How do clouds form tornadoes?

Answer 1

Clouds themselves are not what forms a tornado, at least not directly. The process is complicated.

First, a condition called wind shear, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes with altitude. If the shear is strong enough it can essentially tilt a thunderstorm, this separates the updraft and downdraft of the thunderstorm, preventing them from interfering with one another. This allows the storm to become stronger and last longer.

Additionally, if the wind shear is strong enough it can start the air rolling in what is called horizontal vorticity. This horizontal vorticity can then be turned vertical by a thunderstorm's updraft. When this happens, the thunderstorm may start rotating. The rotation is especially strong in an updraft called a mesocyclone. If the storm intensifies rapidly enough, a relatively warm downdraft called a rear-flank downdraft or RFD can wrap around the bottom part of the mesocyclone. This can then tighten and intensify its rotation and bring it down to the ground to produce a tornado.

Answer 2

Technically, it's a process of multiple cloud levels. Tornadoes form from Funnel Clouds, which form from Wall Clouds, which form along the base of Cumulonimbus clouds. So you start with a Cumulonimbus cloud (also known as a thunderhead or thunderstorm cloud) and a wall cloud can form along the base it. A wall cloud is a lowered base of a storm that is rotating.

Attached to several wall clouds, especially in moist environments, is a tail cloud,which is just a band of clouds that resemble a tail. Most often the wall clouds' movement will be horizontal and in other clouds may be seen as moving in toward the wall cloud. There is also sometimes something called a collar cloud atop the wall cloud which is a band of clouds circling over it. Wall clouds will usually will slope inward, or toward the precipitation area.

From that wall cloud, a smaller lowering of rotation can occur, often in a funnel shape, known as a funnel cloud. If that funnel cloud reaches the ground, it's known as a tornado.

Answer 3

The formation of tornadoes is complicated.

First, you need thunderstorm, which take the form of cumulonimbus clouds. Next, a condition called wind shear, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes with altitude. If the shear is strong enough it can essentially tilt a thunderstorm, this separates the updraft and downdraft of the thunderstorm, preventing them from interfering with one another. This allows the storm to become stronger and last longer.

Additionally, if the wind shear is strong enough it can start the air rolling in what is called horizontal vorticity. This horizontal vorticity can then be turned vertical by a thunderstorm's updraft. When this happens, the thunderstorm may start rotating. The rotation is especially strong in an updraft called a mesocyclone. This mesocyclone often produces a wall cloud, which often indicates tornadic potential. If the storm intensifies rapidly enough, a relatively warm downdraft called a rear-flank downdraft or RFD can wrap around the bottom part of the mesocyclone. This can then tighten and intensify its rotation and bring it down to the ground to produce a tornado, which is often precended by a funnel cloud.

Answer 4

Cumulonimbus clouds (thunder clouds)
Cumulonimbus clouds

Answer 5

Tornadoes create funnel clouds. The form from cumulonimbus clouds and wall clouds.

Answer 6

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