Tornadoes

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a fast spinning column of air that reaches from the clouds to the ground.

Front

How long can a tornado last?

Back

A tornado can last from seconds to hours.

Front

What is the maximum speed a tornado can reach?

Back

Tornadoes can reach speeds up to 300 miles per hour.

Front

What is another name for a tornado?

Back

Another name for a tornado is a twister.

Front

What are storm chasers?

Back

Storm chasers are people who follow big storms to study them.

Front

What scale is used to measure tornado intensity?

Back

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is used to measure tornado intensity.

Front

What conditions are necessary for tornado formation?

Back

Tornadoes typically form in severe thunderstorms, particularly supercells, where warm, moist air meets cold, dry air.

Front

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

Back

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.

Front

What is the typical shape of a tornado?

Back

Tornadoes are usually shaped like a funnel, with a narrow base and a wider top.

Front

What is the role of a Doppler radar in tornado detection?

Back

Doppler radar helps detect rotation in storm clouds, which can indicate the presence of a tornado.