1. What is a tornado?
It is a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm cloud and touching the
surface of the earth.

2. What is the difference between a tornado and a funnel cloud?
A funnel cloud is also a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm;
however, it does not touch the earth.

3. How many tornadoes usually occur in Michigan every year?
An average of 16 tornadoes occurs in Michigan each year. Since 1950, 242 persons have been killed due
to tornadoes. During this same time, Michigan has experienced 920 tornadoes.

4. When do tornadoes generally occur?
Most tornadoes occur during the months of May, June, July and August in the late afternoon and evening
hours. However, tornadoes can occur anytime of the day or night in almost any month during the year.

5. How fast do tornadoes travel?
Tornadoes generally travel from the southwest and at an average speed of 30 miles per hour. However,
some tornadoes have very erratic paths, with speeds approaching 70 mph.

6. How far do tornadoes travel once they touch the ground?
The average Michigan tornado is on the ground for less than 10 minutes and travels a distance of about 5
miles. However, they do not always follow the norm, and have been known to stay on the ground for
more than an hour and travel more than 100 miles.

7. What is a tornado watch?
A tornado/severe thunderstorm watch is issued whenever conditions exist for severe weather to develop.
Watches are usually for large areas about two-thirds the size of Lower Michigan and are usually two-tosix
hours long. Watches give you time to plan and prepare.

8. What is a tornado warning?
The local National Weather Service (NWS) office issues a tornado warning whenever NWS Doppler
Radar indicates a thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado or when a tornado has been sighted by a
credible source. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued whenever a severe thunderstorm is observed or
NWS Doppler Radar indicates a thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds or large hail.
Warnings are issued for even smaller areas, such as parts of counties. “Storm-based” warnings began on
October 1, 2007. The NWS now issues warnings for the threatened area in a shape of a polygon. The
“polygon” warnings will only include sections of a county or group of counties, and are usually 30 to 90
minutes in length. You must act immediately when you first hear the warning. If severe weather is
reported near you, seek shelter immediately. If not, keep a constant lookout for severe weather and stay
near a shelter.

9. How do I find out about a warning if my electricity is already out?
NOAA All Hazard Weather Radio with battery back-up capability is your best source to receive the
warning. In some areas, civil emergency sirens may be your first official warning. In addition, if your
television or radio has battery back-up capability, you may receive NOAA’s National Weather Service
warnings from local media.