Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a convective cloud, typically a supercell thunderstorm, to the ground, characterized by intense vertical vorticity and a tight pressure gradient. They form through the tilting and stretching of environmental wind shear, often involving a mesocyclone and low-level instability in the presence of strong updrafts and moisture. Their dynamics are governed by conservation of angular momentum, interactions between downdrafts and near-surface vorticity, and complex microphysical and thermodynamic processes. Tornado intensity and damage potential are quantified using scales such as the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale based on observed structural impacts.
From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.
Environment
Apr 30, 2025
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A powerful storm system that stalled over states from Texas to Ohio for several days in early April 2025 wreaked havoc across the region, with deadly tornadoes, mudslides and flooding as rivers rose. More than a foot of rain ...
Environment
Apr 9, 2025
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Violent storms battering the central-eastern United States have killed at least 17 people, officials said Sunday, with the National Weather Service warning of "devastating" flash flooding.
Environment
Apr 7, 2025
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Violent storms battering the central-eastern United States have killed at least 16 people, officials said, with the National Weather Service warning on Saturday of "severe" flash flooding in the coming days.
Environment
Apr 6, 2025
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With new innovations and technology, scientists have learned from major tornado outbreaks over the years how to improve safety guidance. During tornado season, forecasters try to get the word out about staying safe during ...
Environment
Apr 3, 2025
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The death toll from tornadoes and violent storms that ravaged the central and southern United States over the weekend has risen to at least 40 people, with dozens more injured, local authorities said.
Environment
Mar 17, 2025
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At least 33 people have been killed and dozens more injured when tornadoes and violent storms raked across the central United States, as forecasters warned more severe weather was expected Sunday.
Environment
Mar 16, 2025
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More than 100 million people in the U.S. will be in the path of an intense March storm starting Friday as the sprawling multi-day system threatens fires, blizzards, tornadoes, and flooding as it tracks eastward across the ...
Environment
Mar 13, 2025
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