Recently, I discussed differences between tornadoes and hurricanes with some friends. The discussion was prompted by the passage of Hurricane Ana near Hawaii. Hurricanes are of course intense storms, and tornadoes are related to severe thunderstorms, but they are different. Since tornadoes are rare in Hawaii, it can be confusing to locals. Tornadoes occur much more frequently on the mainland, and can be very intense in inland states, whereas hurricanes occur in coastal areas. In areas frequently hit by tornadoes, it is common for homes to have basements for use as tornado shelters. These basements can be comfortable or very spartan depending on the owners but become places of refuge during tornado warnings. Both people and pets will retreat to these basements if there is a siren warning of the danger of impending tornadoes. Although I have never seen a tornado in person, I have seen the damage they cause. Tornadoes can completely destroy one neighborhood but leave an adjacent area untouched. For this reason, since tornadoes are so dangerous and unpredictable, it is best to take shelter if a tornado is coming.