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ornado recovery efforts are under way in parts of the southern United States. On February 5, dozens of tornadoes ripped through five states—Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. The twisters uprooted trees, damaged cars, and tore apart homes and buildings. At least 59 people were killed and more than 150 were injured. Hundreds of people were left homeless.

U.S. President George W. Bush toured the areas that were hardest hit. “I do want the people in those states to know the American people are standing with them,” said Bush. He declared parts of Tennessee and Arkansas major disaster areas. Those areas will receive money from the federal government to help with cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Wild Weather

A tornado, often called a twister, is a violent storm. It occurs when cool, dry air collides with warm, moist air and causes it to rise rapidly. That creates a rotating column of air that extends from the bottom of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. Twisters can generate wind speeds up to 300 miles per hour.

Although tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, the season is usually from March to August. According to meteorologists, last week’s temperatures in the southern United States were warmer than normal for this time of year. That is why twisters hit early.

Forecasters started warning people six days in advance that weather conditions could cause dangerous tornadoes. However, some people ignored the warnings because they didn’t think the storm would be that severe. “It’s human nature not to think it’s going to hit you,” said Mayor Shelvy Linville of Macon County in Tennessee. “I think we’ll all take the next one more seriously.”

Tornado Alley The map highlights an area of the United States known as Tornado Alley. More tornadoes sweep through Tornado Alley than any other part of the world.

Tornadoes can be harmful. What other types of weather can be harmful? What types of weather can be helpful?

To see how a tornado forms, go here.

For a kids’ guide to tornadoes, go here.

How much do you know about tornadoes? Take our quiz to test
           your knowledge.



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