1. Tornadoes Can Spin Over 300 mph!
The most powerful tornado winds ever recorded reached an estimated 302 mph (486 km/h) during the 1999 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado in Oklahoma.
2. They’re Not Always Funnels
Some tornadoes look like ropes, wedges, or even multiple twisting funnels from the same storm — no two tornadoes look exactly alike.
3. Tornadoes Can Cross Rivers & Mountains
Contrary to myth, tornadoes don’t “dissolve” when they hit water, rivers, or hills — they can keep going right over them!
4. The U.S. Has a “Tornado Alley”
A region including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska sees the most powerful tornadoes on Earth — thanks to the unique meeting of warm, cold, and dry air.
5. Waterspouts Are Tornadoes Over Water
These swirling columns of air and water droplets form over warm waters and can sometimes move ashore as regular tornadoes.
6. Tornadoes Can Suck Up Strange Things
Tornadoes have lifted everything from trains and cows to entire ponds — sometimes dropping fish and frogs miles away!
7. They Can Be Nearly Invisible
A tornado made of clean, dry air can be almost invisible — only dust, debris, or condensation reveals the swirling funnel.
8. There Are Over 1,000 Tornadoes in the U.S. Each Year
That’s more than any other country — and most occur between March and June.
9. The Smallest Ones Are Called “Dust Devils”
Though usually harmless, these tiny spinning columns form on hot days and can toss lightweight items into the air.
10. The Longest Tornado Path Was Over 200 Miles
In 1925, the Tri-State Tornado stayed on the ground for 219 miles, killing over 800 people across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.
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