Agrawal, N. (2018).

Natural disasters and risk management in canada : An

introduction (Advances in natural and technological hazards research, volume 49).
Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. doi:10.1007/978-94-024-1283-3

Simmons, K., & Sutter, D. (2011). Economic and societal impacts of tornadoes (2011
springer e-books). Boston: American Meteorological Society. doi:10.1007/978-1-935704-
02-7

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-
emergencies/tornado.html

Tornado
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with the
ground or open water (waterspout). During this natural event, wind is
invisible and therefore, it is difficult to see a tornado unless it creates a
condensation funnel made up of water particles, dust, and other debris.
Tornadoes are the most violent of all atmospheric storms. Significant
progress has been made in the understanding, spotting, and reporting of
tornadoes. Figure illustrates the mechanism of a traditional tornado
formation , where warm moist air rises from the ground when weather and
atmospheric conditions allow. A vortex is formed when warm air meets cold
air from the north. This vortex rotates with high winds and touches the
ground causing devastation in its path.
However, they can happen anytime of the year, anytime of the day or night
– although majority of them occur in late afternoon-evenings.

Tornado warnings are issued by local weather stations based on spotting or

reporting of them. Radar data is effective in understanding of a possibility
of tornado formations.
Measurement of Tornado Strength
Damage caused by a tornado is the most practical approach to determine
the severity and strength of the tornado. This is because direct field
measurements of tornadoes are dangerous and difficult to obtain.
Table gives the commonly used Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale. The EF scale
was implemented by the Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather
Service (NWS) in 2007. The use of EF scale brought consistency in damage
assessment that was much needed by the insurance industry allowing for
damage indicators and degree of damage to be clearly defined. It is
important to note that the EF scale is still a set of wind estimates, not
measurement, based on damage.. In order to maintain the continuity and
consistency of the data, a correction formula has been worked out that
allows conversion between the two Scales.
 Case Study – Leamington, Ontario June 6, 2010
A strong thunderstorm cell moved over the southern portions of Essex
County. A series of four tornadoes had damaging wind gusts along an
intermittent path of damage that measured about 40 km in length. The
most significant damage was due to an F2 tornado which swept through the
south end of the town of Leamington, with peak winds between 180 and
240 km/h. Approximately 4500 hydro customers were left without power,
and 12 homes were deemed unsafe to reside in due to damages. The Red
Cross provided an emergency shelter to help the relief effort in the wake of
the disaster. Estimated damage was $100,000 affecting 13,500 people. The
town of about 30,000 residents on Lake Erie was sanctioned under a state
of emergency due to severe damage, fallen trees, and also to facilitate
effective response to the disaster.
Case Study – Midland, Ontario June 23, 2010
An F2 tornado destroyed approximately 50 homes and caused damages
estimated to be $15 million. The F2 classification means that wind speeds
between 180 and 240 km/h were reached. 12 people were reported to be
injured. Ontario provided immediate provincial assistance of up to $1
million to aid in cleanup and repairs.

Right Before a Tornado

Don’t wait until you see the tornado to act! If you do nothing else:

1. Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information
and updates.

2. Move to an underground shelter, basement or safe room. If none is available, a

small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building
is the safest alternative.

 Remember: no area of a mobile home is safe during a tornado. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, go there

immediately, using your seat belt if driving.

3. Find a local emergency shelter and know the best routes to get there if you need
to.
 During
If You Are Outdoors

 Seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.

 If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get into a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Remember to

buckle your seat belt.

 Stay away from bridge/highway overpasses.

 If strong winds and flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park, keeping your seat belt on and engine running. Put your head

down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket.

After
If you do nothing else:

Let friends and family know you’re safe. - Register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website

If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.

Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.

Juan David Riveros 202011177

Adrián Tovar 202014876
Yeleika Tafur 202013688