Tornadoes

Tornadoes are powerful, rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They typically occur in areas of strong winds and low pressure systems such as those found in tropical cyclones or other large storm systems. Tornadoes can vary greatly in size, shape, intensity and duration but all carry the potential for destruction and loss of life due to their violent winds.

Formation & Structure
The formation of tornadoes is complex and not fully understood by scientists; however it is generally accepted that they form due to an interaction between warm moist air near the surface colliding with colder dryer air aloft creating extreme instability within the atmosphere which causes updrafts (rising rising) resulting in rotation. This rotating column of wind then descends towards earth’s surface forming what we know as a tornado vortex tube or funnel cloud – this structure consists essentially three distinct parts: 1) The visible condensation ‘funnel’ made up primarily water droplets 2) A thick layer called ‘the wall cloud’ located just beneath where most intense damage occurs 3 ) An invisible core containing extremely high speed winds often reaching speeds greater than 300 km/h . It should be noted though these structures may appear stationary at times they are always moving forward although very slowly across land surfaces following paths determined by local topography & prevailing weather patterns like jet streams etc…

Damage & Intensity Scales
Tornado intensity ratings have traditionally been assigned using either Fujita scale (F-Scale), Enhanced Fujita Scale(EF-Scale) or TORRO scale based on visual observations after impact – known commonly as post-event analysis , however recent advances meteorology now allow forecasters use sophisticated Doppler radar technology which measures changes both velocity & reflectivity within storms enabling them make much more accurate predictions strength prior strike better protecting people property alike … Damage caused varies widely depending upon intensities ranging minor roof removal “bark stripped trees” through complete obliteration entire towns even villages leaving behind nothing but rubble ruin wake …. Furthermore if passing over water bodies such oceans lakes rivers twister can also cause serious flooding addition its devastating wind effects making them potentially one deadliest natural disasters world …

Prevention / Warnings Despite overwhelming destructive power tornadoes still largely unpredictable events current forecasting methods only able provide warnings few minutes advance allowing time take shelter safe area away path bearing down you .. However there ways protect yourself your family ensure don’t become victim next big outbreak firstly prepare disaster plan involving evacuation routes least two escape options practice regularly so everyone knows exactly needs done during emergency situation secondly stay informed check out latest forecasts meteorological data available whether television radio internet newspapers whatever works best you good working knowledge local geography especially terrain features help identify dangers early stage finally consider investing small portable NOAA Weather Radio receive alerts seconds matter saving lives…