Tornadoes rip the land apart, threatening our very existence, but they mean more than just that. Discover the spiritual meaning of tornadoes and the things like the high winds and damage they bring and what their symbolism means for you.
Everyone has vivid memories of any tornado they have witnessed in person. Violent wind that picks up trees, cars, living beings, and completely destroys homes and businesses is unforgettable because of the life changing damage it causes. Tornadoes are the stuff nightmares are made of- but they also have deep spiritual meaning. Join Mysticsense to learn that spiritual meaning. Find out what tornadoes are , what causes them, what dreams about tornadoes mean, and the spiritual meaning of ten things that accompany tornadoes. Find out how to outrun a tornado- if it’s even possible, and some tornado safety tips. Tornadoes might be things that ruin your life, but they can enrich you spiritually. Read on to learn how.
What’s a Tornado?

Merriam-Webster online defines a tornado as “a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land.” They also define it as a “ violent windstorm”. Anyone who has experienced a tornado knows that so much more can be said than just that. The Daulatpur-Saturia tornado of 1989 is the deadliest tornado on record to date. It killed 1,300 people and injured about 12,000. It was so powerful, even homes within 6 square kilometers of the tornadoes’ direct path were decimated. 80,000 people were left homeless because of it.
Tornadoes are uncontrollable, and once they hit, all you can do is run for cover, and try to stay away from them. In modern times, we have electronic systems that help alert us to tornadoes, but ancient people had their own methods to detect tornadoes. Indigenous North Americans of the Plains region watched for green colored skies, wall shaped clouds, and were on alert when birds rushed for cover. Some people believed tornadoes were spirits or deities, moving across the land, and they looked at signs the beings were present. One powerful weather goddess is the Cailleach and you can read about her here: The Great Celtic Goddess of Winter
What Causes Tornadoes?
The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Informational Service defines what causes a tornado as: “ A tornado forms from a large thunderstorm. Inside thunderclouds, warm, humid air rises, while cool air falls--along with rain or hail. These conditions can cause spinning air currents inside the cloud. Although the spinning currents start out horizontal, they can turn vertical and drop down from the cloud--becoming a tornado.” Read more from the NESDIS here: What Causes Tornadoes? | NESDIS | National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service
Much of the time, heavy thunderstorms cause tornadoes. However, where you live can dictate tornadoes too. The United States is prone to tornadoes because of the climate and land. Closeness to water can decide whether the wind will cause a tornado as well. The Great Plains region of the US has characteristically dry air, and when moisture from the Gulf of Mexico converges with the dryer air there, a tornado is possible. El Nino is a climate pattern that warms ocean water in parts of the Pacific Ocean. When it happens in Spring, it can trigger more tornadoes in more Northern parts of the US.
The Spiritual Meaning of Tornadoes
For some people, tornadoes are just disasters and they don't mean anything good. For other people, they are deeply spiritual things and it makes them contemplate life and the meaning of everything. From the spiritual meaning of tornado drills, the meaning of dust devils, and the meaning of the damage from a tornado, there is spiritual meaning attached to tornadoes. Read on to find out the spiritual meaning of ten different aspects of tornadoes.
Meaning of Tornado Drills
The spiritual and mundane meaning of tornado drills are exactly the same. They mean preparation. Tornado drills let you know where to go and the event of a tornado so that you can be safe from them. They show you the signs that a tornado is coming, and they let you know how much time you have to do something about it. Once a tornado is near, there is nothing you can do to prevent it. The only thing you can do is protect yourself as well as possible. Spiritually, when you do tornado drills, it means that you are strengthening your sense of self preservation and sticking around, knowing that you are stronger than anything that could happen to you. Believing in yourself makes you stronger too. Learn how here: Believing in Yourself 101
Meaning of Tornado Warnings
The spiritual meaning of tornado warnings is similar to the meaning of tornado drills, but not exactly the same. A warning means that something is about to happen, whereas a drill prepares you for what to do if it does. Now, all of the preparation you have done will be put into practice. You will be called to push yourself past the initial panic when danger hits and act. Various situations in day-to-day life will put us in that state of mind when you are put on notice that something terrible is about to unfold, your immediate reaction should be to protect yourself from whatever is about to happen. Spiritually, tornado warnings mean exactly that.
Meaning of Calm Before Tornadoes
Before a tornado hits, things can be peaceful, too peaceful, and that's not good. Hidden dangers lurk and are about to strike. Spiritually, the calm before the storm is a time when people are keeping their agendas hidden so that you will not suspect what they are about to do. Things will be suspiciously peaceful and you should question this. The lesson that comes from the calm before the storm is to be ever vigilant to hidden dangers and be ready when they strike. Although people may complain if you are, it is still important to be skeptical about suspicious things. Learn the importance of skepticism here: In Praise of Skepticism- Why Question Things?
Meaning of High Winds

Spiritually, wind represents the life force moving through your life. Some people say that's a goddess or god, but other people say it's just the events of life unfolding. Spiritually, strong winds mean that there are drastic changes ripping through your life and taking things apart. This might feel very bad, but sometimes it's a good thing. Strong major changes can be shocking, but necessary. When the world seems to be taking everything away from you that you have carefully built, look at the vacant spaces that are left behind and the potential to build anew.
Meaning of Steam Devils
Steam devils form when arctic air moves over warmer air. This often happens with fog or water, and creates a soft looking etheric effect. They are not dangerous like tornadoes, and are short lived. They symbolize transformation. The transformation they symbolize is not damaging or drastic, however, but more gentle in nature. It's not any more or less awesome than drastic transformation, and it's not any less ground moving or life changing. It tends to be more peaceful and beautiful, though. This type of transformation is awe inspiring and will remind you of the presence of the supernatural which may include god's, spirit guides, or your destiny. Read about fate, destiny, and what it all means to us here: All About Destiny
Meaning of Waterspouts
A waterspout is a tornado on water. Although the ones called fair weather waterspouts are not nearly as dangerous as a tornado, tornadic waterspouts are more powerful and can be pretty dangerous, especially if you're in a boat on the water. It's recommended that if you're on the water, you distance yourself from a waterspout immediately. Spiritually, This means that you're being put on notice to get something toxic out of your life. Don't fight it, just get away.
Meaning of Dust Devils
Dust devils are whirlwinds that form when warm air rises and creates a whirling vortex. They reduce visibility, and breathability, they will throw vegetation and structures around, and can be quite destructive. Quite often, though, they're harmless. Spiritually, dust devils represent things that can look threatening, but which we can overcome easily. So when you see a dust devil when you're going through difficulties, the universe is telling you that you're going to make it through just fine. If you need guidance through difficulties, great or small, it’s available. Find out where to look for it here: Finding Your Guide When You’re Lost
Meaning of Fire Whirls
A fire whirl is an entirely different beast. It forms when winds hit a fire and creates a spinning column of flames. So it's basically a tornado inside a fire. Typically they're not very large, but if they grow large it's very dangerous temperatures. Could be more than 2000°F, incinerating anything in its path. Spiritually, fire whirls represent double whammies of damage in your life. Some people say when it rains, it pours. You're getting hit doubly by horrible things, and you will be powerless to stop it when the symbolism of a fire whirl appears. Get out of the situation immediately, because there's nothing that can stop it.
Meaning of Tornado Damage
Tornado damage is what people are really worried about, not the tornado itself. Tornadoes can uproot homes and destroy necessary things like cars, roads, and even farms. A tornado can take away everything because of the damage that it causes. The spiritual symbolism of tornado damage is complete and utter devastation. Some people say that's a good thing though, when the devastation takes away bad things and clears the path for good things. When everything is taken away, the only thing to do is make positive changes. Find out how here: How to Make Positive Changes
Meaning of Tornado Cleanup
Tornado cleanup comes after the damage of the disaster happens. Spiritually, this represents the difficult time that comes after horrible things happen in life. Heartbreak, loss, or changes that you didn't want leave a horrible mess. Spiritually, after these difficult times in life, you are left to pick up the pieces of your heart, your shattered dreams, or your seemingly destroyed life. Clean up comes before your new chapter. The only way in life to move is forward.
Dreams About Tornadoes
A dream about a tornado is a nightmare. Nightmares sometimes happen when we are going through especially difficult times. It's possible that your mind is just expressing that stress in your sleep. However, the events of the dream should be examined anyways. If you are someone who has prophetic dreams, what did the dream instruct you to do during the tornado? How did you fare after the tornado was over in the dream? Follow any psychic instruction that you receive. It is the powers that be protecting you. It could be messages from your goddess or god, but which one is calling you? Find out how to discover your personal deity here: Dear God, Who Are You? Finding Your Deity
Can You Outrun a Tornado?

Watching storm chaser videos and shows might make you think that with the right tenacity, you can outrun a tornado. Small whirlwinds? Sure. Larger ones that are headed straight in your direction, probably not. Keep in mind that the storm chasers are professionals. They have specialized vehicles that are built with extra weight and protection. They are also very daring individuals who know that they're taking risks. Unless you are one of those professionals, don't go out of your way to get in a storm's path to make a video for friends and then try to run out of the storm's path at the last moment. Get to shelter and be safe.
Tornado Safety Tips
Speaking of safety from a tornado, there are some tornado safety tips that you should follow no matter where you live on this green planet. The first thing you should do is be prepared in the event that there is a tornado. Then, watch the forecasts when a warning has been issued. If the tornado comes into your area, take cover. Then wait.
Be Prepared
Tornado preparation varies. Having a plan of action in place in case of a disaster like that is very important. Flashlights, battery powered radios to listen to forecasts, and a stockpile of things like water and blankets are very important to have on hand. One Zodiac Sign that loves to be prepared is Virgo and you can read about them here: Virgo Traits | Star Sign in The Spotlight
Watch the Forecasts
When you hear that there is danger of a tornado in your area, tune in to the weather forecasts and listen until the threat passes.
Take Cover and Wait
If you live on water, when a tornado hits, get to high ground. If you live on land, when a tornado hits, get to a safe structure that is less likely to be knocked over or fall on top of you. Your home and town will decide the safest place to be during a tornado lives, just don't wait. Take cover immediately. The tornado will pass. Until it's gone, stay safe. Your life and the life of your loved ones is the most important thing, so wait out the tornado for as long as you need to.
Tornadoes can devastate the landscape, and that translates into devastating people's lives. Spiritually, things that rip our lives apart and lay bare all the things that we've built so carefully are compared to spiritual tornadoes. Things like water spouts, dust devils, and fire whirls represent spiritual upheaval and danger. You may not be able to outrun a tornado in real life, but there are some spiritual tornadoes you can step out of and completely avoid. Spiritually and physically, you should do everything that you can to protect yourself from such things. Be prepared, watch for danger, and then do what you have to do to be safe. Your safety is the most important thing when it comes to weathering the dangers of life.
Would you like to know how to get out of a devastating situation? Reach out to one of our psychics to make a plan today.