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Tornados
What Are Tornados?
Tornadoes are known for their destructive power and the resulting damage they leave behind. In definition, a tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from the cloud base to the ground. The tornado's strength is measure in a system called the Enhanced Fujita Scale. An example of the scale is shown below.
Catagory
EF0 65-85 (mph)
EF1 86-110 (mph)
EF2 111-135 (mph)
EF3 136-165 (mph)
EF4 166-200 (mph)
EF5 Over 200 (mph)
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You can identify a tornado by it's funnel, which is actually just a cluster of rotating dust. Without any dust or debris, a tornado would be completely invisible!
Diagram of a Supercell
Now take a good look at the diagram below. Can you spot the tornado? Well, the first thing to look for is a hook echo. This is what rotation looks like on Doppler RADAR. Now that you see that, notice how it's always to the back of the storm. This is because of the strong updrafts that occur here.
How Do Tornados Form?
Most tornados are found is a special type of storm called a Supercell. In theory, tornados can form in any storm, but supercells usually provide the type of enviroment a tornado needs.
A tornado begins to form when conditions are just right. Here are some keys of a Tornatic thunderstorm:
1. Lot's of moisture to supply the thunderstorm.
2 Shear winds. This helps the air rotate because of the shifting and opposite winds.
3. Atmospheric instability. This allows the thunderstorms updrafts to become very strong and to possibly help rotation form.
If conditions are right, the rotating air will get tilted and will point toward the ground. A low pressure area forms inside the funnel, sucking more air into it. Once the funnel touches the ground, it is considered a tornado. While it is on the ground, air pressure inside the funnel create a sucking or vacuum, while can be very dangerous to homes, property, and people.
Why do torndaoes come in different
Shapes and colors?
Tornadoes come in a variety of different shapes sizes, and colors. Why do they, you ask? Here's a brief explaination.
Color
A tornado's color is most often determined by the type of substance the funnel is sucking in. In example, if the tornado were to run over a humongous pile of green dirt, then for the moment for two it is over the pile, the tornado would turn partially green. So over orange oklahoma dirt, the tornado looks more red, while over sand, it looks more yellow!
What are some signs of a tornado?
> Loud roaring
> Sounds like a Freight train
> Rapidly shifting wind
> Strong, changing Winds
> A Tornado Warning is issued for your area
> A Tornado Watch is issued for your area
Learn more about how to stay safe here.
Thanks to NOAA and the NWS for some of the information.
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