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By definition, a tornado connects to the cloud base of the thunderstorm that produces it, while a dust devil is not associated with any clouds and does not go high enough to reach cloud base. Additionally, dust devils are weaker than tornadoes. In rare instances a dust devil may be strong enough to cause minor damage, but most are harmless. Tornadoes, by contrast, nearly always cause at least some degree of damage.

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A dust devil is not a tornado because it forms in clear, sunny conditions and is typically weak compared to a tornado. Dust devils are created by rising warm air near the ground, whereas tornadoes form from powerful rotating thunderstorms.

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10mo ago
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Q: Why is a dust devil not a tornado?
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