What country has the most tornados on earth? Sorry Dorothy, while the U.S. has its share of tornados, the Netherlands is actually the most tornado-country on earth.

This fact is one of many interesting items to know about tornados. There is a lot to learn about them.

For example, they are all rotating columns of air they are all formed in different ways. Actual tornados are always formed when air currents meet within harsh such as thunderstorms, squalls or hurricanes. However, dust devils are smaller whirlwinds that occur when the ground is heated and air rises rapidly. Waterspouts are whirlwinds that take place over bodies of water.

While we know these facts about whirlwinds, meteorologists don't understand everything about them. For example, they don't know exactly what causes tornados to form in some areas but not in others. The prevailing theory is that high-level winds traveling in one direction meet low-level winds traveling the other way. These winds are of different temperatures and the meeting causes the air to rotate. This rotation forms a column of air, known as the mesocyclone.

As the spin continues, the mesocyclone works its way down to the ground, forming the dreaded funnel shape. Technically, the mesocyclone becomes a tornado when it touches the ground. Interestingly, tornados are actually colorless; they pick up the color of whatever they are traveling over. Tornados can be invisible.

The path of the tornado is unpredictable. They may travel hundreds of miles or only a few yards. They can be only 100 feet across or cut a path of destruction a half-mile wide. Their winds can reach speeds up to 300 mph and can last from a few seconds to more than an hour.

If you hear a tornado alarm, keep these facts in mind. A tornado watch is begun when local authorities deem that conditions are right for tornados to occur. In a tornado watch, continue with regular activity but keep listening for weather conditions. A tornado warning occurs when a tornado has been sited. It is then time to take cover.

Because tornados are so destructive and so unpredictable, it is best to be prepared. If you are inside a building, go to the basement or storm cellar or to a room without windows. Get under a table and protect your head. Remain there until the storm has passed. If you are in a car, truck or mobile home, get out and go quickly to a sturdy building. If you outside, lie flat in a ditch and protect your head.

By understanding how tornados and other whirlwinds occur, it is hoped that scientists can better predict how they will move. By knowing what to do in a tornado, we can save the lives of ourselves and our loved ones.