☁️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)