The Facts (and Fiction) of Tornadoes

A funnel cloud touching down in Orchard, Iowa, on June 10, 2008. Lori Mehmen took the photo from outside her front door before seeking shelter.

By JOHN COLLINS RUDOLF, JOHN SCHWARTZ, JUSTIN GILLIS, HENRY FOUNTAIN, KENNETH CHANG, DENISE GRADY, and ERICA GOODE

Published: May 25, 2011 Q:  How bad has this year’s tornado season been, relative to other years? A: Extraordinarily bad, even by historical standards. Read Here A dog waits for its owner in Joplin, Mo.