Summary of "Tornadoes 101 | National Geographic"

Scientific Concepts and Phenomena

Tornado Formation: Tornadoes are powerful spinning columns of air that form from the interaction of high and low-pressure air.
Types of Tornadoes:
- Supercell Tornadoes: Form within supercell thunderstorms and are the most violent.
- Non-Supercell Tornadoes: Smaller and weaker, including waterspouts and landspouts.
Air Pressure Dynamics: The movement of air particles from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas creates wind, which can lead to Tornado Formation.
Updrafts: An upward current of wind is essential for tornado development, stretching the vortex until it reaches the clouds.
Enhanced Fujita Scale: A classification system for tornadoes ranging from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest), based on damage and wind speed estimates.

Meteorologists monitor storm fronts in high-risk areas.
Forecasting efforts aim to predict tornadic events to mitigate damage and save lives.

The United States has the highest number of tornadoes, averaging over 1,000 annually.
The strongest recorded tornado occurred in Oklahoma City in 1999, classified as EF5 with wind speeds over 300 mph, resulting in significant fatalities and damages.