Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months.

Tornadoes are the most violent storms on Earth. ... Tornadoes and the threat of tornadoes are a key part of the USA's spring weather because spring brings favorable tornado conditions.

Information on tornadoes and other severe weather may now be found at the NOAAWatch Severe Weather theme page.

Pictures and information about thiry-two different shapes, sizes, and colors of tornadoes. ... Tornadoes - Many Are Different From; What Dorothy Saw

Tornadoes must always be taken seriously. Tornadoes can be very dangerous -- sometimes even deadly. They come from powerful thunderstorms and appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds.

What follows is a listing, with short descriptions, of the killer tornadoes that have occurred this year, along with anecdotal accounts of several others.

The Tornado FAQ is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to tornadoes. ... THE BASICS ABOUT TORNADOES

with weak tornadoes often having a thin, rope-like appearance, as exhibited by this tornado near Dawn, Texas. ... Nearly 3 in 10 tornadoes are strong, such as this twister on the plains of North Dakota.

Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.

Measuring tornadoes ... Learn more about tornadoes at these sites: ... Tornadoes occur just about everywhere in the world, from India to Australia, and all over the United States, but the most famous