Severe Storms
8 questions tagged Severe Storms — spanning every one of the seven Ws.
Why do tornadoes form from thunderstorms instead of ordinary rain clouds?
Tornadoes need severe thunderstorms with strong wind shear and powerful updrafts that can spin air vertically. Ordinary rain clouds usually do not have enough energy or rotation.
What is a microburst?
A microburst is a sudden, powerful column of sinking air from a thunderstorm that spreads outward when it hits the ground. It can produce damaging winds over a small area, especially near airports.
What is a dry line?
A dry line is a boundary between moist air and much drier air, often found on the Great Plains of North America. It can trigger thunderstorms where the two air masses meet.
Where is the eye of a tornado located?
The eye of a tornado is at the center of the rotating column of air, though tornadoes do not always have a clear visible “eye” like hurricanes do. The calmest air is usually closest to the center, surrounded by the violent vortex.
Which country is most often associated with the largest recorded hailstone by mass?
The largest hailstone by mass was found in Vivian, South Dakota, USA, weighing about 0.88 kg (1.94 lb). It is the classic modern hail record.
How are tornado watches and warnings different?
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a warning means a tornado has been seen or detected on radar. A warning is more urgent.
When was the first tornado scientifically documented?
Tornadoes were described in scientific terms in the 18th and 19th centuries, but systematic documentation developed much later. Early detailed accounts came from eyewitness reports and damage studies.
How do thunderstorms produce lightning and thunder?
Thunderstorms build electrical charge inside tall clouds, and lightning is the discharge that equalizes that charge; thunder is the sound of the air heating and expanding rapidly.