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What are tornadoes sometimes called?
They are called funnel clouds or, more often, twisters.
Do cumulonimbus clouds appear in tornadoes?
Cumulus clouds don't so much appear in tornadoes. It is more accurate to say that tornadoes descend from cumulonimbus clouds.
What terms is the most general cyclone tornado funnel cloud or a hurricane?
Cyclone is the most general of these terms. It describes virtually any broad scale low pressure system of which a hurricane is one variety. Tornado, funnel cloud, and hurricane describe much more specific events.
Can tornadoes happen in Ireland?
Yes. The first known tornado was recorded in Ireland in 1054.
Do high level clouds produce hail and tornadoes?
High level clouds, such as cirrus clouds, typically do not produce hail or tornadoes. Hail and tornadoes are more commonly associated with severe thunderstorms that develop from cumulonimbus clouds, which are characterized by their towering vertical structure. These types of storms have strong updrafts and downdrafts that are conducive to the formation of hail and tornadoes.
How are funnel clouds created?
Funnel clouds are the result of rotation in thunderstorms, induced by wind shear, becoming tighter and more intense, stretching toward the ground. If the rotation reaches the ground it is considered a tornado. See the relate question for a more detailed explanation on the formation of tornadoes and the storms that cause them. The visible funnel itself is a consequence of the pressure drop inside the vortex. Air enterin the vortex experiences a rapid drop in pressure which in turn causes a drop in temperature. This temperature drop causes the moisture in the air to condense into tiny droplets, forming a cloud.
Are tornadoes vast?
The funnel clouds themselves, are not that big, usually no more than 200 yards wide. The weather front that carries them may be vast. Some tornadoes may grow to overa mile wide and a handful have exceeded 2 miles. These might be considered vast by human standards, but are still small by weather standards.
Does a tornado's color match the color of the ground?
Sometimes. Tornadoes often lift at least some soil into the air, and so create a dust cloud of that color. However, the actual funnel of a tornado is condensation and will more closely match the color of the clouds overhead.
Is the height of a cloud indicative of tornadoes?
Not really. Although tornadoes form most easily from clouds with low bases, the height of cloud based doesn't tell you much. Other signs, such as rotation in the clouds, are far more telling.
In which state do tornadoes more frequently happen Iowa or Vermont?
No. Texas gets more tornadoes than any other state.
Are tornadoes commonly found in the tropics?
Tornadoes can happen in the tropics but they are more common in temperate latitudes.
Are tornadoes more common than cyclones?
yes
