Question about tornados??

Question

well I'm pretty scared of tornados, and know what the dark clouds look like, but I don't understand the clouds. What is the texture like and how low to the ground are they? also, is it possible for a dark gray rain cloud to turn into a tornado cloud?Half the cloud(looking outside) is sort-of dark grey but not too dark just pretty dark, then it kind of fades into a light shade of grey. There is no bumpiness or fluff, it's just flat. What kind of cloud is that?

Answer 1

I was highly involved in a tornado this year. I was with the fire department when a tornado hit in a nearby town. We were out doing a fundraiser when a huge storm came. There were multiple funnel clouds that we saw. It caused so much damage. It was terrible doing search and rescue in the houses. Thats not to scare you or anything, the odds of being directly affected by a tornado are less than winning the lottery. When we were out doing our fundraiser, the clouds were actually a very light gray. They look very flat with some open holes in them every now and then. Thats where the tornado forms. They also form at the back of the storm. Your description sounds just like a tornado cloud. Most of the time though they don't produce a tornado, but just stay in your basement just in case. Theres nothing to be scared about tornados. They are so cool to see!

Answer 2

I have never been in a tornado, but this is what I have heard . . . some signs to look for is when the sky turns a sickly, pea green color.  Hail can be another indicator.  I know that it is common to see the cloud wall drop down closer to the ground, and you should look for a rotation in the clouds.  Also, turn on your TV or radio or go to the web site for the National Weather Service, and watch for any tornado watches (meaning the conditions are favorable to create a tornado) or warnings (funnel clouds or an actual tornado have been spotted in your area).  Anyway, I hope that helps!