TORNADO



A tornado is a spinning funnel of low pressure air that develops in heavy cumulus clouds and is produced from a single convective storm. Tornadoes are very unpredictable and are created during powerful thunderstorms. The roaring winds in the funnel can reach up to 300 mph. The low pressure at the base of the funnel acts like a vacuum, sucking in whatever is in its path. Its diameter can reach 100s of meters. Tornadoes occur primarily over land.

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Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov