What is a tornado called before it hits the ground? This is a question that has always piqued my curiosity. I’ve always been fascinated by the immense power and unpredictability of natural disasters, and tornadoes are no exception. These swirling columns of wind can cause incredible damage to anything in their path, and are often accompanied by lightning, hail, and heavy rain. But what do we call this terrifying force before it actually touches down?
As it turns out, there are actually a few different names for a tornado before it hits the ground. One of the most commonly used terms is a “funnel cloud” – this is essentially the same thing as a tornado, but it hasn’t touched down yet. Funnel clouds are often visible from quite a distance, appearing as a narrow, cone-shaped cloud descending from the base of a storm cloud. They can be quite beautiful to look at, but they’re also a clear sign that dangerous weather is on the way.
Another term that’s sometimes used to refer to a tornado before it hits the ground is a “mesocyclone”. This is more technical language than “funnel cloud”, and is used by meteorologists to describe the rotating column of air that’s forming within a storm cloud. Mesocyclones can be quite large, and can last for several minutes or even longer before they finally touch down and become a full-fledged tornado. As with funnel clouds, seeing a mesocyclone is usually a sign that dangerous weather is imminent, and it’s important to take appropriate precautions to stay safe.
Formation of a Tornado
A tornado is a rotating column of air that forms a funnel-shaped cloud, extending downward from the base of a thunderstorm cloud. Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most commonly found in the central United States, an area known as Tornado Alley. Before a tornado hits the ground, it undergoes several stages of formation, each of which determines the intensity and size of the tornado.
- Stage One: Thunderstorm – The formation of a tornado begins with a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises and cools, creating a tall cumulonimbus cloud. The updraft of the thunderstorm creates a region of low pressure near the ground, which draws in more warm, moist air.
- Stage Two: Downdraft – As the thunderstorm matures, the updraft weakens, and the downdraft becomes dominant. The downdraft brings cool, dry air from the upper atmosphere back down to the surface. This causes the air to begin rotating horizontally.
- Stage Three: Wall Cloud – As the rotating air moves closer to the ground, it begins to lift dust and debris. The rotating air tightens, and a wall cloud appears. A wall cloud is a low-level rotating cloud that is often rounded and separated from the thunderstorm’s main updraft cloud.
- Stage Four: Tornado – As the rotating air continues to tighten, a funnel cloud descends from the wall cloud. The funnel cloud can touch down to create a tornado. The tornado is the final stage of a thunderstorm’s evolution and can last anywhere from a few seconds to over an hour.
The formation of a tornado is a complex process that is still not fully understood. However, meteorologists continue to study tornado formation to improve our understanding of this phenomenon and to develop better warning systems to protect people in the path of a tornado.
Here is a table that summarizes the stages of tornado formation:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderstorm | A thunderstorm forms, creating a tall cumulonimbus cloud. |
| Downdraft | The thunderstorm’s updraft weakens, and the downdraft becomes dominant, which causes the air to begin rotating horizontally. |
| Wall cloud | A low-level rotating cloud, called a wall cloud, appears. |
| Tornado | A funnel cloud descends from the wall cloud, creating a tornado. |
Tornado Warning Signs
Being able to identify tornado warning signs is important to ensure your safety. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Dark, greenish skies
- Large hailstones
- A loud roar coming from the sky
- Wall clouds, which are low level clouds that rotate and often have a lowered base
- Debris being lifted into the air
- A funnel-shaped cloud that is descending from the base of the thunderstorm
If you notice any of these signs, take cover immediately. Find a sturdy building and stay away from windows. If you are driving and notice a tornado warning sign, find a place to pull over and take cover in a low-lying area, such as a ditch. Remember to cover your head with your hands to protect yourself from flying debris.
It is important to stay informed about the weather conditions to avoid getting caught off guard. Weather apps, news outlets, and radio broadcasts are great sources of information to keep you updated on the latest weather conditions and tornado warnings.
Here is a table showing the Fujita Scale, which measures the intensity of a tornado based on the damage it causes:
| Fujita Scale | Wind speed (mph) | Typical Damage |
|---|---|---|
| F0 | 65-85 | Light damage |
| F1 | 86-110 | Moderate damage |
| F2 | 111-135 | Considerable damage |
| F3 | 136-165 | Severe damage |
| F4 | 166-200 | Devastating damage |
| F5 | Over 200 | Unbelievable damage |
Knowing the Fujita Scale can help you understand the potential dangers of a tornado and the level of damage it can cause. It is important to stay informed and take caution during severe weather conditions to ensure your safety.
Tornado watches and warnings
When it comes to tornadoes, preparation is key. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides two important tools for people to stay safe: tornado watches and warnings.
A tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, but one has not been spotted yet. Unlike a warning, there is no immediate danger, but it is important to stay alert and be prepared to take action if necessary.
- During a tornado watch, make sure you know where to take shelter if a warning is issued.
- Monitor local media outlets for updates on the weather and possible tornadoes.
- Have an emergency kit prepared with supplies such as water, food, and a first aid kit.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted on the ground or by radar. This means people in the affected area should take immediate action to protect themselves and their families.
- When a warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. The safest place is in a basement or storm shelter, but if those are not available, go to the lowest level of a sturdy building, such as a closet or bathroom.
- Stay away from windows, and cover yourself with a mattress or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Instead, get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
It is important to take tornado watches and warnings seriously in order to stay safe. NOAA recommends having a plan in place before severe weather strikes so you can act quickly and reduce the risk of injury or death.
| Type of Alert | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Tornado Watch | Weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Stay alert and be prepared to take action if necessary. |
| Tornado Warning | A tornado has been spotted on the ground. Seek shelter immediately and take steps to protect yourself and your family. |
Remember, the best way to stay safe during a tornado is to be prepared, stay informed, and take action when necessary.
Tornado Classification According to Intensity
Before a tornado hits the ground, it goes through various stages of development based on the intensity of the winds. It is essential to classify the tornado according to intensity to provide better weather forecasts and issue appropriate warnings to the affected areas.
- EF0 Tornado: Wind speeds range from 65-85 mph. Light damage may occur on the outer edges of the tornado’s path.
- EF1 Tornado: Wind speeds range from 86-110 mph. Damage is usually isolated to mobile homes, vegetation, and unanchored structures.
- EF2 Tornado: Wind speeds range from 111-135 mph. Considerable damage may occur to the exterior of well-built structures, uprooted trees, and overturned vehicles.
- EF3 Tornado: Wind speeds range from 136-165 mph. Severe damage may occur to industrial buildings, houses, and highly-constructed homes.
- EF4 Tornado: Wind speeds range from 166-200 mph. Extreme damage is expected; a significant portion of the affected areas may become uninhabitable.
- EF5 Tornado: Wind speeds exceed 200 mph. Buildings are leveled, and almost everything in the tornado’s path is destroyed. These tornadoes are rare but deadly.
Forecasters use the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) to classify tornadoes based on the intensity of the winds. The EF-Scale ranges from EF0 to EF5 and provides a means of estimating the tornado’s wind speed based on the resulting damage.
The following table provides a detailed summary of the damage classification, estimated wind speeds, and expected damage:
| EF Scale | Wind Speed (mph) | Three-Second Gust (mph) | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| EF0 | 65-85 | 58-73 | Light damage. Peels surface off some roofs; some damage to gutters or siding; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over; sign boards damaged. |
| EF1 | 86-110 | 74-90 | Moderate damage. Roofs severely stripped; mobile homes overturned or badly damaged; loss of exterior doors; windows and other glass broken. |
| EF2 | 111-135 | 91-110 | Considerable damage. Roofs torn off well-constructed houses; foundations of frame homes shifted; mobile homes completely destroyed; large trees snapped or uprooted; cars lifted off the ground. |
| EF3 | 136-165 | 111-135 | 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 blown away some distance. |
| EF4 | 166-200 | 136-165 | Extreme damage. Well-constructed houses and whole frame houses completely leveled; cars thrown and small missiles generated. |
| EF5 | Over 200 | Over 165 | Exceptional damage. Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters (109 yards); high-rise buildings have significant structural deformation; incredible phenomena will occur. |
In conclusion, understanding the classification of tornadoes based on intensity is essential in mitigating the resulting damage to life and property. Meteorologists and weather forecasters use the EF-Scale to classify tornadoes and provide more accurate warnings to areas at risk, enabling people to take action and remain safe.
Tornado Damage Assessment
Tornadoes are among the most destructive natural disasters. They can form and strike without warning, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss of life. Damage assessments after a tornado are a critical part of understanding the extent of the destruction caused by these powerful storms. There are several techniques used for tornado damage assessment, and they can provide valuable insight into the nature of the storm and the damage it caused.
One of the most common and important methods of tornado damage assessment is the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF scale). This scale is used to measure the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause to structures, trees, and other objects. The EF scale ranges from EF0 (light damage) to EF5 (incredible damage), with tornadoes rated at EF3 or higher considered to be “major” storms.
Another technique for tornado damage assessment involves aerial surveys by trained storm chasers and meteorologists. These surveys allow for a more comprehensive view of the damage path, including the width and length of the tornado’s path. This information can be used to estimate wind speeds and other characteristics of the storm, as well as to help plan for disaster response and recovery efforts.
Other methods of tornado damage assessment include ground surveys, satellite imagery, and remote sensing technologies. Ground surveys involve teams of observers visiting the affected areas to assess the damage, while satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies can provide high-resolution images and data from a distance. These tools can be used to identify areas that may be inaccessible or dangerous for ground surveys.
In addition to damage assessment, it’s crucial to understand the potential impact of a tornado on people and communities. This includes evaluating the vulnerability of structures and identifying areas that may be at higher risk for tornadoes. By understanding the damage caused by tornadoes and the risks associated with them, we can better prepare for and respond to these devastating storms.
In summary, tornado damage assessment techniques include the EF scale, aerial surveys, ground surveys, satellite imagery, and remote sensing technologies. Using these techniques, we can better understand the nature of tornadoes, the damage they cause, and the impact on communities. By doing so, we can prepare for and respond to tornadoes more effectively and efficiently.
Historical Tornado Outbreaks
Throughout history, tornadoes have caused massive destruction, claiming countless lives and causing billions of dollars in damages. From the deadliest tornado outbreak in US history to the most destructive tornado in recorded history, these natural disasters have left their mark on the world. Here are some of the most notable historical tornado outbreaks:
- The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 was the deadliest tornado in US history, killing 695 people and injuring 2,027. The tornado traveled through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, leaving a 219-mile path of destruction in its wake.
- The Super Outbreak of 1974 spawned the largest number of tornadoes in a single outbreak, producing 148 tornadoes across 13 states. This outbreak resulted in 330 deaths and over 5,000 injuries.
- The Joplin, Missouri tornado of 2011 was the most destructive tornado in recorded history. This EF5 tornado left a six-mile-long path of destruction, killing 158 people and causing $2.8 billion in damages.
These tornado outbreaks continue to serve as a reminder of the power and devastation that these natural disasters can bring. However, advances in meteorology and warning systems have greatly improved our ability to predict and prepare for these events, hopefully minimizing the destruction and loss of life that come with them.
Tornado Safety Tips
When it comes to tornadoes, being prepared and having a plan in place can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Have a designated safe room or area in your home, such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. Avoid windows and exterior walls.
- If you live in a mobile home, have a plan to evacuate to a sturdy building or storm shelter.
- Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, while a warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected on radar.
- Have a battery-operated weather radio and extra batteries on hand to stay updated on the latest weather conditions.
- Have an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications ready to go in case of evacuation.
- Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in your car. If you cannot get to a safe building or shelter, seek shelter in a low-lying ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
- If you are caught outside with no shelter available, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Avoid seeking shelter under overpasses or bridges.
Tornado Classification System
Tornadoes are classified by their wind speeds on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale. The EF-scale ranges from EF0 to EF5, with EF5 being the strongest and most destructive. Here is a breakdown of each classification:
| EF-Scale | Wind Speed (mph) | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| EF0 | 65-85 | Light damage to trees, signage, and buildings with minor damage to roofs and chimneys. |
| EF1 | 86-110 | Broken windows, overturned mobile homes, and significant roof damage to buildings. |
| EF2 | 111-135 | Major roof damage, destroyed mobile homes, and collapsed walls on buildings. |
| EF3 | 136-165 | Entire buildings destroyed, severe damage to walls and roofs on other structures, and overturned trains and cars. |
| EF4 | 166-200 | Well-constructed buildings leveled, large missiles created, and cars thrown considerable distances. |
| EF5 | Over 200 | Strong frame houses lifted and carried long distances, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and concrete structures damaged or destroyed. |
By understanding the potential damage and hazards of tornadoes, you can better prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe and stay alert during tornado season.
FAQs – What is a Tornado Called Before it Hits the Ground?
1. What is a tornado called before it hits the ground?
Before a tornado actually touches down on the ground, it is called a funnel cloud. Funnel clouds are rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm, but have not yet reached the ground.
2. What causes a funnel cloud to form?
Funnel clouds form when there is a significant amount of wind shear in the atmosphere. Wind shear is a change in wind direction or speed with height, which can cause air to rotate horizontally. If there is enough upward rising motion in the atmosphere, this rotating air can be lifted vertically and begin to spin, forming a funnel cloud.
3. Are funnel clouds dangerous?
While funnel clouds are not as dangerous as tornadoes, they can still be a warning sign that severe weather is on the way. It is important to monitor weather reports and take shelter if severe weather is approaching.
4. How can you tell the difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado?
The main difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado is that a funnel cloud has not yet made contact with the ground, while a tornado has. Once a funnel cloud touches down on the ground, it becomes a tornado.
5. Can funnel clouds become tornadoes?
Yes, funnel clouds have the potential to become tornadoes if the conditions are right. This is why it is important to take funnel clouds seriously and take shelter if severe weather is approaching.
6. How long do funnel clouds typically last?
The lifespan of a funnel cloud can range from a few minutes to several hours. Some funnel clouds may dissipate before ever making contact with the ground, while others may intensify and become tornadoes.
7. What should I do if I see a funnel cloud?
If you see a funnel cloud, it is important to take it seriously and seek shelter immediately. Stay informed by monitoring weather reports and following the advice of local authorities.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading our FAQs about what a tornado is called before it hits the ground. Understanding the difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado can help you stay prepared and safe during severe weather. Remember to take funnel clouds seriously and seek shelter if severe weather is approaching. Visit our site again soon for more weather-related tips and information.