The United States averages around 1,200 tornadoes per year. Notoriously difficult to predict, tornadoes often leave a wake of destruction in their path. Although tornadoes usually take place in a 10-state zone across the South and Midwest, tornadoes can crop up anywhere, depending on weather conditions. With 100-mile-perhour winds, torrential rain and hail, and dangerous flying debris, a tornado is something to take seriously.