A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. It is generated by a thunderstorm (or sometimes following a hurricane) and is produced when cold air prevails over a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. Tornadoes can cause a lot of damage and even death. The damage caused by a tornado is the result of high wind speeds and debris carried by the wind. Tornado season generally runs from March to August, although tornadoes can occur at any time of year. They usually occur in the afternoon and evening: more than 80 percent of tornadoes occur between noon and midnight. From 1950 to 1995 the total number of tornadoes in Michigan was 722, with an average of 5 deaths and 3,217 injuries (70 average per year) resulting from the storm per year. Tornadoes are classified on a scale called the Fujita scale. Storms are labeled with the letter F and then a number 0-6. The Fujita scale is used to evaluate the intensity of a tornado by examining the damage caused by the tornado after it passes over a man-made structure. The table below shows the ratings for a tornado with the Fujita scale. The Fujita Scale F Scale Number Intensity Phrase Wind Speed ​​Type of Damage Done F0 Gale Tornado 40-72 mph Some damage to chimneys; breaks the branches of trees; pushes over shallow-rooted trees; damage warning signs.F1 Moderate Tornado 73-112 mph The lower limit is the beginning of the hurricane wind speed; detaches the surface from the roofs; mobile homes pushed off their foundations or overturned; moving cars were pushed off the road; attached garages may be destroyed.F2 Significant Tornado 113-157 mph Considerable damage. Roofs torn off wood-frame homes; mobile homes demolished; pushed freight cars; large trees broken or uprooted; missiles with light objects generated.F3 Strong tornado 158-206 mph Roof and some walls torn off well-built homes; overturned trains; m...... center of card......erfall or rushing air at first, but turns into a roar as it gets closer. The sound of a tornado has been compared to that of trains and jet planes. · Debris falling from the sky. · A noticeable "funnel-shaped" cloud spinning, or debris such as branches or leaves being pulled upwards. 'high, although no funnel cloud is visible. If you see a tornado and it is not moving left or right relative to the trees or light poles in the distance, it may be moving towards you! Remember that although tornadoes usually move from southwest to northeast, they also move east, southeast, north, and even northwest. Encourage your family members to plan for their safety in many different locations. It is important to make decisions about the safest places well BEFORE you have to go there.BIBLIOGRAPHY1. www.tornadoproject.com2. www.stormstock.com3. Encyclopedia Britannica4. Earth Sciences - Tenth Edition5. www.Discovery.com