Final answer:
Tornadoes in the U.S. are most common during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tornadoes in the U.S. are most commonly observed in the late afternoon and early evening hours, making option (c) ~5:00 P.M. the correct choice. During this time, atmospheric conditions are typically more conducive to the formation of tornadoes. The combination of warm and moist air near the surface, along with strong wind shear in the atmosphere, creates an environment suitable for tornado development.