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Tornado Season: May, June peak months for Texas

Though tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, these months remain as some of the most active period for tornadoes.

TEMPLE, Texas — As we near the end of April, the National Weather Service is still warning Texans about May and June being the peak of Tornado Season in the United States.

Though tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, these months remain as some of the most active period for tornadoes, meaning they see the greatest number of tornadoes, as well as some of the most intense in the southern Plains (Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas), according to NWS.

On average, the U.S. sees about 1,200 tornadoes a year. Breaking it down by months, according to the Weather Channel:

  • April -- About 192 tornadoes in the U.S. a year
  • May -- About 279 tornadoes in the U.S. a year
  • June -- About 213 tornadoes in the U.S. a year

In Texas, the Lone Star State sees an average of 132 tornadoes a year.

Tornado FAQ:

What time do tornadoes usually pop up?

They can happen at any time of day, but their peak hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What's the windspeed of tornadoes?

Meteorologists have difficulty determining the wind speed of tornadoes because twisters usually break their instruments. However, the strongest winds in a tornado was reportedly 318 mph in May 1999, the NWS said.

How fast can tornadoes move?

Tornadoes can range from being almost stationary to traveling more than 60 mph, the NWS said.

On average, they move 10- to- 20 mph, the NWS added.

What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

Tornado Watch: A watch is usually issued when the weather has favorable conditions for tornadoes and severe weather.

Tornado Warning: A warning is usually issued when a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.

What do I do when there's a tornado in my area or on the way?

The best advice from experts is to seek shelter and get underground immediately -- in a tornado shelter if you have one.

Click here if you don't have a tornado shelter or are not at home (i.e. at an office, church, school, etc.).

Other FAQ -- click here.

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