Tornado

A tornado is a powerful and destructive weather phenomenon characterized by a rapidly rotating air column extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. It appears as a funnel-shaped cloud that spins violently, often causing extensive damage to anything in its path. Tornadoes are typically associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly supercells. They can occur in various parts of the world, although they are most common in the central United States, known as Tornado Alley.

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The formation of a tornado begins within a thunderstorm when warm, moist air near the ground collides with cooler, drier air aloft. This collision creates instability in the atmosphere, leading to the development of solid updrafts within the storm. As the updrafts intensify, they may rotate horizontally due to wind shear, a change in wind direction or speed with height.

When conditions are favourable, and the rotating updraft becomes sufficiently organised, a rotating column of air, known as a mesocyclone, may develop within the thunderstorm. The mesocyclone is the precursor to tornado formation and is often observed as a rotating wall cloud beneath the storm.

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As the mesocyclone tightens and intensifies, it can produce a tornado. The tornado descends from the base of the storm cloud and reaches the ground, creating a visible funnel-shaped cloud. The rotating winds within the tornado can reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour (160 kilometres per hour) and can cause significant destruction to buildings, trees, and other structures in its path.

Tornadoes vary in size, shape, and intensity, ranging from relatively weak and short-lived to large and long-lived tornadoes capable of causing catastrophic damage. The intensity of a tornado is typically measured using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which classifies tornadoes based on the damage they inflict.

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When a tornado is imminent, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect life and property. Individuals in the path of a tornado should seek shelter in a sturdy building, preferably in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Covering oneself with blankets or mattresses can provide additional protection against flying debris.

In summary, tornadoes are powerful and destructive storms that form within thunderstorms under specific atmospheric conditions. Understanding the characteristics and behaviour of tornadoes is essential for effective preparedness and response to these hazardous weather events.

Tornado rating scales

Tornado rating scales measure a tornado’s strength and the damage it can cause. There are two main rating scales: the Enhanced Fujita (EF) and the original Fujita (F).

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The Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale has six categories, from EF0 to EF5. An EF0 tornado is the weakest, with wind speeds of 65 to 85 miles per hour, while an EF5 tornado is the strongest, with wind speeds over 200 miles per hour. The EF scale also considers the damage caused by the tornado to classify its strength.

The original Fujita (F) scale, created by Dr. Tetsuya Theodore Fujita, also has six categories, from F0 to F5. It measures the damage caused by the tornado to buildings, trees, and other structures to determine its strength.

Both scales help meteorologists and emergency officials understand the severity of tornadoes and their impact on communities. By knowing the rating of a tornado, people can better prepare for and respond to tornado warnings and stay safe during severe weather events.

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Tornado Safety: How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After a Tornado

Staying safe during a tornado involves taking precautions before, during, and after the storm.

Before a Tornado:

Stay Updated: Track weather forecasts and alerts through local news, weather apps, or a NOAA weather radio.

Develop a Plan: Create a family emergency plan outlining where to seek shelter and how to communicate during a tornado.

Identify Shelter Areas: Determine safe locations in your home or workplace, such as basements, storm cellars, or interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows.

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Prepare Supplies: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit.

Secure Property: Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles and reinforce windows and doors if possible.

During a Tornado:

Take Shelter Quickly: Move to the safest location available when a warning is issued or you see signs of a tornado.

Stay Away from Windows: Avoid windows, glass doors, and exterior walls. Protect yourself by getting under sturdy furniture or covering yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets.

Protect Your Head: Use your arms to shield your head and neck from flying debris, and wear a helmet if available.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on the tornado’s progress and any updates from local authorities. Wait to leave your shelter until it’s safe.

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After a Tornado:

Wait for Clearance: Remain in your shelter until you receive official confirmation that the tornado has passed and it’s safe to come out.

Watch for Hazards: Be cautious of downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Avoid damaged buildings until they’ve been inspected.

Assist Others Safely: Help neighbors or family members if needed, but prioritize safety. Administer first aid and contact emergency services for assistance.

Document Damage: Take photos or videos of any property damage for insurance purposes and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.

Stay Updated: Stay informed about recovery efforts and additional hazards through local news and authorities.

Characteristics of Tornadoes

Tornadoes are like giant spinning winds that can be scary. Here’s what you need to know about them:

1. How They Form

Tornadoes usually come from big thunderstorms called supercells. These storms happen when hot, wet air clashes with cold, dry air. When the air starts spinning in the storm, it can turn into a tornado.

2. Funnel Cloud

Tornadoes look like big cones made of clouds hanging from the sky. These clouds start at the bottom of the storm and swirl upwards. Depending on what they pick up from the ground, they can be dark or see-through.

3. Strong Winds

Tornadoes have potent winds that can blow faster than cars drive. These winds can knock down trees, tear apart houses, and even throw cars around.

4. Different Sizes

Tornadoes can be big or small. Some are only a few feet wide, while others can be as wide as a mile. The bigger they are, the more damage they can do.

5. How They Move

Tornadoes can move in different directions, but they usually go from southwest to northeast in places like the United States. They can move slowly or fast, depending on how strong they are.

6. Lifespan

Tornadoes don’t stick around for long. They can last just a few seconds or a few hours. It depends on the weather and where they are.

7. Damage

Tornadoes can be destructive. They can destroy buildings, rip up trees, and throw stuff around. They’re dangerous for people and animals.

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8. Tornado Rating

Scientists use the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale to rate tornadoes. This scale tells us how strong a tornado is and how much damage it can do. The scale goes from EF0, which is the weakest, to EF5, which is the strongest.

Intensity and damage

Tornadoes come in different sizes and strengths, from mild ones to powerful ones that can cause much damage. Here’s a simple breakdown of how strong tornadoes can get and the damage they can do:

Tornado Strength

Tornado strength is measured using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which goes from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest).

• EF0 and EF1: These tornadoes are weak and usually don’t cause much harm. They might knock over some trees or damage poorly built buildings.
• EF2 and EF3: These tornadoes are more potent and can cause more damage. They might wreck mobile homes, break trees, and damage houses built better.
• EF4 and EF5: These tornadoes are the most powerful and destructive. They can completely wreck houses, throw cars around like toys, and flatten neighborhoods.

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Tornado Damage

Tornadoes can cause different types of damage, depending on how strong they are and what they hit:

• Building Damage: Tornadoes can tear roofs off buildings, knock down walls, and even destroy entire neighbourhoods.
• Debris Danger: Tornadoes can pick up rocks and branches and hurl them through the air. This flying debris can hurt people and make the damage worse.
• Tree and Crop Damage: Tornadoes can uproot trees and damage crops, hurting farmers and affecting natural areas.
• Infrastructure Problems: Tornadoes can mess up things like power lines, roads, and water systems, making it hard for people to get help and fix things.
• Human Impact: Tornadoes can hurt or kill people if caught in the storm. That’s why it’s crucial to have warnings and be prepared.

FAQs of Tornado

What is a tornado?

A tornado is a rapidly rotating air column that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. It appears as a funnel-shaped cloud and is often accompanied by strong winds and severe weather conditions.

How do tornadoes form?

Tornadoes usually develop from severe thunderstorms called supercells. These storms occur when warm, moist air rises and interacts with cooler, drier air, creating an unstable atmosphere. As the air rotates within the storm, it can form a vertical vortex, forming a tornado.

Where do tornadoes occur?

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common in the United States, particularly in an area known as Tornado Alley, which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. With the right atmospheric conditions, tornadoes can also occur in other regions, including Europe, Australia, and South America.