Difference between revisions of "Tornado"
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Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower [[atmosphere]]. Rising air within the updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. An area of rotation, 2-6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes form within this area of strong rotation. | Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower [[atmosphere]]. Rising air within the updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. An area of rotation, 2-6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes form within this area of strong rotation. | ||
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Tornadoes can happen at any time of the [[year]] and at any time of the [[day]]. In the southern states, peak tornado season is from [[April]] through [[June]]. Peak times for tornadoes in the northern states are during the late [[summer]]. A few southern states have a second peak time for tornado outbreaks in the fall. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Tornadoes can happen at any time of the [[year]] and at any time of the [[day]]. In the southern states, peak tornado season is from [[April]] through [[June]]. Peak times for tornadoes in the northern states are during the late [[summer]]. A few southern states have a second peak time for tornado outbreaks in the fall. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. | ||
[[Category:Meteorology]] | [[Category:Meteorology]] | ||
Revision as of 12:57, April 22, 2008
A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 400 mph. They can destroy large architecture, uproot trees and hurl cars hundreds of yards. They can also drive straw into trees. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide to 50 miles long. In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide.
Tornado Physics
Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Rising air within the updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. An area of rotation, 2-6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes form within this area of strong rotation.
Occurrence
Tornadoes can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day. In the southern states, peak tornado season is from April through June. Peak times for tornadoes in the northern states are during the late summer. A few southern states have a second peak time for tornado outbreaks in the fall. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.