The five key features of tornadoes are formation, speed, vacuums, location and dust devils. They usually form in large thunder clouds. Their internal winds begin to whirl forming a funnel. The speed at which the funnel spins can be 400 km/hr making them the fastest winds on earth. The funnel acts like a giant vacuum sucking up debris and dirt as it goes. They usually only last about 15 minutes but can cover over hundreds of kilometers in that time. The primary location of tornadoes is in the United States in the Mid-Western states. If it develops over sea it is called a waterspout with winds up to 80 kph. In deserts where there is not as much water, small sandstorms known as dust devils are produced by whirling winds.
Major Key Fact: A tornado will sound like a roaring train. It is a deafening roar.
