Weather Things: Tornado Statistics

Over a thousand tornadoes happen every year in the United States but only few dozen take lives. Most tornadoes are brief and weak but the tornadoes that are large and powerful can wipe homes off their foundations. Tornadoes only come from severe thunderstorms. Wind shear is an ingredient that leads to tornadoes. There are certain seasons and weather patterns where meteorologists know tornadoes are more likely. In looking at the science behind tornadoes, we also look at the safety tips and locations for these storms. Those with a plan and knowledge of changing weather have a much better chance of surviving a tornado.