A tornado is a severe weather phenomenon that forms a rotating column of strong winds and usually reaches the ground from cumulonimbus clouds. With very high wind speeds, sometimes exceeding 300 km/h, this phenomenon can cause extensive damage to buildings, trees, and infrastructure. Tornadoes are most common in certain areas, such as the central plains of the United States, and may last from a few minutes to a few hours. Their intensity is measured by the Fujita or EF scale.