Tornadoes
Tornadoes are powerful, rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms to the ground. They form under specific conditions, typically when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air, creating instability in the atmosphere. Tornadoes are characterized by their funnel shape and can vary in intensity, measured on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, ranging from weak (EF0) to extremely strong (EF5). They can cause significant damage due to high winds, uprooting trees, destroying buildings, and even tossing vehicles. Tornadoes occur worldwide but are most common in the United States, particularly in an area known as "Tornado Alley."
Additional Insights
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Tornadoes are powerful, rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They form when warm, moist air at the surface meets cooler, dry air aloft, creating instability. As these air masses interact, wind patterns can cause rotation. If this rotation tightens and stretches down to the ground, a tornado may develop. Tornadoes vary in size and strength, rated on the Enhanced Fujita Scale from EF0 (weak) to EF5 (devastating). They can cause significant damage, uprooting trees, destroying buildings, and posing a risk to life. Meteorologists use radar to detect and track tornadoes.