While, no, you can’t predict any tornado’s occurrence as we don’t really know what causes them in the first place, we DO know the prerequisites required for their formation. Nothing just happens, and if you take the time to stay up with the weather, you shouldn’t be caught by total surprise nearly as often.
For example, if I were living in the Ohio or Tennessee valley right now, I would be a trifle concerned this weekend. Of course, you can’t board up and evaq every little shortwave, but I can’t see why it is so unrealistic to have the flashlights ready or something.

It has nothing to do with what the Squirrels are doing with their nuts… what part of grandma is aching today... or whatever the heck the Farmer’s Almanac says. Just take the time and be in the know, and you will be much better off. I think the answers to most of the world's problems lies in education.

... if that made any sense.