FACT: Tornadoes travel at an average forward speed of 30 mph...but speeds up to 70 mph have occurred.

It is very dangerous to attempt to flee in your automobile, especially in populated areas. In addition, a car offers little protection against the strong tornado winds. It is better to seek shelter in a sturdy building...but even a ditch or ravine offers more protection than an automobile. Move well away from your vehicle so that the strong winds do not roll the vehicle on top of you.

FACT: Tornadoes usually move from southwest to northeast...but have been observed to move toward the east or southeast on occasion...and can move very erratically at times.

The typical movement from southwest to northeast makes the southwest portion of a structure the most susceptible to damage by a tornado's very strong winds. The safest portion of a sturdy structure is usually the northeast portion.

FACT: Opening windows may not protect your home from tornado damage.

It was once thought that opening windows prevented damage due to the sudden drop in atmospheric pressure as a tornado passed overhead. The atmospheric pressure within a tornado plays only a minor role at most in the damage process. Most structures have enough venting to allow for the sudden drop in pressure. Opening windows may lead to more damage inside structures...not less...due to the very strong tornado winds.

FACT: Tornado wind speeds increase with height within the tornado.

Storm cellars and basements offer the greatest protection from tornadoes. If neither is available, the lowest floor of any sturdy structure is the best alternative.

FACT: Tornadoes are not the only weather phenomenon that makes a "loud roar."

At night, or in heavy rain, the only clue to a tornado's presence may be the loud roar it makes, which sounds like a freight train. However, violent straight-line winds may also produce this roar. Nevertheless...you should seek shelter if you here this sound.

FACT: Large hail may or may not precede a tornado.

Tornadoes often follow large hail. Often tornadoes develop within storms that do not produce hail. Large hail may also follow a tornado rather than precede it. Do not assume you are safe from tornadoes if you do not observe hail.

FACT: Tornadoes may occur at any time of the day or night.

It is important to have access to tornado warning information even when you are asleep. NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm device is the best tool to have to be notified when watches and warnings have been issued for your general area of the state.