As summer approaches, so does the risk of tornadoes. There is no sure fire way to predict when and where a tornado may strike, but there are some signs that can warn us that they are possible. First off, keep an eye out during a thunderstorm, especially one that brews up quickly. Thunderstorms can quickly produce conditions favorable to tornadoes.
The first thing to watch out for is hail. A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail stones 3/4″ in diameter. Many Tornadic thunderstorms can produce softball sized hailstones.
Wind is also a factor. Gusts of 58 MPH is all that is needed to produce a tornado. Remember, that’s GUSTS, not SUSTAINED!
Frequent and intense lightning is an indication that a tornado is imminent. The severity of lightning increases with the intensity of a thunderstorm.
Watch the clouds…if you can see a bulge at the base of an approaching storm, this could mean a tornado is coming, especially if the bulge has a rotating motion.
Finally, if you hear a loud rumbling, like a freight train in your kitchen, you should prepare to take cover right away.
No one can say for sure if a thunderstorm will turn into a tornado, but if you keep a watchful eye on a storm, you may see some signs that something bigger is on the way.
Stay safe Canada!