What is a Tornado?

A tornado is a powerful and destructive whirlwind. It is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. Tornadoes come in many shapes and sizes, but are typically in the form of a visible condensation funnel, whose narrow end touches the Earth and is often encircled by a cloud of debris and dust. To be classified as a tornado, the vortex must reach a wind speed of at least 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour.

Tornadoes can occur nearly anywhere in the world, but they are more common in certain parts of the United States, such as the Midwest and the South. The United States has, on average, more than 1,200 tornadoes a year and reports more tornadoes than any other country, but other countries experience them, too. Tornadoes can happen any time of the year, but peak between March and August in the United States.

Types of Tornadoes

Tornadoes come in many shapes and sizes, and depending on their shapes, sizes, and the regions in which they occur, they can be classified into several categories.

The strongest type of tornadoes is called an EF5 tornado, which can reach wind speeds of up to 300 miles (482 kilometers) per hour and cause catastrophic levels of destruction. On the other end of the spectrum are EF0 tornadoes, which are barely discernible and cause minor damage. EF0 tornadoes account for nearly 80 percent of known tornadoes. Other categories of tornadoes include waterspouts, multiple-vortex tornadoes, and tornadoes spawned from thunderstorms.

Impact of Tornadoes

Tornadoes can cause significant destruction and death. The loss of life is often caused by flying debris or people being swept away by the tornado’s winds. Tornadoes can also cause damage to buildings, power lines, trees, vehicles, and more. Tornadoes can be especially dangerous as they can strike very quickly, sometimes in a matter of minutes, with little or no warning.

In recent decades, scientists have been able to better predict tornadoes, which has reduced casualties from these deadly storms. Still, tornadoes can be unpredictable and cause a tremendous amount of destruction in a very short period of time.

Conclusion

Tornadoes are powerful, destructive whirlwinds. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they typically occur in the United States more than any other country. Scientists are getting better at predicting tornadoes, but they remain extremely powerful and dangerous, capable of causing catastrophe in a very short period of time.