Tornadoes

Tornadoes form when
 * cool, dry air collides with warm, humid air
 * because of this collision, spinning air occurs under the cloud

Tornadoes transition from "funnel cloud" (just spinning air) to "tornado" when the spinning cloud touches the ground. Tornadoes can travel slow or fast, last short or long, and be small or large. The United States has more tornadoes thank any other country in the world (about 1000 per year). Tornadoes are most common
 * In the spring months of the year
 * In the midwest/great plains/Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas
 * Along the Gulf of Mexico coast, esp Florida

//Responding To Hurricanes// Local authorities suggest citizens
 * Find cover inside in the most structurally secure location of their home, far away from windows
 * Find shelter in the lowest level of a building possible
 * Find shelter below ground in a cellar with a strong locking door if possible
 * If away from home, abandon your vehicle and lie down in a ditch away from large trees or telephone poles


 * __Environmental and Economic Damage__**

Two Environmental Effects
 * destroy habitat/landscape
 * strong winds can disorient/displace migratory animals

Two Economic Effects
 * destroy buildings and infrastructure that is costly to rebuild
 * cause crop damage and loss which is costly
 * are potentially associated with heavy rainstorms which may cause flooding (indirect effect)