Conditions are ripe for tornadoes when the air becomes very unstable, with winds at different altitudes blowing in different directions or at different speeds—a condition called wind shear. The first result is a large thunderstorm. Inside the huge thundercloud, warm and humid air is rising, while cool air is falling, along with rain or hail. All these conditions can result in rolling, spinning air currents inside the cloud.
Although this spinning column of air starts out horizontal, it can easily go vertical and drop down out of the cloud. When it touches the ground, it's a tornado.
The winds inside the spinning column of some tornadoes are the fastest of any on Earth. They have been clocked at over miles per hour! Sometimes the spinning column of air lifts off the ground, then touches down again some distance along its path. It's hard to measure the winds in a tornado directly. So they are evaluated by the amount of damage they do.
Here is a scale meteorologists use to describe tornado intensity based on damage. These satellites can more quickly monitor the motion of clouds to identify a severe storm as soon as it develops. They are also better at understanding what's actually going on inside the cloud: what characteristics the cloud has that indicate a severe storm and how much lightning it produces.
All these measurements affect how likely the cloud is to produce a tornado. These include a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Interior bathrooms and bathtubs are a good place to hide during a tornado, but you should avoid all exterior rooms, including bathrooms.
Remember: It is NOT safe to be in a car during a tornado as tornadoes can lift and even throw cars. You should also avoid overpasses and bridges. You are safer in a low, flat location.
We also recommend having a tornado safety kit at your home and workplace. These safety kits should include emergency items like:. Battery-powered radio. Extra batteries. Prescription medications. First-aid kits. Tornadoes are very scary and personal experiences can differ from the below tips from the U.
Immediately go to a safe location that you identified. Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck from flying debris with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
DO NOT try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle on or foot. This is especially important for businesses to understand when planning their emergency response plan to keep employees safe and secure.
A common response of employees when it comes to severe weather is to try and go home, or even stop and pick up the kids from school. This is even greater if employees have families or pets there.
Remember that one of the worst places you can be during a tornado is in a vehicle and DO NOT leave the safety of a building to get into your car. If you are stuck in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building or tornado shelter, heed Tip 2 and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible. Sometimes there can be multiple tornadoes in the area at once.
When the same weather system spawns multiple tornadoes this is called a tornado outbreak. Tornado outbreaks typically consist of six to ten tornadoes that typically occur on the same day and in the same region. There are plenty of tornado facts and myths out there. Our meteorologists have listed five of the most common and dangerous tornado myths along with the correct information to help you understand this severe weather phenomenon and stay safe from it.
Do not open windows during a tornado watch or warning. This will not equalize pressure and limit damage to your home. Instead, you and everything in your home will be in greater danger as debris can fly in or you could be next to the window when it blows out. Keep windows secure and most importantly: Stay away from windows and doors! Rivers, mountains, valleys, and tall buildings do not stop tornadoes from forming. Tornadoes impact large cities and can even form on water these are known as waterspouts.
Wind is invisible so unless a tornado has picked up debris and has condensation, they can be hard to see. Heavy rain can also cloak tornadoes until they are too close for you to seek shelter. Trust your ears, not your eyes. Remember a loud roar like a freight train is a good sign a tornado is approaching.
Tornadoes do not follow a specific pattern or route. Therefore, they can unexpectedly change speed and direction at any time and come right at you. The only safe place is in a location that offers shelter from high winds and debris. This is an extremely dangerous tornado myth. While a highway overpass is a sturdy structure that may offer protection from flying debris, it will not protect you from dangerous winds.
In fact, it can act as a wind tunnel and may cause accelerated wind that collect debris, causing you more harm. If you are in your vehicle during a tornado you should pull it over to the side of the road, get out, and lay flat in a nearby ditch while covering your neck and head.
There are plenty of famous tornadoes that have impacted the U. Central Oklahoma holds the record for both the largest and the strongest tornadoes ever recorded. The largest tornado recorded to date touched down in El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31, It measured 2.
The strongest tornado ever recorded to date occurred in just south of Oklahoma City. This insane F-5 tornado plowed through Oklahoma with recorded winds of over mph. A tornado of this size recorded today would even max out the Enhanced Fujita Scale established in Besides being the largest or strongest, tornadoes are often remembered for being the deadliest.
Here are the top five deadliest tornadoes ever recorded in the world. Lightning Strikes A supercell thunderstorm strikes in South Dakota. Share Tweet Email. Read This Next Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London Love them or hate them, there's no denying their growing numbers have added an explosion of color to the city's streets.
India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country. Epic floods leave South Sudanese to face disease and starvation.
Travel 5 pandemic tech innovations that will change travel forever These digital innovations will make your next trip safer and more efficient. But will they invade your privacy? Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth.
Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought.
Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment As the EU targets emissions cuts, this country has a coal problem. Paid Content How Hong Kong protects its sea sanctuaries.
History Magazine These 3,year-old giants watched over the cemeteries of Sardinia. Magazine How one image captures 21 hours of a volcanic eruption. Science Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. Science The controversial sale of 'Big John,' the world's largest Triceratops.
Science Coronavirus Coverage How antivirals may change the course of the pandemic. Science Coronavirus Coverage U. Travel A road trip in Burgundy reveals far more than fine wine. Travel My Hometown In L. Travel The last artists crafting a Thai royal treasure. Subscriber Exclusive Content.
Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars? How viruses shape our world. The era of greyhound racing in the U. See how people have imagined life on Mars through history. See More. United States Change.
0コメント