4 Fascinating Facts About Tornadoes

Tornadoes can be some of the most deadly storms across America when proper steps of caution are not taken. While these twisters are terrifying, they are also captivating, just ask any storm chaser. Take a look at these four fascinating facts about tornadoes, and what makes these dangerous natural phenomena tick. Some of these facts may help save your life should you find yourself in the path of a twister.

We Aren’t Completely Sure How They Start

While we continue to do research and examine the factors that lead to tornadoes forming, there is still quite a bit that we don’t know. The simple answer is that when the warm and moist air from the Gulf meets the cold air coming from the north, dangerous winds start to form, but it is much more complex than this. While meteorologists haven’t pinned down the exact causes, they know that once a mesocyclone has started, temperature changes across the edge of it leads to tornado formation.

One Tornado Can Absorb Another

While it doesn’t happen often, it is possible for one tornado to absorb another one over its course. During the summer when tornadoes are very common, it is likely that more than one tornado could be present in an area at a time. While it is not likely, when a larger tornado meets a smaller one, it can easily absorb the smaller one in its path, then continue onward. Even though this is possible, it is far more likely when watching two tornadoes that seem to merge that one has gone behind the other.

Tornadoes Can Form Over Water

Tornadoes that have formed over water are known as waterspouts. These are common along the southeast coast of the United States, particularly in the southern part of Florida. This can happen either over lakes or seas all around the world. While these are tornadoes, they aren’t classified as such unless they hit land at some point. These are far less dangerous than those gaining strength across the plains, but can still be damaging, and should not be taken lightly.

The Original F-Scale is no Longer in Use

The F-scale was first established by Dr. T. Theodore Fujita in 1971. The intensity of the winds were determined by the amount of damage that was done to an area coupled with the intensity of wind speeds. Now there is an enhanced F-scale that is used in place of this. It is a much more efficient way of assessing the tornado itself. While it is more accurate, there is still often a disagreement between meteorologists in the size of a tornado.

Tornadoes are powerful storms that have the potential to bring great levels of damage along their path. Learn more about them, and the best ways to stay safe during a storm to ensure you will be safe no matter what comes your way.

Call Brock Restoration if your property has sustained wind damage as the result of a tornado!