- Knowing what to look for before a tornado strikes can save your life.springtime in kansas image by Jason Branz from Fotolia.com
When a tornado hits, it can bring disaster, but tornadoes give off several warning signs before they occur. If you are properly prepared and know what warning signs to look for, you and your belongings stand a better chance of survival. These signs take place from hours to just minutes before the storm hits. - The sky before a tornado will be very dark, usually green or black in color.spring stormy sky image by Julia Britvich from Fotolia.com
The sky before the storm looks different. Look for clouds going by rapidly, which means forceful winds. You may also notice that the sky will be tinged black and green. At night, look for small flashes near ground level. This flashing indicates power lines have snapped and fallen in the distance, meaning a storm is coming. - As a tornado approaches, rain and hail will hit the area before the funnel cloud. Usually it will fall heavily and rapidly, then quickly stop--an indication of the changing wind direction. Precipitation is not the only thing that will fall from the sky. If a tornado is close, debris that the storm has picked up elsewhere may be deposited in your area.
- Before a tornado hits, there will usually be a calm silence that gradually changes into a distinct, consistent rumbling or roar. As the roar gets louder, small objects in your home or car may begin to shake.
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