Tornado Outbreak (broadcast Friday, February 8th, 2008)

Oklahoma City/Twin Lakes Doppler radar taken on May 8, 2003, showing the hook echo of an F4 tornado as it hit the General Motors plant in Oklahoma City NOAA image.

Severe weather in the south central U.S. this week spawned a string of tornadoes that killed at least 50 people. Generally spring and early summer are thought of as prime tornado season -- but if the conditions are right, tornadoes don't pay attention to the calendar. "Tornadoes can happen any time of year, any time of day," said Pam Knox, Georgia's assistant state climatologist.

We'll talk about the tornado outbreak and the conditions needed for tornado formation. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.