Facts about tornadoes

1. Each year, about a thousand tornadoes touch down in the United States, far more than any other country.
2. Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over a body of water.
3. A strong tornado can pick up a house and move it down the block.
4. 3 out of every 4 tornadoes in the world happen in the United States.
5. Tornado winds are the fastest winds on Earth.
6. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.
7. Tornadoes generally travel from the southwest and at an average speed of 30 miles per hour.  However, some tornadoes have very erratic paths, with speeds approaching 70 mph.