Twisters

Tornadoes are powerful, rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They form when strong winds cause a rotating updraft, called a mesocyclone, to tighten and accelerate. The result is a funnel-shaped cloud that can cause severe damage with its high winds, which can exceed 200 miles per hour. Tornadoes can vary in size and duration, from brief and narrow to large and long-lasting. They are most common in Tornado Alley in the central U.S. but can occur worldwide, especially where warm, moist air meets cool, dry air.