Severe Weather Awareness Week is a chance to review weather procedures for the spring storm season. This week, HutchPost.com will review various types of severe weather and how you can be safe if such weather approaches. We’ll cover a different topic each day to keep you informed.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Most people know the destruction tornadoes can cause when they hit any given area. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars and create deadly flying debris.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can happen anytime, anywhere and bring winds as strong as 300 mph.

How does a tornado form?

Bob Smedbeck is the senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, he explains that when the seasons transition from winter to spring and even summer, the surface can be warm and humid at the surface, but cooler aloft.

With the warm air at the surface and colder air aloft, “that creates an unstable air mass and the bigger the difference, the faster the warm air rises. With the right amount of moisture and maybe a jet stream coming from the southwest, they can develop thunderstorms. Sometimes they can form into supercells where giant storms can sometimes drop large hail and a tornado,” Smedbeck said.

Tornado damage is assessed using the Enhanced Fajita Scale. Based on what damage is seen, that gives storm investigators indications on how strong the winds were during the storm.

The scale goes from F-0 to F-5. F-5 is the strongest with winds as high as 300 mph.

Smedbeck says tornadoes can strike anywhere and no one is immune. “Even an F-0 can be deadly,” Smedbeck said. He also expects this year to be much more active for severe storms with tornadoes.

What should you do to prepare for a possible tornado?

First, have a plan with your family for what to do if you should be in danger from one of these storms.

If a tornado warning is issued for the immediate area, you should find safety in a sturdy building, with a safe room, basement or storm cellar. If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level and stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.

If you are driving, do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.

You should also know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar — similar to a freight train.

If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

When a tornado watch is issued, you should monitor media and keep tabs on the weather. That gives you time to plan.

Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves.