Tornadoes Chapter 3 Section 2B Pages Chapter 3 Section 2B Pages 85-88

Tornadoes A rapidly whirling, funnel-shaped cloud and touches Earth’s surface A rapidly whirling, funnel-shaped cloud that reaches down from a storm cloud and touches Earth’s surface –Usually are on the ground for 15 min or less –May be a few hundred meters across –Wind speeds approach 480km/hr (300mph).

Waterspout If it occurs over a lake or ocean, it is called a Waterspout. If it occurs over a lake or ocean, it is called a Waterspout. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

How Tornadoes Form Develop in low, heavy cumulonimbus clouds called Supercells, which have a deep, persistent updraft called a Mesocyclone Develop in low, heavy cumulonimbus clouds (the same that form thunderstorms) called Supercells, which have a deep, persistent updraft called a Mesocyclone

Supercell

How Tornadoes Form Most likely during spring and early summer, often late in the afternoon.

Tornado Alley Tornado Alley located in the great plains –Cold, dry air moves south from Canada –Warm, humid air moves north from the Gulf Squall Line, a wall of thunderstorms –Forms a Squall Line, a wall of thunderstorms How Tornadoes Form

Squall Line

Fujita Scale CategoryEF-Scale Estimated Wind Speed km/h Estimated Wind Speed mph Effects WeakEF km/h40-72 mph Minor damage, snaps small branches, breaks some windows EF km/h mph Downs trees, shifts mobile homes off foundations StrongEF km/h mph Rips roofs off houses, destroys mobile homes, uproots large trees EF km/h mph Partially destroys buildings, lifts cars ViolentEF km/h mph Levels sturdy buildings, tosses cars EF km/h mph Lifts and transports sturdy buildings

Tornado Safety US averages 800 tornadoes a year Damage is due to strong winds and flying debris objects picked up by the tornado Damage is due to strong winds and flying debris (objects picked up by the tornado) The low pressure sucks up dust and other objects into the funnel Tornadoes can move large objects: –Sheds –Trailers –Cars –Homes.

PA Tornado History May 31, 1985 o Same date as the Johnstown Flood, which killed 2,200 people Deadliest tornado in state history Deadliest tornado in state history o Storm Report Storm Report Storm Report o Tornadoes by County Tornadoes by County Tornadoes by County Recorded 30 tornadoes Recorded 30 tornadoes

Tornado Safety Tornado Watch means monitor possible tornadoes in your area Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted on the ground NOTDo NOT wait until you see the tornado to seek shelter!

Tornado Safety The safest place to be is in the basement of a well built building If no basement, move to the middle of the ground floor (typically a bathroom) –Stay away from windows and doors –Lie on the floor under a sturdy type of furniture (a large table).

Tornado Safety If in a mobile home or a car, move to a building or lie flat in a ditch –Underpasses are NOT safe places to seek shelter.

Exit Pass Cumulonimbus Supercell What is the difference between a Cumulonimbus cloud and a Supercell?