What Is a Tornado?

In the most recent issue of Kids Answers magazine (April–June 2024), we talked about natural hazards and natural disasters. A natural hazard is an event like a hurricane, volcano, flood, or earthquake. A natural disaster happens when one of these hazards interacts with people and buildings, sometimes causing damage.

Tornadoes are another kind of natural disaster. Tornadoes are a swirling tube of high-speed wind, called a vortex. They form on the bottom of a thunderstorm cloud and stretch from the cloud to the ground.

The wind within a tornado is made up of tiny molecules (particles). By themselves, these molecules can’t do much. But when they work together, they can create a powerful force—even tearing up trees and blowing the roofs off buildings. When there is a tornado in your local area, you should listen to your parents and local authorities when they tell you to seek shelter. God has put them in authority over you for your safety (Romans 13:1–3; Ephesians 6:1–3).

Justin1569 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Originally, God created the world as a perfect place without natural disasters. But when Adam and Eve rebelled against God, sin entered creation. Now, we sometimes experience disasters like tornadoes. Though natural disasters can seem frightening, God tells us that he will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 3:18). We can trust that God will be with us, even when we are afraid.

Watch a Vortex in Action

You learned above that a spinning tube of air (like a tornado) is called a vortex. You can build an air cannon to learn how air molecules work together to create a powerful vortex.

Watch the video below to see Mr. P from Answers TV’s Unlocking Science use a giant vortex cannon. And find out how to create your own vortex cannon in the upcoming issue of Kids Answers magazine. Ask your parents to help you subscribe.

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today! We’d love to hear from you!