ConorMulcahy118
commented
4 years ago Tornado Research
Cause: Often developing from a class of thunderstorms called supercells (hosting mesocyclones - areas of organizard rotation several miles up in the atmosphere), tornadoes form when mesocyclones enter below the cloud base, taking in cool air from the storm’s downdraft and causing a rotating wall cloud to gather. Rainfall drags with it an area of quickly descending air that couples with the warm updraft of the storm to focus the mesocyclone’s base on a small ground area and form a low pressure zone on the surface of the ground, pulling the mesocyclone down in the form of a visible condensation tunnel, recognized as a tornado once it begins causing damage on the ground.
Effects: Extremely fast winds rip apart buildings and destroy bridges, rip up trees, and flip vehicles Humans can be picked up by the funnel and tossed from dangerous heights, but are usually harmed by flying debris
Emergency response: Pay attention to warning broadcasts “A pale green sky is an indicator that a tornado may occur. Although no one knows why this is, some people theorize that because tornadoes usually form in the afternoon, the longer red and yellow wavelengths of afternoon sunlight turn water-heavy, bluish clouds to green.” If indoors, take cover in a cellar or small space (a closet or bathroom) - if in doubt, the bathtub is a good choice Lock and stay away from windows and doors If stuck outside, try to find an open space and lie down as flat as possible Do not attempt to drive away from a tornado - high winds and debris can prove fatal
Is it linked to climate change:
As of yet unknown; there is no clear link, and they rely too strongly on eyewitness accounts to record strong data.
Where does this happen: Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world, but appear most frequently in North America (in the area appropriately named Tornado Alley).
Different levels (magnitudes): Tornadoes are currently rated on the Enhanced Fujita Scale for intensity, based primarily on the damage they inflict to man-made structures and vegetation.
| Scale | Est. km/h | Potential Damage |
|---|---|---|
| EF0 | 105 - 137 | Minor damage. Peels surface off roofs; some damage to gutters or siding; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over. Confirmed tornadoes with no reported damage (i.e., those that remain in open fields) are supposed to be rated EF0 as a matter of policy; however, some NWS local offices have adopted an "EFU" (for "unknown") rating for such tornadoes. |
| EF1 | 138 - 177 | Moderate damage.Roofs severely stripped; mobile homes overturned or badly damaged; loss of exterior doors; windows and other glass broken. |
| EF2 | 178 - 217 | Considerable damage.Roofs torn off from well-constructed houses; foundations of frame homes shifted; mobile homes completely destroyed; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off the ground. |
| EF3 | 218 - 266 | Severe damage.Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed; severe damage to large buildings such as shopping malls; trains overturned; trees debarked; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown; structures with weak foundations are badly damaged. |
| EF4 | 267 - 322 | Devastating damage.Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown away some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated. |
| EF5 | >322 | Incredible damage.Strong-framed, well-built houses leveled off foundations and swept away; steel-reinforced concrete structures are critically damaged; tall buildings collapse or have severe structural deformations; cars, trucks, and trains can be thrown approximately 1 mile (1.6 km). |
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