How do you know when a tornado forms?

Answer 1

Strong rotations at the base of a cloud means a tornado is trying to form, and of course a funnel means take cover. There is of course the sign everyone knows, if there is a sudden calm after a dramatic storm, though this does not always occur. When a tornado strike is imminent you may notice a drop in air pressure and you will hear a loud rumbling that many relate to the sound of an oncoming train. Also in some areas you will hear tornado sirens going off.
Most importantly, you should pay attention to weather alerts broadcast on TV, the radio, online, and through some smart phone apps. If you are under a tornado warning it means a tornado is either in your area or is likely to develop soon.

Answer 2

A tornado typically forms from a severe thunderstorm when there is a rapidly rotating column of air extending downwards from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud. This rotation can often be seen as a funnel cloud, and the presence of strong winds, hail, and a distinct roaring sound may also indicate the formation of a tornado. Radar systems and trained storm spotters are used to detect tornado formation.

Answer 3

first look on the weather channel if they are talking about super cell thunderstorms there is a high possibility for a tornado.... go look outside if the sky is dark and a greenish color than that's another sign. hope i helped!!

Answer 4

There is no way of knowing for certain. If you are concerned about tornadoes pay attention to local weather forecasts and advisories. Some waring signs to look for during a thunderstorm include a lowering of the cloud base, rotation of the clouds, and a hole opening up in the clouds near that rotation. Tornadoes are often associated with large hail or greenish colored clouds. But these do not have a particularly strong connection with tornadoes.

Answer 5

well the sky will turn to yellow or green you will first get rain,then thunder and lightning,next hail,very strong winds,the pressure will change like it will be so hard to breath,a funnel cloud will be coming to the ground and then there you go a tornado.

Answer 6

The best way to tell if a tornado is coming is to pay attention to your news media. If a Tornado Warning has been issued for your area, most news agencies - particularly radio, one hopes - will interrupt their broadcast to follow the storm. However, sometimes people can be caught unawares. These are some, but not all, of the indicators that a tornado is approaching:

• Greenish clouds
• Sudden, noticeable drop in temperature
• Rapid darkening of the skies
• Clouds low to the ground, attached to larger clouds, that are rotating and/or beginning to quickly "dip" towards the ground

Another cool trick that some people have learned is to get an AM Radio and tune it to the lowest frequency. Bursts of static - louder than what is normally broadcasting - indicate lightning. A constant stream of static indicates that a tornado is close.

But above all else, pay attention to the news! This is your best bet to tell if a tornado is coming.

Source(s):

NWS/NOAA trained/certified volunteer storm spotter (Three years running)

If you want to know if a tornado is coming, look out the window. If it is not moving to the right nor to the left, well, it's heading for you. Even though it might be heading in a different direction, it is still very important to take cover.

Answer 7

Don't rely on your eyes. Tune into your local news station or the weather channel if you think there may be a threat of a tornado in you area. You can also go on to the National Weather Service website (see related links), to see if there are any warnings in your area.

Answer 8

Well, you may want to briefly check your television if you can. If a tornado may be approaching, it will be broadcasted on every channel to warn you. You can also check the Website of the National Weather Service. However, these sources may not be available to you as tornadoes and the storms that cause them often cause power outages. It is recommended that you keep a battery powered weather radio. If you see the funnel of the tornado and it does not appear to be moving to one side or another, there is a good chance it is coming right at you. Even if it is moving off to the side it can still turn. Do not rely on visually spotting the tornado, however, as it may be obscured by rain, the dark of night, or by nearby trees and buildings.

Answer 9

You may not be able to see if a tornado is coming at night. Even if the tornado is not rain-wrapped, it may still only be visible with flashes of lighting. The best way to be aware of a tornado is to pay attention to weather warnings, which are announced through local television and radio broadcasts.

Answer 10

Doppler radar can detect the signature of a tornado, though it cannot confirm if it is on the ground. Fort that trained spotters and law enforcement are called upon to track conditions.