Post on 29-Jan-2016
The Sky is Talking:The Sky is Talking:Understanding Severe Understanding Severe Storms and TornadoesStorms and Tornadoes
Tuscaloosa, AL: April 27, 2011
Tuscaloosa, AL: April 27, 2011
Tuscaloosa, AL: April 27, 2011
Tuscaloosa, AL: EF4 damage to 190mph
Tuscaloosa, AL: Obliteration in tornado zone
Same tornado hits Birmingham an hour later
One giant storm produced multiple huge tornadoes..some up to 1.5 miles
wide. This storm killed over 100 people and injured thousands. There were
other tornadic storms that day too. 346 people died in all.
This is how a Supercell might look from 20 miles away. Notice “mushrooming” top and anvil on right.
Outflow: Also
called the
“Gust Front”…
the outrush of cool
air along the front
of the storm.
Gust Front (outflow)Acts like a “mini cold front”…very gusty
winds and cooler temperatures as it approaches.
Overshooting Top:
Indicates violent upward motion. These storms
often have hail and strong
winds in them.
Overshooting Top: Shows rapid upward motion in the storm
column.
Hail Shaft:
Region of violent upward motion, which
contains large hail. Hail may fall from
beneath the wall cloud.
Hail Shaft:
Region of violent upward motion, which
contains large hail. Hail may fall from
beneath the wall cloud.
Wall Cloud:
A lowering of the
storm base, CONNECTE
D to the storm, and, especially if rotating,
very dangerous!
Wall Cloud: Different sizes, shapes
Pilot Point, TXPilot Point, TX
Near Mooreland,
OK, April 14, 2012
Near Freedom, OK April 14,
2012
Good advice!
SE of Tishomingo, March 31,
2008
Scud Clouds…NOT a Wall Cloud!
If the cloud appears to be connected…watch for several minutes…rotation is
the key.
Mammatus: A big storm somewhere
Created by pockets of cold, sinking air.
They indicate turbulence…but do not mean a tornado is nearby.
Check out this HUGE Supercell Storm (notice the curved appearance..indicating rotation)
Lone Grove Tornado: Feb 10, 2009
Power flash here indicates tornado hitting wires, transformers, or
buildings. Just entering Lone Grove from the south.
Mobile homes utterly destroyed
Tushka tornado: an EF3 with 150 mph winds: hook similar to Lone
Grove storm.
Notice “Beaver tail” on right. This indicates strong air flow (inflow) towards the updraft.
Note the debris…deadly missiles.
Debris Cloud:
Dust, rocks, and flying
objects picked up
by a funnel in contact with the ground.
Debris Cloud:
Unmistakable!
Storm Safety Refresher:
1. Know where to go
2. Be able to get there quickly
3. Have multiple sources for information
4. DON’T PANIC!!!
5. Heed warnings: There will be some false alarms
6. A 2011 NOAA study showed a “majority” of Joplin residents ignored tornado sirens and waited until they saw the
tornado itself or a radar display before seeking safe shelter
June 18, 2007
A word about FLOODS…
As little as a foot of flowing water can
render your vehicle a soggy trap.
Steve LaNoreSteve LaNoresteve.lanore@gmail.comsteve.lanore@gmail.com
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