Watch CBS News

Severe weather season: Defining tornado damage and intensity

CBS Colorado's First Alert Meteorologist Joe Ruch discusses how tornadoes form and additional information in the video above.

Tornado season is rapidly approaching Colorado. In fact, we are under a month away from one of the most active months on average.

avg-tornado-activity.png
CBS

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is used to classify the strength of a tornado. It can range from EF-0 to EF-5:  

Tornado intensity and damage 01:37

Learn more about hail.

Knowing the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning is important.

A Tornado Watch is issued hours earlier in the day, suggesting conditions are ripe and a tornado will be possible. When a Tornado Watch is issued it is important to stay weather aware and know your safe place.

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is happening now or about to happen. Action should be taken immediately; you should enter your safe space.

tornado-safety.png
CBS

During a tornado, it is especially important to locate an interior room with no windows on the lowest floor possible. This will often be the basement or bathroom.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue