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?
- March to July (correct)
- January to March
- April to June
- July to September
What is the average number of tornadoes typically reported in April?
What is the average number of tornadoes typically reported in April?
- 182 (correct)
- 150
- 220
- 200
Which tornado was recorded as an EF-4 during the outbreak in April 2024?
Which tornado was recorded as an EF-4 during the outbreak in April 2024?
- The one in Texas
- The one in Nebraska
- The one in Marietta, Oklahoma (correct)
- The one in Minden, Iowa
What conditions are necessary for tornadoes to form?
What conditions are necessary for tornadoes to form?
Where is the 'Tornado Alley' region primarily located in the United States?
Where is the 'Tornado Alley' region primarily located in the United States?
As of May 12, 2024, how many tornadoes have been reported across the country?
As of May 12, 2024, how many tornadoes have been reported across the country?
What was the significant impact of the tornado in Minden, Iowa?
What was the significant impact of the tornado in Minden, Iowa?
What is one characteristic of the air within a tornado funnel?
What is one characteristic of the air within a tornado funnel?
Flashcards
Tornado
Tornado
A powerful, rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.
Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley
A region in the central United States that experiences a high frequency of tornadoes.
Supercell
Supercell
A powerful rotating thunderstorm that can produce tornadoes.
Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale)
Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale)
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EF-4 Tornado
EF-4 Tornado
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April
April
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May
May
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2011
2011
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Study Notes
Tornado Activity in the US
- Tornadoes are common in the US year-round, peaking from March to July.
- "Tornado Alley" (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio) is most vulnerable.
- April 2024 saw over 300 tornadoes nationwide, exceeding the average of 182.
- A significant outbreak struck from April 25-28, 2024, with concentrated activity in multiple states.
- Marietta, Oklahoma, experienced an EF-4 tornado on April 27, 2024, causing fatalities and extensive damage, including a hospital and nursing home.
- Minden, Iowa, was severely impacted by a powerful tornado on April 26, 2024, destroying and damaging numerous homes.
- May 2024 also saw high tornado activity, focused around Oklahoma, Michigan, and Tennessee, with some extending as far south as Florida (Tallahassee experienced multiple tornadoes on May 10).
- While current activity is high, it is not yet comparable to the record high of 1,287 tornadoes in 2011.
Tornado Formation and Characteristics
- Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air from severe thunderstorm clouds to the ground.
- Supercell thunderstorms (intense rotating storms) are necessary for tornado formation.
- Supercells form when the combination of cold dry polar air meets warm, moist tropical air.
- The rising warm air and surrounding winds induce rotation, creating a funnel and a low-pressure area inside the funnel, which sucks in air and objects.
- Supercells can persist for hours, unlike typical thunderstorms (30-60 minutes).
Geographic Factors & Impact
- The US encounters about 1,200 tornadoes annually, the most globally.
- "Tornado Alley's" geography leads to high tornado frequency due to the converging air masses (dry from Rocky Mountains, warm/humid from Gulf of Mexico, and cold from the north).
- Tornadoes have significant destructive power, causing property damage, injuries, and casualties.
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