Tornadoes may not be the first hazard you think of when you think of eastern North Carolina, but they happen quite often here. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration defines a tornado as “a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground.” (NOAA) Tornadoes can catch people off guard and cause serious injury or death. Tornadoes can range from mild to extremely violent. They occur in many parts of the world and in the United States. Almost all adults know what and where Tornado Alley is located. For those who don't know, it is an area of ​​the central United States that has a very high number of tornadoes that occur each year. This area extends from the northernmost state to the southernmost state and is large across several states. It is estimated that approximately 1,200 documented tornadoes occur each year. They can occur at any time of day or night. Spring and summer see the most tornadoes, but they can occur in other seasons as well. It is also important for emergency managers to educate their community on the difference between the two. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to occur. It also means staying alert for bad weather and keeping close to sources of weather information. But a tornado warning means that a tornado has been reported by radar or seen by spotters in the warning area. It also means that there is a serious threat to the lives and properties of people in the affected area. Finally, it means you should stay in a safe place or seek shelter and follow tornado safety guidelines. The wind speed in a tornado can range from 40 mph to 320