A tornado is a spinning column of air that stretches from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can move very quickly and destroy almost everything in their path. They can pick up trees, cars, and even houses! Tornadoes often look like funnels and can form suddenly. Scientists measure tornado strength using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which rates them from EF0 (weak) to EF5 (very strong) based on wind speed and the damage caused. If there is a tornado warning, people should go to a safe place like a basement or a room without windows. Tornadoes can be scary, but weather experts work hard to warn people before they happen.