The following is more specific information about these disasters.

Tornadoes:

A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from storm clouds to the ground, but rain or clouds can hide them. Tornadoes may be hard to see until they pick up dust or debris.

The sky is often a dark, greenish color before and during a tornado. Tornadoes often sound like a freight train and include hailstones.

A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible. People should remain alert, watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. People should take shelter immediately.