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This is explained by the principle of conservation of angular momentum, which simply states that as a rotating body gets smaller, it speeds up. Tornadoes typically form from a strong rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. This circulation is usually 2 to 6 miles wide. Air movements within a thunderstorm can force the rotation of a mesocyclone into a much smaller circulation, typically less than a quarter mile wide. This can lead to an enormous increase in wind speed.

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