The recent tornadoes in the Dallas, Texas area are a reminder that we are in severe weather season. Here are more facts about tornadoes, nature's most violent storms.

Tornado Facts (noaa):

In the southern states, peak tornado occurrence is in March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the summer. In some states, a secondary tornado maximum occurs in the fall.

Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 and 9pm but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night.

The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.

Tornadoes can last from several seconds to more than an hour. Most tornadoes last less than 10 minutes

- Meteorologist Bonnie Schneider, author of EXTREME WEATHER, BonnieWeather.com