2024 US Tornado Season Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that differentiates a supercell thunderstorm from an ordinary thunderstorm?

Supercells result from the collision of warm, humid air with cold, dry polar air; ordinary thunderstorms do not require such specific atmospheric conditions.
Supercells exclusively occur in 'Tornado Alley', while ordinary thunderstorms do not.
Supercells are characterized by rotation and can last for hours, whereas ordinary thunderstorms typically last 30-60 minutes. (correct)
Supercells are always accompanied by tornadoes, while ordinary thunderstorms never produce them.

Which combination of air masses contributes to the formation of tornadoes in 'Tornado Alley'?

Warm, dry air from the Sahara Desert, cool, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean, and warm air from the Gulf of Mexico.
Dry air from the Rocky Mountains, warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, and chilly Arctic air from the north. (correct)
Cool, moist air from the Appalachian Mountains, dry air from the Mojave Desert, and warm air from the Caribbean Sea.
Warm, humid air from the Pacific Ocean, cool, dry air from the Great Lakes, and warm air from the Gulf of California.

Why does the low-pressure area within a tornado's funnel exacerbate the storm's intensity?

It causes the funnel to change its trajectory, thus expanding the area of damage.
It accelerates the storm's movement across the land, leading to increased wind speeds.
It neutralizes the electrical charge within the storm, preventing lightning strikes.
It draws in more air and objects, intensifying the spinning motion and destructive power. (correct)

What specific atmospheric process initiates funnel formation in a supercell thunderstorm?

Winds around the storm cause it to rotate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated frequency of tornado touchdowns in the United States on an annual basis?

Approximately 1,200 twisters, with varying distribution across the country. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states is NOT explicitly mentioned as being part of the region most susceptible to tornadoes, also known as "Tornado Alley"?

Arkansas (C) Signup and view all the answers

The town of Marietta, Oklahoma, experienced significant damage from a tornado in April 2024. What was the estimated wind speed range of this tornado?

Between 166 mph (267 km/h) and 200 mph (320 km/h) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate number of tornadoes reported across the United States during the month of April 2024?

Approximately 300 tornadoes (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, which city faced impact by three different tornadoes on May 10, 2024?

Tallahassee, Florida (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the tornado outbreak that struck Minden, Iowa, on April 26, 2024?

It destroyed 48 homes and damaged more than 300 structures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Compared to the record-setting year of 2011, how does the tornado activity of 2024 appear as of May 13?

Above average but significantly less with about 133 reported tornadoes when in 2011 1,287 tornadoes had struck US by May 7. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the geographical distribution of tornadoes as of May 12, 2024?

The majority of tornadoes clustered around Oklahoma, Michigan, and Tennessee, but surfaced as far south as Florida. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor contributing to the potential for the 2024 tornado season to become one of the most active in history?

The season still has two months remaining which is ample time to potentially break the record. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tornado

A powerful rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

Supercells

Severe rotating storms that can lead to tornadoes; formed by air temperature contrasts.