The most destructive and devastating product of a thunderstorm, tornadoes are characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud, which forms at the bottom of a wall cloud and reaches to the ground. Tornadoes are more often than not, accompanied by lightning, heavy rain and hail. 

While tornadoes can occur all year, they are most common in Missouri during the spring and summer months, where they develop along dry lines. Dry lines separate very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Most twisters in the state occur in the afternoon or early evening as these dry lines move east. 

All thunderstorms can produce these violently rotating columns of air that descend to the ground, but most tornadoes are likely to develop within supercells. Missourians are encouraged to be prepared whenever there is potential for tornadoes. 

What to Do Before a Tornado?

• Develop a family communications plan and create a preparedness kit with supplies to sustain your family should a tornado strike your community.

• Follow NOAA Weather Radio and local TV and radio broadcasts for tornado warnings and updates. Always follow instructions issued by local officials and emergency personnel.

• Pay attention to changing weather and watch for new storms, including these signs:

• Greenish or dark skies

• Larger than normal hail

• Rotating, dark, low-lying and big clouds

• Roars that sound like large trains

  
  
  What to Do During a Tornado?

What to Do After a Tornado?

Tornado-related injuries can occur during and after storms. People are occasionally injured while rummaging through damaged buildings. Be very cautious following a tornado and promptly obtain medical treatment for any injuries.

• Immediately inspect yourself for injuries.

• Never move severely injured individuals unless they are in danger of additional injury.

• Seek medical attention immediately.

• Administer CPR immediately if you encounter someone who is not breathing.

• Apply pressure to bleeding areas of an injured person’s body.

• Visit a doctor if you have a puncture wound.

• If you’re trapped in rubble, make as much noise as possible.

• Follow local TV and radio broadcasts for updates.

• Use caution when entering damaged buildings.

• Wear protective clothing including long sleeves, pants, boots, gloves and other protective clothing when walking or working in rubble. Watch for broken glass and protruding nails.

• Never touch damaged power lines or objects near damaged lines. Report downed power lines to the utility company and local officials.

• Avoid using candles to light homes without electricity. Instead, use battery-powered lights.

• Never place propane tanks, grills, camp stoves, generators and pressure washers inside a house, camper, or garage. These devices can create carbon monoxide that can be fatal if breathed. Immediately seek medical attention if you become nauseated, light-headed or dizzy..

• Always cooperate with local safety personnel.

• Do not enter damaged areas without permission. You could get in the way of rescue personnel and become injured.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where severe thunderstorms may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states. 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.

Lightning

• According to the NOAA, over the last 20 years, the United States averaged 51 annual lightning strike fatalities, placing it in the second position, just behind floods for deadly weather. In the US, between 9% and 10% of those struck die, for an average of 40 to 50 deaths per year.

• During thunderstorms, stay inside. If you are outdoors, an automobile is a safe place to be.

• Indoors, keep away from doors, windows, stoves, sinks, metal pipes or other conductors. Don't use the telephone. Disconnect electrical appliances such as TVs and radios.

• Outdoors, minimize your height but don't lie flat. Do not take shelter under a tree. Stay away from wire fences or other metallic conductors. Avoid standing in small sheds in open areas.

Hailstorms don’t last long, but they can create a lot of damage in a short time. Every year, hail causes nearly $1 billion in damages, mostly to roofs and cars.