Abby Hamblin writing for the San Diego Union-Tribune on April 25, 2018, stated “California has had more tornadoes in 2018 than both Kansas and Oklahoma.” And despite the fact that 2018 was one of the least active years on record for the entire United States, according to Dr. Patrick Marsh, meteorologist at the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) Storm Prediction Center, California ended the year with 6 confirmed tornadoes, well behind Oklahoma (24) and Kansas (45).
However, this is not a race for a record that anyone ever wants to tie, let alone break.
A few (very few) facts about tornadoes: Currently science holds they form from a cloud and extend downward, although a recent theory has been put forward that they form from the ground up. However that may be, it is known that they can reach wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour; perhaps even greater, and are measured by the Enhanced Fujito Scale. That is why you will hear of a tornado being, say, an EF 4 (wind speed from 166 to 200 mph). Tornadoes normally form over land, while hurricanes form over water.
So why should anyone living in California, Nevada, Utah, Washington or Oregon really care about a weather phenomenon that usually impacts the Midwest? Here are some reasons to care. As I stated in the lead-in California did, in fact, have six tornadoes. Often, the “heads-up” warning for a hurricane can be days. For an earthquake, the warning can be minutes, if not seconds. Ditto with tornadoes.
And, like earthquakes, tornadoes can inflict a maximum of damage in a minimum of time. Earthquakes will shake a structure to pieces, while tornadoes will act like a giant whirling shredder. A hurricane will flatten buildings and down trees, while a tornado will distribute the building over the surrounding countryside along with the shredded tree branches. Both hurricanes and tornadoes have rotating winds; however, a hurricane’s 200 mph rotating winds are spread over a 100 mile-wide area, while a tornado’s equally-strong winds are spread over a space perhaps a half-mile wide.
So what can you do? Most importantly, be safe. Even if you think your probability of having a tornado is slim to none (I know, Slim left town), make sure you and your family are aware of safe places in the home. In the Midwest, there are basements and cellars. If you don’t, then head for an interior room such as a closet or bathroom. Stay well away from windows and corners of any exterior room, as these often take the brunt of wind damage. Protect your neck and head with a blanket, if possible. If you are in a mobile home, get to a building with a foundation. Tie-downs are not always that secure.
Finally, whatever the damage you sustain—whether from tornado, hurricane, or earthquake—Allied Public Adjusters is on your side to help with a possible insurance claim!
Photo of damaged military housing near Wright-Patterson AFB. Courtesy, National Air and Space Intelligence Center