able to tell when a storm is likely to become violent, and whether it is the type of storm that can spawn a tornado. Without the technology used by the weather service, it is not possible to tell with any certainty whether a tornado is possible in any particular storm.
During severe thunderstorms.
No. Tornadoes cannot form during very cold weather.
If you see a funnel cloud, take cover immediately! The funnel cloud itself means that there is already an imminent threat of a tornado touching down. The tornado may already be on the ground, as violent winds may have reached the surface even if the visible funnel hasn't. Generally, you should not rely on looking out the window, as the tornado may be obscured by rain or blocked from view by objects between you and it. It is dangerous to be near a window during a potentially tornadic storm, as the thin pane of glass offers little to no protection, and broken glass can cause serious injuries. It is best to pay attention to weather waring issued by the National Weather Service. Keep a battery powered weather radio handy and pay attention to any severe weather alerts issued for your area.
Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lighting, and sometimes large hail.
Yes. The National Weather service issues tornado warnings if a tornado has been spotted or may develop very soon.
Nothing is certain, but a major sign is rotation in the clouds during a thunderstorm with a lowering of the cloud base. The stronger the rotation, the more likely there will be a tornado. When a storm is approaching the most important thing to do is listen to your local radio or television station, or to whatever device carries current, local weather reports. Meteorologists are able to tell when a storm is likely to become violent, and whether it is the type of storm that can spawn a tornado. Without the technology used by the weather service, it is not possible to tell with any certainty whether a tornado is possible in any particular storm.
During severe thunderstorms.
A tornado is a violent vortex of wind that develops during a thunderstorm, which qualifies tornadoes as a form of severe weather.
No. The National Weather Service issues tornado watches to inform people of a real tornado threat and to be on the lookout for tornadoes. During a tornado watch your chances of being hit by a tornado are quite low, but conditions are favorable for tornadoes to occur, and usually at least a few tornadoes will touch down in the watch area.
A tornado is a form of severe weather because it develops during a thunderstorm and is capable of producing substantial damage.
No. Tornadoes cannot form during very cold weather.
The best way is to pay attention to weather advisories. If a tornado or rotation that may lead to a tornado is detected, a tornado warning is issued. These are broadcast through TV and radio stations. You can also keep track of all current watches, warnings, and advisories in the United States by going to the Nation Weather Service website (see the link below). Since power outages are common during tornadoes, it is advisible to keep a battery powered NOAA weather radio handy. Some smart phone apps will also alert you to a tornado warning. In some towns in tornado-prone areas sirens will sound in the event of a tornado.
The best way to know is to pay attention to warnings from the National Weather Service. This can be done online or by tuning into a local TV or radio station or by going on to the National Weather Service website (see link below). Since power outages are common during tornadic thunderstorms, it is best to keep a battery powered weather radio handy.
Tornadoes produce very powerful winds. They occur during severe thunderstorms.
A flag should not be flown during a major thunderstorm, tornado, etc.
A flag should not be flown during a major thunderstorm, tornado, etc...