Tornadoes in the United States Tornadoes are one of the most destructive and unpredictable natural disasters in the United States. Every year, hundreds of tornadoes touch down across the country, causing billions of dollars in damage and taking hundreds of lives. Despite their destructive power, tornadoes are still one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural phenomena. What is a Tornado? A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. They can destroy buildings, uproot trees, and create deadly flying debris. Where Do Tornadoes Occur? Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the United States, but they are most common in the Midwest and Southeast. The states with the highest frequency of tornadoes are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Fl...