Meteorology

☁️Meteorology Unit 10 – Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

Thunderstorms and tornadoes are powerful atmospheric phenomena that can wreak havoc on communities. These storms form when moisture, instability, and lifting mechanisms combine, creating conditions for intense convection and severe weather. Understanding the formation, structure, and characteristics of thunderstorms and tornadoes is crucial for meteorologists and the public alike. From single-cell storms to supercells, these weather events pose significant risks and require advanced detection and forecasting techniques to mitigate their impact.

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Key Concepts and Definitions

  • Thunderstorms are convective storms characterized by the presence of lightning and thunder
  • Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground
  • Supercell thunderstorms are highly organized, long-lived storms with a rotating updraft (mesocyclone)
  • Squall lines are elongated lines of thunderstorms that can produce severe weather
  • Downbursts are strong downdrafts that cause damaging winds at the surface
    • Microbursts are small-scale downbursts less than 4 km in diameter
    • Macrobursts are large-scale downbursts greater than 4 km in diameter
  • Fujita scale (F-scale) and Enhanced Fujita scale (EF-scale) are used to rate tornado intensity based on damage

Formation and Development

  • Thunderstorms form when three conditions are met: moisture, instability, and a lifting mechanism
  • Moisture is necessary for the formation of clouds and precipitation
  • Instability occurs when warm, moist air near the surface rises rapidly due to being less dense than the surrounding air
  • Lifting mechanisms include frontal boundaries, convective heating, and orographic lifting
    • Frontal boundaries are the interfaces between air masses of different densities
    • Convective heating occurs when the sun heats the Earth's surface, causing air to rise
    • Orographic lifting happens when air is forced to rise over mountains or other topographical features
  • Tornadoes typically form within supercell thunderstorms when strong wind shear and rotation are present
  • Wind shear is the change in wind speed or direction with height, which can cause horizontal rotation in the atmosphere

Structure and Characteristics

  • Thunderstorms have three main stages: cumulus, mature, and dissipating
    • Cumulus stage is characterized by updrafts and the formation of a cumulus cloud
    • Mature stage features both updrafts and downdrafts, as well as heavy precipitation, lightning, and possibly severe weather
    • Dissipating stage occurs when downdrafts dominate, and the storm gradually weakens
  • Supercell thunderstorms have a rotating updraft (mesocyclone) and can produce severe weather such as large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes
  • Tornadoes have a central region of low pressure called the eye, surrounded by the eyewall, where the strongest winds occur
  • Tornado vortex signature (TVS) is a radar signature indicating the presence of a tornado
  • Wall cloud is a lowering of the cloud base in a supercell thunderstorm, often associated with tornado development

Types and Classification

  • Single-cell thunderstorms are short-lived, isolated storms that typically do not produce severe weather
  • Multi-cell thunderstorms are clusters of storms that can produce severe weather and have a longer lifespan than single-cell storms
  • Supercell thunderstorms are the most severe type, capable of producing significant severe weather events
  • Tornadoes are classified using the Fujita scale (F-scale) or Enhanced Fujita scale (EF-scale) based on the damage they cause
    • EF0: wind speeds of 65-85 mph
    • EF1: wind speeds of 86-110 mph
    • EF2: wind speeds of 111-135 mph
    • EF3: wind speeds of 136-165 mph
    • EF4: wind speeds of 166-200 mph
    • EF5: wind speeds greater than 200 mph
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, typically less intense than land-based tornadoes

Detection and Forecasting

  • Radar is the primary tool for detecting and tracking thunderstorms and tornadoes
    • Doppler radar measures the velocity and direction of wind, helping to identify rotation within storms
  • Satellite imagery is used to monitor the development and movement of thunderstorms on a larger scale
  • Skywarn is a network of trained volunteer weather spotters who report severe weather to the National Weather Service
  • Numerical weather prediction models are used to forecast the potential for thunderstorm and tornado development
  • Severe weather watches are issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather, while warnings are issued when severe weather is imminent or occurring

Safety and Preparedness

  • Develop a severe weather plan and identify safe locations to shelter during a thunderstorm or tornado
  • Safe locations include interior rooms on the lowest floor of a building, away from windows and exterior walls
  • Avoid mobile homes, vehicles, and open spaces during severe weather events
  • Monitor weather forecasts and stay informed about potential severe weather threats
    • NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous weather information and alerts
  • If caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle
  • If caught outdoors during a tornado, seek shelter in a sturdy structure or lie flat in a nearby ditch or low-lying area

Environmental Impact

  • Thunderstorms and tornadoes can cause significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and natural environments
  • Strong winds associated with thunderstorms and tornadoes can uproot trees, damage crops, and cause power outages
  • Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding, erosion, and landslides
  • Lightning strikes can ignite wildfires, particularly in dry, forested areas
  • Hail produced by thunderstorms can damage crops, vehicles, and buildings
  • Tornadoes can cause catastrophic damage, destroying homes, businesses, and entire communities

Notable Historical Events

  • Tri-State Tornado (1925): The deadliest tornado in U.S. history, killing 695 people across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana
  • Super Outbreak (1974): A series of 148 tornadoes across 13 states, resulting in 319 deaths and extensive damage
  • Plainfield Tornado (1990): An F5 tornado that struck Plainfield, Illinois, causing 29 deaths and $165 million in damage
  • Moore, Oklahoma Tornado (1999): An F5 tornado that caused 36 deaths and $1 billion in damage
  • Joplin, Missouri Tornado (2011): An EF5 tornado that killed 158 people and caused $2.8 billion in damage
  • El Reno, Oklahoma Tornado (2013): The widest tornado on record, with a maximum width of 2.6 miles (4.2 km)


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.