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19 Common Dreams About Tornadoes And What They All Mean

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tornado dreams

What does your dream mean when there is a tornado in it?

Dream interpretation is a natural response to the vividness we experience while we’re asleep. If it’s playing out in your mind there has to be some sort of reality to those same dream symbols, right?

What does it mean when you dream about a tornado?

One of the most well-known representations is that of a sudden change in your life. But the meaning of a tornado in your dream depends on how it presents itself.

It’s possible that you or those you love will be killed by a tornado spinning out of control, or you may easily survive and only see it from afar. Those two types of dreams reveal very different messages, which is why it’s important to be cautious of how the tornado acts within your dream.

While certain events happen in our waking life, dreams about tornadoes express turbulent events and our feelings about them in our dreams.

In dreams, tornadoes represent unexpected events or changes, new beginnings, sadness, fear, confusion, sudden challenges, powerlessness, sudden separation, destructive consequences, and being in survival mode.

If you’re stressed or anxious, you may have nightmares about tornadoes, or your contentment will promote positive dreams about surviving one or seeing it in the distance while you're safe inside your home.

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It’s always interesting to figure out what our dreams are trying to reveal, and having a tornado in yours is symbolic. A tornado dream can be used as a way to express your innermost thoughts and bring about the clarity that might be lacking in your situation.

“Storms — especially tornadoes, the most powerful of storms — are powerful spiritual energy from above. They can be about transformation," comments Greg Mahr, MD, psychiatrist, author of "The Wisdom of Dreams," and director of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

"But when the mind chooses an image of a tornado, instead of a rain shower, for example, it is because of the power in the image, the danger, the unpredictability. The image has an aspect of warning. Things are, or will be or should be, stirred up,” Mahr continues.

As we know, tornadoes destroy everything in their path, rapidly rotating and creating strong winds of up to 300mph. Tornadoes are a natural disaster that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground, and they do not discriminate against what the wind takes.

Whether or not you decide to observe the possible meaning of your tornado dream, becoming aware is an unavoidable part of the process. So, it might be best to figure out the reason you saw a tornado in your dream.

What It Means If You Dream About Trying To Escape A Tornado

To dream of trying to escape a tornado can indicate conflicts in the waking world that you're trying to avoid. Consider this a wake-up call to address your conflicts head-on, rather than trying to run away from them.

What It Means If You Dream About Being Killed By A Tornado

To be killed by a tornado in your dream means you are experiencing emotional upheaval of some kind, and your temper is short. You feel overwhelmed by your strong emotions, and they may even lead you to be resentful towards others.

If you have this dream, do a bit of self-reflection in your daily life. Think about how important it is to let things go and leave the past behind.

What It Means If You Dream About A Tornado Funnel

When a tornado funnel forms, the wind speeds in the vortex can reach up to 220 mph, making this quite a scary dream to have! But this specific dream is a warning of what is to come, especially as it relates to future destructive forces of some kind.

Be sure to listen to your inner voice and trust that your decisions will guide you in the right direction.

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What It Means If You Dream About Watching A Tornado Cause Destruction

If you dream about a tornado from afar, this type of dream indicates a change or challenge you will soon face. Pay attention to how far away you are from the tornado, as being quite a distance from it in your dream means you won't face significant damage.

What It Means If You Dream About Tornadoes And Wind

If there are strong winds accompanying a tornado in your dream, it indicates the desire for your subconscious to reach a higher consciousness. But this dream can also mean that you're feeling overwhelmed in real life.

What It Means If You Dream About Loved Ones Stuck In A Tornado

When you dream about family members or other people in your life being stuck in a tornado, it directly relates to your relationships with your loved ones in the waking world.

You may not be paying close enough attention to their mental health, so consider this dream a nudge to check in on those you love most from time to time.

What It Means If You Dream About Surviving A Tornado

Surviving a tornado in your dream means that you are slowly but surely resolving issues plaguing you in real life. No matter what area of your life, once these problems are solved, you'll find yourself feeling happier and more content with your situation.

What It Means If You Dream About A Tornado Moving You

When you dream of being carried into the air or being moved by a tornado, it means you're letting yourself be consumed by your fears and worries. A tornado carrying you is a reminder to determine the cause of your stress and find a solution to bring harmony back into your life.

What It Means If You Dream About Trying To Save Someone From A Tornado

If you dream of saving someone from a tornado, this relates to your relationship with the specific person in your dream and your desire to shield them from whatever may trouble them. 

“The meaning of dreams about saving someone from a tornado depends on who it is. It may represent a part of you that is overwhelmed and feels in danger,” Mahr says.

What It Means If You Dream About Being Stuck In A Car During A Tornado

If you dream about being stuck in a car during a tornado, you are likely feeling overwhelmed by how to resolve certain issues causing you stress. The tornado can also symbolize your inability to make a decision in the waking world, and the fear that is holding you back.

What It Means If You Dream About A Tornado Warning

To dream about a tornado warning is common among people with anxiety, as they not only worry in the waking world, but in the dream world as well. This dream also relates to your preparedness in the waking world as it relates to big changes.

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What It Means If You Dream About Multiple Tornadoes

If you see multiple tornadoes in your dream, including types like a skinny tornado or a large one, this indicates a few things: You may experience mood swings; you're currently in a strained relationship and want to leave; there are individuals in your life who are violent.

What It Means If You Dream About The Eye Of A Tornado

To dream about being in the eye of a tornado means you're rejecting or ignoring danger that is coming your way in the real world. It could relate to a negative or volatile situation in work or your personal life, but either way, consider this dream a reminder to stop living in denial.

What It Means If You Dream About Tornadoes Being A Different Color

When tornadoes appear in differing colors in your dream, pay close attention to the colors that you see. For example, a white tornado means that someone close to you wishes to offer advice that could help you; however, a black tornado can indicate depression and damage to your mental health.

What It Means If You Dream About Being Chased By A Tornado

If a tornado is chasing you in your dream, there may be individuals in your life who are angry with you, though you aren't sure why they are directing their aggression towards you. It might be best to reevaluate your relationship with this person to find out where they are coming from.

What It Means If You Dream About Chasing A Tornado

To chase a tornado means you're actively fighting against the people in your life who are trying to control you in some way. But this dream can also indicate that you are "chasing" drama, so to speak. In the waking world, you thrive on conflicts and constantly find yourself in dysfunctional situations.

What It Means If You Dream About A Tornado On Water

In dreams, water represents the unconscious mind and emotions that may be hidden. If the tornado in your dream is on the water, it could mean that you're feeling confused about where you're going in life.

In addition, a tornado heading for the water indicates that your life will soon be thrown out of balance.

Adds Mahr, “A tornado on the water is a powerful way of ‘stirring up’ the unconscious.”

What It Means If You Dream About Being A Tornado

While being a tornado in your dream may seem a bit silly, this dream means your behavior is careless and reckless, especially towards your close friends and family. Your actions are having quite negative consequences not only for your loved ones, but for yourself as well.

What It Means If You Dream About A Tornado's Sound

If you hear the sound of a tornado in your dream, it indicates future problems you will face, but you won't solve them quickly. Instead, it will take some time to overcome the issues.

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Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who has written hundreds of articles about relationships, trending news and entertainment, numerology and astrology. Follow her on Twitter for more.