The Internet offers an impressive assortment of weather sites that allow you to keep up with and prepare for severe weather. You can view radar or satellite weather maps, learn survival tips, and keep up-to-date with the latest information on powerful and deadly forces of nature.

Did you know that "weak tornadoes" represent 69% of all tornadoes, and they last between 1 and ten minutes? "Strong tornadoes" represent 29%, and they can last 20 minutes or longer. Only 2% are "violent tornadoes," which can last an hour or longer. At the Tornado – the Web Page, you’ll learn the difference between a tornado "watch" and a tornado "warning," and you’ll also learn interesting myths about tornadoes. You can even view tornado or hurricane pictures at the site.

If a tornado is approaching, would you know what to do? Do you know what to do if you’re caught in the open during a thunderstorm or if you feel tingling or your hair standing on end? The Severe Weather Safety Guide offers safety tips for tornadoes, flash floods, hurricanes, lightning, and more.

If a tornado is classified as an F-5, what does that mean? F-5 tornadoes are the most violent, with winds between 261 and 318 mph. During an F-5 tornado, homes can be lifted off their foundations and carried considerable distances, and cars can be thrown as far as 100 meters. Did you know that before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still? Learn what supplies you need to have on hand and what to do in case of a tornado at the FEMA Fact Sheet on Tornadoes.

At Hurricane Season ’99, you’ll learn the Atlantic and East Pacific storm names for the 1999 season. Obtain an up-to-date tropical outlook, view radar or satellite imagery, or read land-based observations. You’ll also find a handy chart that outlines the hurricane intensity in the different category storms.

Another superb source of information on hurricanes is the Hurricane Weather Center from Tampa Bay Online. How do you prepare for a hurricane? How do you recover afterward? When should you leave your area and when should you stay? You’ll find an evacuation checklist, a grocery list, advance planning tips, and much more at this comprehensive site.

Finally, visit the Weather Information Networks for live weather broadcasts and an impressive listing of weather-related links.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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