Tornadoes

A tornado is a destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud extending down from a cumulonimbus cloud. Tornadoes can spin at speeds up to 500 miles per hour and annihilate anything in its path in a matter of seconds.

• Fort Worth, Texas - March 28, 2000:

"On the evening of March 28, 2000 at approximately 6:18 PM, a tornado formed during a severe thunderstorm approximately two miles west of downtown Fort Worth. It proceeded eastward through the town, tearing off roofs and obliterating buildings. This storm resulted in 5 death, over 100 injured, and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage."

• The "Great Cyclone of St. Louis" - May 27, 1896:

"On May 27, 1896, one of the worst tornadoes in the history of the United States ravenged through downtown St. Louis. It is estimated that over 300 people were killed and over 1,000 were injured. A significant portion of the city was destroyed by both the tornado and resulting fires. At this point in time, there were no networks for warning people in the area of the impending danger, which accounts for the high death toll."