Severe Weather

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a rapidly spinning column of low pressure air that touches the ground, often forming from a funnel cloud.

Front

What is a thunderstorm?

Back

A thunderstorm is an intense storm characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and thunder.

Front

What is lightning?

Back

Lightning is an electrical discharge that occurs within a cloud or between a cloud and the ground.

Front

What causes thunder?

Back

Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion of hot air created by lightning, which vibrates and releases energy in the form of sound waves.

Front

Can hurricanes produce tornadoes?

Back

True, hurricanes can produce tornadoes.

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large, organized storm system characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, typically forming over warm ocean waters.

Front

What is the difference between a tornado and a hurricane?

Back

A tornado is a small, rapidly rotating column of air that touches the ground, while a hurricane is a large storm system with a defined structure and sustained winds.

Front

What role does humidity play in severe weather?

Back

Humidity provides moisture in the air, which can fuel storms and contribute to the development of severe weather like thunderstorms and hurricanes.

Front

What is the Fujita scale?

Back

The Fujita scale is a scale used to rate the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause.

Front

What is a severe thunderstorm watch?

Back

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop.