Tornadoes

First we need to figure out what we mean by "mini tornado", as the term has no definition.

Some European and Australian news outlets refer to the tornadoes they get as "mini tornadoes" regardless of how large or strong they are. These form in the same manner as any tornado.

Some people might use the term "mini tornado" to refer to any tornado that is comparatively small and weak. These form in the same way strong tornadoes do, but with less ideal conditions. Weak tornadoes and waterspouts can form in a couple other ways as well.

Finally, sometimes small whirlwinds such as dust devils are sometimes called "mini tornadoes." These are not actual tornadoes and have their own ways of forming.

As to formation:

The classic means of tornado formation is through a kind of thunderstorm called a supercell. Supercells typically form along a cold front or dry line, at the edge of or just inside a warm, humid air mass. The storms are fueled by the warm, moist air and rotate due to interactions with a condition called wind shear, where wind speed and direction changes with altitude. The area of rotation in these storms is called a mesocyclone. Under the right conditions a downdraft can wrap around the mesocyclone, tightening and intensifying it into a tornado. Mesocyclones can sometimes be embedded in a squall line as well.

Sometimes "spin up" tornadoes can form along the turbulent leading edge of a severe squall line. These tornadoes are generally short-lived and weak. There is yet another kind of tornado called a landspout. These form when there is a broad circulation of air at ground level that gets caught in the updraft of a developing thunderstorm, which stretches and tightens it into an intense vortex. Waterspouts form in a similar way.

Finally we have other whirlwinds that are not considered tornadoes, but look a bit like them. Dust devils are the most common example. These form on days when the sun heats a patch of ground, creating a layer of extra hot air right at ground level. This will rise up in a thermal. Sometimes this updraft will catch an eddy in the wind, causing it to tighten and intensify, lifting dust and sand into the air. People have also observed things such as "haydevils" which are essentially the same thing. Finally there are the whirls that pop up on windy days. These are simply eddies that form from the wind going around things such as buildings and trees. They sometimes can be seen when they pick up snow, leaves, or other light materials.

Tornadoes can occur in Clearwater Beach, Florida, as the state is prone to experiencing tornadoes. However, tornadoes in this area are less common compared to other regions like the Midwest. It's still important for residents and visitors to stay informed about weather alerts and have a plan in case of severe weather.

One is a violently rotating column of air and debris that can tear a path of destruction over a mile wide with wind speeds well over 200 mph. The other is a well known brand of vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner accessories. Check out their homepage at the related link; they have some fantastic online sales at times.

A tornado possibly formed in southern Indiana on April 3, 2003. The National Weather Service conducted a survey and determined that there was a tornado in the area, but the evidence was not definitive.

There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that a tornado won't form where two rivers converge. Tornadoes can occur anywhere under the right atmospheric conditions, and rivers do not have a significant influence on their formation or path.

The last confirmed tornado in Junction City, Kansas was on June 30, 1993.

Yes, tornadoes can occur in Edmonton, although they are relatively rare compared to other regions in Alberta. Tornadoes in this area are typically weaker and less frequent compared to tornado-prone areas in the United States.

Cumulonimbus clouds produce thunderstorms and can also spawn tornadoes under the right conditions. These clouds are characterized by their towering height and anvil shape, and they are associated with severe weather events due to their ability to generate strong updrafts and downdrafts.

In most cases an F1 tornado does not have that much energy and soon runs out and is more easily disrupted, though a few F1 tornadoes have had long damage paths.

By contrast an F5 tornado will generally have several orders of magnitude more energy to release. Additionally, such a strong tornado could be considered more robust. A shift in the parent storm that might cut can F1 tornado's lifespan and thus damage path short, while the same shift might only weaken an F5 tornado somewhat.

A rainbow twister, also known as a rainbow tornado, is a rare and unlikely weather phenomenon. The conditions required for both a tornado and the presence of sunlight to create a rainbow are difficult to occur simultaneously. While not impossible, the chances of witnessing a rainbow twister are extremely low.

Here are the wind estimates for the Fujita scale categories

F0: 40-72 mph

F1: 73-112 mph

F2: 113-157 mph

F3: 158-206 mph

F4: 207-261 mph

F5: 261-318 mph

F6: 319-379 mph

Note that the F6 category is entirely theoretical and is not actually used in practice. Since actual ratings are based on damage, and since F5 damage is complete destruction, no tornado can ever be rated higher than F5.

These wind speeds are estimates meant to correspond with different damage levels that have since been found to be inaccurate. They have since been corrected as follows:

EF0: 65-85 mph

EF1: 86-110 mph

EF2: 111-135 mph

EF3: 136-165 mph

EF4: 166-200 mph

EF5: over 200 mph.

While the wind speed estimates have been adjusted for each category, the degree of damage remains the same.

The panhandle region in the western part of Oklahoma typically experiences the fewest tornadoes in the state. This area's drier climate and lower population density contribute to fewer tornado occurrences compared to other regions in Oklahoma.

Yes, Indiana is considered to be within the area known as "Tornado Alley." Tornado Alley is a region in the central United States, where tornadoes are more frequent due to the clash of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cooler, drier air from the Rockies and Canada.

The tornado's direction of movement is northwest at a speed of 30 miles per hour. This information helps to track and predict its path and potential impact on the area. It is important to take immediate safety precautions in response to the tornado warning.

By how strong the tornado is.

Even though strong tornadoes tend to be larger how strong a tornado is does not determine its size.

Relatively weak tornadoes have been very large and extremely strong tornadoes have been relatively small.

The most powerful in terms of sheer destructive force is generally considered to be a large volcanic eruption, as it can have widespread and long-lasting impacts on the environment. Earthquakes and hurricanes can also be extremely powerful and devastating, depending on their magnitude and intensity. Plagues and sandstorms are serious threats as well, but their impacts are typically more localized.

Below are the different levels of tornado intensity on the Ehanced Fujita scale along with typical damage with typical damage and the estimated range of wind speeds.

EF0 65-85 mph, light damage: minor roof damage to most buildings, awnings and gutters taken down, tree limbs broken, weak rooted trees toppled.

EF1 86-110 mph, moderate damage: roofs of houses severely stripped, windows broken, trailers severely damaged or largely destroyed.

EF2 111-135 mph, significant damage: frame houses lose all or most of roofs some exterior walls may collapse, trailers completely destroyed.

EF3 136-165 mph, severe damage: many or most walls in a frame house collapse, most trees uprooted.

EF4 166-200 mph, devastating damage: strong frame houses completely leveled, trees stripped of bark.

EF5 over 200 mph, incredible damage: strong frame houses completely swept away, foundations left bare, concrete structures heavily damaged.

A tongue tornado is a type of oral sex technique where the partner moves their tongue in a swirling motion around the clitoris or head of the penis. Whether it feels good or not is subjective and varies from person to person. Some individuals may find this technique pleasurable and stimulating, while others may not. Communication and feedback between partners are important to ensure a satisfying and pleasurable experience.

A dark funnel of strong winds that spiral upward is a tornado. Tornadoes are characterized by rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground, causing damage and posing a significant threat to human safety.

A dog may exhibit signs of anxiety or fear such as pacing, whining, or trying to hide. Some dogs may become agitated and restless, while others may seek out a safe place to hide. It's important to keep pets indoors during severe weather and provide a safe, quiet space for them to seek shelter.

Unfortunately detailed records of tornadoes only go back as far as 1950, and even then, for the first 30 years or so of that period most weak tornadoes (which account account for the majority of tornadoes) were missed. Since 1950 Montana has recorded 386 tornadoes.

However, it may be possible to provide a rough estimate. In the past 30 years, in which data has been recorded more accurately, Montana has experienced 265 tornadoes. If we take the percentage of strong tornadoes from this period (6.8%) and apply it to the data since 1950 we arrive at an estimate of about 700 tornadoes, assuming the percentage of strong tornadoes stays about the same. If the same average annual number of tornadoes occurred over the past 100 years that gives us an estimate of about 1,100 tornadoes.

This may sound like a lot, but it works out to an average of only 11 tornadoes per year, most of which are weak, across a very large area.

Note that this is a very rough estimate and is based on the assumption that frequency patterns over that past 30 years and 62 years are the same as those over a 100 year period.

It varies depending on the tornado. Stronger tornadoes inflict more severe damage. Even a relatively weak tornado will snap tree limbs and the occasional trunk. Some trees may be uprooted. A strong tornado will snap or uproot most of the trees in its path. Some trees may be entirely lifted into the air. In a violent (EF4 or EF5) tornado the few trees that remain in place are stripped of their bark and left with only stubs of the largest branches.

Its called the enhanced fujita scale...it measures from an EF0 to an EF5 how fast the tornado was spinning.

The wind speed is determined by examining damage.

Per KSTP report read online: "State officials reported 39 tornado touchdowns. If that figure is confirmed, it would exceed the previous state record of 27 sightings in one day, in 1992."

Yes, at least for the vast majority of tornadoes. Both rotate cyclonically, that is, counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern.

However, a small number of tornadoes (less than 1%) rotate the opposite direction from normal. These are called anticyclonic tornadoes.