AP Images

Tornado season is underway in the United States. A tornado is a powerful, spinning storm. It has a funnel-shaped cloud that runs from a thundercloud to the ground. On Monday, powerful tornadoes ripped through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Five people were killed and more than 100 injured.

The storms dropped hailstones as large as baseballs. The tornadoes toppled power lines and sent debris flying. Many homes were damaged or destroyed. A fire station in East End, Ark., was destroyed. In Seminole, Okla., an airport was severely damaged. Several planes there were destroyed.

In Norman, Okla., the Tegeler family and their pet fish took shelter in their laundry room until the storms passed.

"We saw it coming, but the best thing is my family's fine," Tim Tegeler told the Associated Press.

More severe storms are expected in the central plains area this week, according to the National Weather Service.

A tornado destroyed this home in Harrah, Okla. (AP Images)

>> See how tornadoes are formed! Watch an animation from Current Science.

Facts About Tornadoes

• Tornadoes can reach speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. That's strong enough to toss cars high into the air.
• Most tornadoes last fewer than 15 minutes. But in that time, a tornado can travel across a large area of land and destroy everything in its path.
• Tornadoes can happen at any time of year. But most tornadoes occur between March and July.
• Tornadoes can be between 2 and 6 miles wide.
• Each year, about 800 tornadoes occur in the United States.
• Most tornadoes take place in the flat, central plains section of the country. That area has been nicknamed "Tornado Alley." Tornadoes are also common in the southeast area of the United States.

Words to Know
debris - broken-down bits or remains of something
plains - large areas of flat country with few trees
severe - serious; threatening harm or danger
toppled - fell

Think About It: What can you do to prepare for storm events in your area?

Learn More: A Kid's Guide to Tornadoes and Preventing Disaster Damage (from the Federal Emergency Management Agency)

Parts of this story were adapted from Weekly Reader Edition 2, April 24, 2009. Copyright 2009, 2010, Weekly Reader.