What to know about tornadoes in the DMV

Washington is better known for political whirlwinds than tornadoes , but as the destructive activity last week indicates, the DMV is at risk.

Why it matters: With a highly active Atlantic hurricane season just nearing its peak, the D.C. area could see more tornadoes to come.

How it works: Tornadoes are often associated with landfalling tropical storms, hurricanes, or thunderstorms.

• For a tornado outbreak to hit D.C., the center of a storm must veer west while rain bands focus in and around the D.C. metro area — exactly the conditions that sparked tornado watches and warnings around the DMV on Friday as Tropical Storm Debby 's remnants rolled through, according to Axios' Andrew Freedman .

The big picture: As climate change sparks more severe storms, there could be increased tornado outbreaks in the U.S. Last month, deadly tornadoes struck the Chicago area, which is currently experiencing its second-busiest year for tornadoes after 2011.

• A seven-tornado outbreak touched down in Maryland and Virginia last month.

Reality check: It's a myth that tornadoes gravitate Oz-like to rural plains over urban areas.

• "People think tornadoes can't cross the Potomac, or that they don't touch down where there's a bunch of buildings," says Freedman. "There are videos of tornadoes going up and over mountains. They will occur anywhere the conditions are right."

Flashback: A minor tornado hit the National Mall a few years ago, while a deadly tornado caused widespread damage and injuries, and killed two people in College Park in 2001.

• Another in June injured multiple people in Maryland. Last Friday's tornado took down hundreds of Loudoun County trees.

Threat level: Tornadoes in tropical systems tend to be weak, according to Freedman, but they form and dissipate quickly. "You should take the warnings very seriously."

• Guidelines urge residents to retreat into basements, or if lacking one, go to inner hallways, rooms without windows (e.g. bathrooms, closets), or the center of a room with something sturdy to shield from debris.

Between the lines: While some cities like Charlotte suffer a radar gap that impedes weather warnings, the DMV is extremely well-covered by radars around Dulles, Reagan National, and beyond that can detect the first hints of tornado activity and help warn the public.

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Washington Dc.