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GLOSSARY

anemometers – devices that measure wind speed
mesocyclone – the broad, rotating area of a thunderstorm about
five miles (8 km) above the ground
radar – technology that detects objects from a distance, as well
as their speed and direction

RESOURCES

Bluestein, Howard B. Tornado Alley: Monster Storms of the
Great Plains. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Edwards, Roger. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion Storm Prediction Center. “The Online Tornado FAQ.” http://
www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/.
Farndon, John. Extreme Weather. New York: Dorling Kindersley,
2007.

Grazulis, Thomas P. The Tornado: Nature’s Ultimate Windstorm.
Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2001.

INDEX

categories 7, 21, infamous tornadoes 21, 25, 28
24, 25, 28 10, 16, 21, 22,
thunderstorms 5,
26, 31
damage 5, 22, 24, 31 12, 19, 28
National Severe
death tolls 6, 7, tornado features 5,
Storms
16, 17, 20, 21, 14, 26, 28, 31
Laboratory 25
22, 26, 31
tornado safety 21
predictions 6, 8,
formation
9, 20
conditions 5,
9, 12, 14, 19 reported sightings
8, 18, 19, 20,

Scientists believe that each tornado produces its own signature sound.

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