Question

Which statements about tornadoes are true? Check all that apply.

About 12,000 tornadoes hit the United States every year.
A tornado looks like a funnel.
Tornadoes are deadly atmospheric storms that cause millions in damages each year.
Tornadoes can reach wind speeds of more than 300 miles per hour.
Kansas is the state with the most tornadoes.
You will always notice a funnel before a tornado strikes.

Answer 1

True:
- A tornado looks like a funnel. (True in general — many tornadoes have a visible funnel cloud, though shapes vary: rope, stovepipe, wedge, etc.)
- Tornadoes are deadly atmospheric storms that cause millions in damages each year. (True — they can be deadly and cause millions or even billions in damage.)
- Tornadoes can reach wind speeds of more than 300 miles per hour. (True, though extremely rare — some tornadoes have had measured or estimated winds at or above ~300 mph.)

False:
- About 12,000 tornadoes hit the United States every year. (False — the U.S. averages roughly 1,000–1,300 tornadoes per year, not 12,000.)
- Kansas is the state with the most tornadoes. (False — Texas has the most tornadoes overall; Kansas is in Tornado Alley and has many, but it is not the top state.)
- You will always notice a funnel before a tornado strikes. (False — some tornadoes are rain-wrapped or otherwise not clearly visible, and funnels can form quickly.)