tor·na·do
Pronunciation Key (Tor*na”do)
n. pl. tor·na·does or tor·na·dos
1. A rotating column of air ranging in width from a few yards to more than a mile and whirling at destructively high speeds, usually accompanied by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a cumulonimbus cloud.
2. A violent thunderstorm in western Africa or nearby Atlantic waters.
3. A whirlwind or hurricane.
Science of Tornadoes for Kids
Kidstorm – Facts About Tornadoes
We don’t know all the reasons a tornado forms, but scientists have a general idea of the weather ingredients that need to come together.
Ready for Tornadoes
Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Tornadoes must always be taken seriously. Tornadoes can be very dangerous — sometimes even deadly.
Tornado Project Online
There are many sites with tornado data, so we are giving the subject a little different twist, with tornado myths, tornado oddities, personal experiences, tornado chasing, tornado safety, and tornadoes in the past as well as more recent tornadoes.
Tornado Weather
Why do some thunderstorms produce violent tornadoes while most do not? The answer is related to the wind.
Measuring Tornadoes
Fujita Tornado Damage Scale
Explains the severity scale. Illustrated with photo for each level.
Tornado Models for Kids
Make a tornado
Two working models of tornadoes you can build. One requires dry ice, so adult should be present.
How to Draw a Tornado for Kids
How To Draw A Realistic Tornado Storm
This simple tutorial is an easy step by step guide on how to draw a tornado. Video stops so you can catch up with your own drawing.
Photos of Tornadoes
Photo Gallery: Tornadoes
Screen savers of superb tornado photographs from National Geographic.
Kids Tornado Stories
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
When she was halfway across the room there came a great shriek from the wind, and the house shook so hard that she lost her footing and sat down suddenly upon the floor. Then a strange thing happened. The house whirled around two or three times and rose slowly through the air. Dorothy felt as if she were going up in a balloon. by L. Frank Baum.
