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In the Clouds Photography
Tornados
As defined by the Glossary of Meteorology (Huschke 1959), a tornado is "a violently rotating column of air, pendant from a cumulonimbus cloud, and nearly always observable as a funnel cloud or tuba." More recently, researchers are adding the qualifier that the violently rotating column of air be in contact with the ground otherwise, it is referred to as a funnel cloud. A good example of the distinction is made using this photograph that depicts an obvious funnel cloud but much less obvious dust column and very small debris evident at the ground. This is a weak tornado. Many researchers have discussed a more thorough and updated definition of tornados for years; if interested, I advise you read Dr. Chuck Doswell's exhaustive discussion on this topic.
I could not begin to duplicate the incredible quantity of information
on tornados on this web site. I mostly want people to read the Safety section. An
internet search on tornados is likely to produce thousands of web pages - go for
it. Meanwhile, for a very enjoyable coffee-table book on chasing tornados plus
a lot more, I highly recommend Dr. Howie Bluestein's well-written and
beautifully-illustrated book,
Tornado Alley
The source of rotation in some tornados appears to be
preexisting vortices near the ground above where convective storms are growing;
in others, the source seems to be linked to the mesocyclone. Does the mesocyclone
itself descend to the ground and intensify to become the tornado, or does it trigger
events near the ground that create tornados from other sources of rotation? Can
it do both?
Tornado and storm chasing
Every year since 1991, I have chased severe storms, mostly in Colorado, but I have traveled from the Dakotas to Texas over the years. Though I used to chase often, I now find less time with family and work responsibilities let alone the enjoyment diminished as near traffic jams now exist on some days. If you do chase, please be respectful of others, pay attention to the road and have sympathy for the locals who may be severely affected by these storms. You may witness an amazing natural event, but, just remember, real lives and/or property are affected in nearly all tornados. Show respect, maturity, and responsibility. Dr. Chuck Doswell maintains an excellent web site for Storm Chasing with Safety, Courtesy, and Responsibility
Below are links to particularly memorable storm chases. Within these links may be discussion of the day's weather data. See what tools professional atmospheric scientists use to make a forecast of tornados anywhere from one to eight (or more) hours in advance.
Tornado Safety
The safest place to be during a tornado is underground in a storm shelter. Few have access to such shelter so any location below ground level is advised, like a basement or crawl space. If you cannot get below ground then interior closets and bathrooms are the next best place because of the better reinforcing wall structures. If you have a mobile home, you are potentially in more danger by staying inside the home than by leaving it completely. If you are caught outdoors during a tornado, try to get indoors following the above advice unless your only option is a mobile home. Only if you are absolutely certain of the path of a tornado should you consider driving a vehicle to avoid a tornado and you should move in a perpendicular direction to the tornado's movement. Consider how difficult this could be with very clouded judgement caused by such impending danger. A more comprehensive web site with safety information is the Storm Prediction Center safety page.
Sponsored links:
Suggested reading & related info:
Book: Tornado Alley. Monster Storms of the Great Plains
Book: The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm
Magazine: Weatherwise
Web: Storm Track
Web: TESSA Weather Bulletin
Web: Storm
Chasing with Safety, Courtesy, and Responsibility
Web: SPC Tornado FAQ