Tornadoes generated from tropical storms are particularly dangerous as they tend to form very quickly, sometimes in just one or two minutes, and move at an average speed of about 40-60 km/h.
So what is the origin of tornado formation and how can we recognize this phenomenon? Let’s explore the article below.
Origin of Tornado Formation
Tornadoes are formed from a large thunderstorm or a hurricane. In this process, warm air rises within the thunderstorm clouds while cooler air descends.
These elements create conditions that allow air currents to rotate within the cloud (especially in charged thunderstorm clouds), resulting in the formation of a tornado.
The winds inside some tornadoes can reach speeds of over 300 km/h. Sometimes, the swirling column of air lifts off the ground and then touches down again, sucking up everything in its path.
Illustration of the tornado formation process.
In particular, tropical storms that generate tornadoes are extremely dangerous. Before the outer rain bands of a hurricane move ashore, the friction from the land slows down the lower winds while the winds just above the ground remain quite strong—this is known as wind shear, which causes a change in rotational speed of the wind.
When wind shear occurs, thunderstorms can begin to rotate and may form very strong tornadoes.
Scientists note that tornadoes can still occur inland even when the storm system is over the sea or when the outer rain bands are hundreds of kilometers away from the hurricane’s center.
A strong tornado can pick up large objects like trucks and toss them several kilometers away.
Residents and authorities are assisting a gold shop owner in Quang Tri province to recover assets after the tornado (Photo: H.L).
Certain conditions, such as during strong thunderstorms, especially those with electrical charges, increase the likelihood of tornado formation. In this way, we can somewhat predict when this phenomenon will occur.
However, to know when and where a thunderstorm will form and its intensity, modern weather satellites are required.
Tropical Storms Create Dangerous Tornadoes
Tornadoes in tropical storms are particularly dangerous because they tend to form very quickly—sometimes in just one or two minutes, with movement speeds of up to 80-95 km/h.
In the tropics, as storms move northeast, the eastern areas of the storm system pose a significant threat of tornadoes.
A tornado sweeping through a farm in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, USA on May 9, 2016. (Photo: How Stuff Works)
The rapid development and movement of these tornadoes make them quite difficult to track on radar systems, so whenever there is a tropical storm, we must be prepared for tornado phenomena.
To predict a tornado, modern weather satellites such as the GOES-R series from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are essential.
These satellites can monitor the movement of clouds faster to identify a severe storm as soon as it develops.
At the same time, this satellite series can provide information within the clouds that show characteristics indicating the formation of a severe storm or the amount of lightning it generates.
All these measurements affect the storm’s ability to produce tornadoes, helping scientists make predictions.
It is clear that while we cannot prevent tornadoes, the more warnings there are, the better individuals can protect their property and avoid damage to life and assets.
