Podcast
Questions and Answers
During which months are tornadoes most active in the United States?
During which months are tornadoes most active in the United States?
What classification is given to a tornado with winds between 166 mph and 200 mph?
What classification is given to a tornado with winds between 166 mph and 200 mph?
Which of the following states is NOT mentioned as part of Tornado Alley?
Which of the following states is NOT mentioned as part of Tornado Alley?
How many tornadoes were reported across the nation in April 2024?
How many tornadoes were reported across the nation in April 2024?
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Which town was hardest hit by the EF-4 tornado on April 27, 2024?
Which town was hardest hit by the EF-4 tornado on April 27, 2024?
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What primarily causes the formation of a tornado?
What primarily causes the formation of a tornado?
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Which statement is true regarding the timeframe of tornado and storm occurrences?
Which statement is true regarding the timeframe of tornado and storm occurrences?
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What is the significance of 'Tornado Alley' in the context of tornado occurrences?
What is the significance of 'Tornado Alley' in the context of tornado occurrences?
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How many tornadoes have been reported in the US as of May 12, 2024?
How many tornadoes have been reported in the US as of May 12, 2024?
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What is a common misconception about the timing of tornado activity?
What is a common misconception about the timing of tornado activity?
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Study Notes
Tornado Season Activity
- The 2024 US tornado season is on track to be one of the most active in history.
- Tornado activity is typically highest between March and July.
- Tornado Alley, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio, is highly susceptible to tornadoes.
- April 2024 saw over 300 tornadoes reported, including 100 in just three days (April 25-28).
- The worst tornado outbreak in 2024 so far occurred on April 27, when an EF-4 tornado struck Marietta, Oklahoma.
- The EF-4 tornado in Marietta, Oklahoma, caused significant damage, killing one person and leveling several structures.
- The small town of Minden, Iowa, was also hit by a powerful tornado on April 26, resulting in the destruction of 48 homes and damage to over 300 structures.
- May 2024 has also seen above-average tornado activity, with at least 133 tornadoes reported by May 12.
- While the 2024 season has seen a high number of tornadoes, it has not yet surpassed the record of 1,287 tornadoes in the US by May 7, 2011.
Tornado Formation
- Tornadoes are powerful rotating columns of air that originate at the base of a thunderstorm cloud and extend to the ground.
- They form during severe rotating storms known as supercells, when cold, dry polar air meets warm, moist tropical air.
- The rising warm air causes the storm to rotate, forming a funnel.
- The spinning funnel creates a low-pressure area that sucks in more air and objects.
- Supercells last for hours, unlike ordinary thunderstorms which last only 30 to 60 minutes.
- "Tornado Alley" is prone to tornadoes due to its unique geographic location: dry air from the Rocky Mountains, warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold Arctic air from the north.
- This combination of air masses creates the perfect conditions for powerful thunderstorms that can become deadly tornadoes.
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