S4 Ep29: It's a Twista! The Terrifying Facts Whirling Inside Tornadoes
Strange and Unexplained with Daisy Eagan
Deep Dive
Why are tornadoes particularly common in the U.S.?
About 75% of tornadoes worldwide occur in the U.S., primarily in an area known as Tornado Alley, where warm, moist Gulf air meets cold, dry Canadian air and dry air from the Rockies, creating ideal conditions for tornado formation.
What is Tornado Alley, and which states are included?
Tornado Alley consists of states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, the Dakotas, and Iowa, where the combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from Canada and the Rockies fosters tornado formation.
How do tornadoes typically form?
Tornadoes form from a vertical rotation in a supercell thunderstorm known as a mesocyclone. Only about half of these rotations result in tornadoes, which typically occur in the late afternoon to early morning when optimal air temperature and moisture levels are present.
What is the average lifespan of a tornado?
A tornado typically lasts about five minutes, but some can persist for hours. The strongest winds are usually closest to the ground, making prolonged tornadoes particularly destructive.
What is the Fujita scale, and how is it used?
The Fujita scale, introduced in 1971, rates tornadoes based on the extent of damage they cause, helping meteorologists understand the wind speeds and potential destruction associated with different tornado intensities. It was later updated to the enhanced Fujita scale for greater accuracy.
Why are tornadoes becoming more frequent in winter?
Climate change is likely the culprit behind the increase in winter tornadoes, with a 102% rise in winter tornado occurrences. This shift is bad news for states like Mississippi, which are seeing a growing number of tornadoes annually.
What are some myths about tornado safety?
One common myth is that hiding under an overpass is safe, but overpasses act as wind tunnels, making the situation more dangerous. Another myth is that you can outrun a tornado, but they can travel up to 70 miles per hour and change direction quickly.
What is a firenado, and how is it formed?
A firenado, or fire tornado, is a tornado made of fire. It can form when a rapid rise of heated air creates a void into which cooler air flows, or when large fires create pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which can spawn firenados.
What is the deadliest tornado on record?
The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 remains the deadliest, killing 695 people and traveling 219 miles across three states. It is known for its relentless destruction and long path of devastation.
How has research on tornadoes improved safety?
Research, such as that by J.P. Finley and the development of the Fujita scale, has led to better tornado prediction and warning systems, significantly reducing tornado-related fatalities and improving community preparedness.
Shownotes Transcript