When severe weather hits the US, there are ways that people across the country can prepare for potential effects such as hail, rain, and damaging winds.
Tornadoes can take the power of thousands of people, cause devastating property damage and kill them. The US sees about 1,200 tornadoes each year.
Experts say that looking at predictions and knowing the meaning of the various warning stages is key to safety.
Here’s what you need to know about the causes of these storms, as well as clocks, warnings, and emergency alerts:
What causes the tornado?
A wide area of cyclone that comes with some storm systems can generate tornadoes. Low pressure is related to storm weather, and the lower it is, the stronger the storm is. Low-pressure systems draw air into them, creating their rain and wind.
“Spring and transition seasons – spring and autumn, and even winter, we really make these stronger. “These are systems of storms that occur in the middle of each of the hemisphere.”
“When you think about the US map, if you draw a big U on the entire map, it would be a big trough,” he added. “That large trough helps to facilitate the creation of this area of low pressure and strong storm systems.”
How does the Storm System become a tornado?
These storm systems cause extremely strong winds and hail.
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It combines it with the sides of a low-pressure storm system with warm, humid air that you want to rise, and there is a possibility of thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service, the appropriate conditions (moist air near the ground, dry air above, and winds could change, leading to a tornado.
“In a low, cold, cold atmosphere, and humid atmosphere, you can raise the air through the upstream of a thunderstorm with a pretty good clip, which leads to potentially harsh weather.” “The stronger the upstream of a thunderstorm, the more likely the upstream is to be the term for where the air is rising. It is more likely that wind, h, and potentially damage tornadoes.
“Another component needed in addition to temperature fluctuations in height is what we call wind shear,” he said.
What is the difference between a tornado clock, warning, emergency situation?
Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issues tornado clocks in areas where the environment suggests a possible tornado up to 10 hours before the storm. People in that area, which normally cover several counties or states, should prepare for potential warnings.
If the weather radar indicates that a tornado is coming or is already being seen, a warning will be issued by the local forecast office. This usually includes small areas such as cities and counties. People in the area need to take action, such as moving to the shelter on the bottom floor of the building or avoiding windows.
Tornado emergency is the best alert for weather services and is issued when a tornado lands in the area and catastrophic damage is confirmed. They are rare, but you need a shelter soon.
What is the best way to prepare?
Experts say people should have multiple ways to get watches and warnings and know each definition. Weather radios are especially useful when the power is lost and the TV or regular radio stops working.
It is also important to prepare in advance a safe, enclosed underground shelter or a room above the ground equipped to handle tornado-level winds.
“In many parts of the country that has been affected by the tornado, there is no underground option,” Markowski said. “Frankly, you wouldn’t be better off leaving your home. If you’re in your home, put as many walls as you can between you and the tornado. Stay away from Windows. Interior rooms like bathrooms are a good place.”
By Alexa St. John
