FamilySAFE

FamilySAFE provides EF5-tested above-ground and underground tornado shelters and safe rooms.

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5 Things You Should Definitely Know About Tornadoes

At FamilySAFE Shelters, based in Owasso, Oklahoma, we specialize in providing safe rooms, tornado shelters, and other similar types of equipment to protect you and your family from tornados. Most people in Oklahoma have experienced a tornado or tornadic storms to some degree, but how much do you really know about these storms? The more you know about tornados, the better prepared you can be to protect yourself, your family, and your property from them. In today’s blog, we go over five facts about tornados that you should definitely know. Want to learn more about tornado shelters or determine what kind would be most suitable for your needs? Contact FamilySAFE Shelters today for guidance!

#1: The US Has More Tornadoes Than Any Other Country

With an average of 1,253 tornados a year, the US has more tornadoes than any other country by a significant margin, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA also reports that, on average, the ranking for the number of states from most frequent occurrences to least frequent are:

  1. Texas (155 tornadoes a year on average)
  2. Kansas (96)
  3. Florida (55)
  4. Oklahoma (62)
  5. Nebraska (57)

#2: Tornadoes Are Most Common in the Summer

Tornados season usually begins for the southern Plains (Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, etc.) in May, earlier on the Gulf coast, and a bit later in the upper Midwest and northern Plains (Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, etc.). Even though they are most likely during the summer, be aware that they can occur any time of the year and at any time of day or night. However, the most common time for them to occur is in the late afternoon and evening, between 4 PM and 9 PM. 

#3: Rotating Thunderstorms Are a Major Warning Sign

The best predictor of storms that could cause tornadoes are those that are already rotating. Large thunderstorms detected on radar that are producing hail, lightning, flash floods, and high winds are prone to produce tornadoes as well. Keep your eyes peeled for funnel clouds, and if there is a storm coming in, be sure to check the local weather report for meteorological information. 

#4: Tornadoes Can Be Nearly Transparent

In most of our heads, the image of a tornado is dark and ominous. However, until they start picking up enough dust and debris, they can actually be quite difficult to see with the naked eye. That’s just one more reason to heed all warnings, even if you don’t see any tornadoes coming when looking out your home’s windows. 

#5: Tornadoes Can Backtrack

As you may already know, tornadoes typically travel from the southwest to the northeast. However, tornadoes can move in all different directions as well, and can even backtrack if it hits winds from the eye of a thunderstorm. So if a tornado has already passed through, don’t be so quick to let your guard down — you may not be out of danger yet!

Protect Yourself from Tornadoes

If you are in Owassa or anywhere else in Tornado Alley, FamilySAFE Shelters is here to provide you with reliable, custom tornado and storm shelters for you and your family. Interested in learning more about our services? Contact us today for a FREE storm shelter quote!

Call Us: 918-443-7233