What Are the Signs of a Tornado?
Tornadoes can occur very quickly, giving you little time to prepare. That’s why knowing the warning signs is important before one hits. A strange-looking sky, quiet air, or a loud roaring sound like a train can all be signs that a tornado is coming. In this blog, we’ll talk about the sights, sounds, and feelings that can help you spot a tornado early, whether it’s during the day or at night, so that you can stay safe.
Tornado Signs You Should Know
Tornadoes are fast-spinning columns of air that stretch from storm clouds down to the ground. They can be very strong and dangerous, so it’s important to know how they form and what signs to look for. Most tornadoes originate during large storms known as supercells, which feature strong winds that spin in the air.
When warm, wet air meets cold, dry air, the sky becomes unstable, which can lead to the formation of a tornado. Tornadoes can form very fast, sometimes in just a few minutes, so it’s important to spot the warning signs early. While weather alerts help, learning to notice changes in the sky or air on your own can give you more time to stay safe.
What Does a Tornado Sky Look Like?
One of the first clues a tornado might be on the way is an unusual sky. People often report feeling something off about the atmosphere before a tornado strikes.
Greenish or Dark-Colored Skies
A tornado sky often takes on a green, dark gray, or almost black hue. This isn’t a guarantee that a tornado will touch down, but it’s a strong warning that a severe storm with potential rotation is nearby. The green tint comes from sunlight refracting through dense storm clouds mixed with hail or heavy rain.
Low-Hanging or Rotating Clouds
Watch the sky for low, flat clouds that hang beneath the main storm. These are often referred to as wall clouds, and they can appear as dark, horizontal layers close to the ground. If these clouds start to spin or swirl, it may indicate that a tornado is about to form. Rotation at the bottom of a storm is one of the strongest signs that a tornado is developing. Even if you don’t see a funnel shape yet, any turning motion in the clouds is a serious warning.
How To Know if a Tornado Is Coming
Besides changes in the sky, there are other warning signs of a tornado that you might hear or feel instead of see. It’s important to pay attention to these signs so you can stay safe.
Unusual Calm Before the Storm
Sometimes, right before a tornado hits, everything suddenly becomes very still and quiet. The wind may stop blowing, and it might feel strangely calm outside. This can feel a little scary, especially if there was thunder, rain, or wind just a few minutes before. That quiet moment happens because the storm is pulling air up into the funnel, which can cause the air around you to stop moving.
Loud, Persistent Roaring Sound
Many people who have experienced a tornado say it sounds like a loud freight train or a jet engine flying very low. It’s not a quick boom like thunder—it’s a deep, rumbling roar that doesn’t stop. The sound can get louder as the tornado gets closer, and it might even shake the walls or windows of your home.
Signs a Tornado Is Coming at Night
Tornadoes don’t wait for daylight. Nighttime storms are especially dangerous because visual signs are harder to spot. Fortunately, there are still ways to recognize signs a tornado is coming at night.
Flashing Power Lines or Transformer Blasts
Sometimes during a strong storm, you might see bright, quick flashes of light near the ground. At first, they might look like lightning, but they could actually be something else. These flashes can happen when electrical transformers, big machines that help power buildings, get damaged by strong winds or flying debris.
When transformers break, they can make big flashes of light and loud popping sounds. Seeing these kinds of flashes can be a warning sign that a tornado is nearby or has already touched down.
Lightning Revealing Funnel Shapes
At night, it can be hard to see a tornado because it’s so dark outside. However, sometimes flashes of lightning can be helpful. When lightning lights up the sky, it may reveal the shape of a tornado funnel in the distance. These quick flashes can give you just a second to spot something dangerous that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise.
How To Tell a Tornado Is Coming Without a Siren
Not every area has tornado sirens, and not all sirens activate in time. Knowing the natural signs a tornado is coming is key to early response.
- Animal behavior changes. Pets and wildlife often react to pressure drops and atmospheric tension before a tornado. If your pet is acting anxious or trying to hide, take it seriously.
- Feeling of heavy, oppressive air. A tornado can cause the atmosphere to feel thick or charged. This sensation is subtle but often noted by those who’ve experienced a tornado.
- Rapidly moving clouds in multiple directions. If you see clouds racing across the sky in conflicting directions or forming a visible rotation, seek shelter right away.
What To Do if You Notice Tornado Warning Signs
If you recognize any of these tornado warning signs, don’t wait. Taking quick, decisive action could save your life.
Seek Shelter Immediately
If you think a tornado is approaching, the safest thing to do is seek a strong, protected place immediately. The best spot is a basement or storm shelter, where you’re below ground and safe from strong winds and flying debris. If you don’t have a basement, go to a small, windowless room on the lowest floor of your house, like a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
Have a Tornado Emergency Kit Ready
It’s a smart idea to have a tornado preparedness kit ready in case of an emergency. This kit should include essential items you might need, such as bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, spare batteries, and a first aid kit. You should also include items like a phone charger, your family’s important papers, and any medicine you might need.
Stay Prepared for Tornadoes With Copper Storage Management
At Copper Storage Management, we understand that life and the weather can change fast. That’s why we’re here to help you stay ready. You can use our residential storage units to build up your stock of emergency kits, supplies, and other items. It’s a great way to stay prepared without sacrificing too much space in your home or apartment. Contact us online to find your helpful emergency preparedness storage solution today!