tornado

tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, often visible as a condensation funnel. These intense, narrow vortexes form when warm, moist air collides with cold, dry air, creating high winds exceeding 300 mph in extreme cases. They are capable of immense destruction, with damage paths sometimes over a mile wide and 50 miles long. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory +3 Key Characteristics and Facts: Formation: They are produced by thunderstorms, most commonly supercells, when air layers with different temperatures and moisture levels twist. Appearance: Often visible as a funnel-shaped cloud, but sometimes obscured by rain, hail, or dust. Classification: Rated on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale (EF0–EF5) based on damage and wind speed. Occurrence: While they can occur anywhere, the US experiences the highest frequency of intense tornadoes. Safety: Seek immediate shelter in a basement or an interior, windowless room during a tornado warning. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory +4 Tornadoes are usually short-lived (lasting minutes), but some can last for hours. A "tornado watch" means conditions are favorable, while a "tornado warning" means a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. National Weather Service (.gov) National Weather Service (.gov) +1