Tornado (weather phenomenon)

A tornado is a powerful, rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, characterized by its funnel shape. It forms when warm, moist air meets cold, dry air, creating instability and strong winds. This rotation intensifies within a large storm system, producing a vortex that can cause significant damage due to its high wind speeds—sometimes exceeding 300 miles per hour. Tornadoes can vary in size and strength, lasting from seconds to over an hour, and are often accompanied by severe weather such as hail and heavy rain. They pose serious risks but typically occur within larger storm systems called supercells.