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What is the difference between thunderstorms and tornadoes?
The National Weather Service considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at least one inch in diameter, winds of 58 mph or stronger, or a tornado. 1,800 thunderstorms occur at any moment around the world. That’s 16 million a year!
Which is more dangerous thunderstorm or tornado?
Severe thunderstorms will impact more people and cause just as much damage as an average tornado. In fact, data from the National Severe Storms Laboratory reveals damage from severe thunderstorm winds is more common than damage from tornadoes. A tornado, on average, wreaks havoc on about 6 square miles.
Which is stronger a hurricane or a tornado?
While both types of storms are capable of producing destructive winds, tornadoes can become stronger than hurricanes. The most intense winds in a tornado can exceed 300 miles per hour, while the strongest known Atlantic hurricane contained winds of 190 miles per hour.
What are the facts about tornadoes and thunderstorms?
Facts + Statistics: Tornadoes and thunderstorms. Tornadoes. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm and comes into contact with the ground, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In an average year about 1,000 tornadoes are reported nationwide, according to NOAA.
Why are thunderstorms so dangerous to the Earth?
Thunderstorms are most hazardous when rain decreases visibility, hail falls, lightning strikes or tornadoes develop. A thunderstorm starts when the sun heats the earth’s surface and warms the layer of air above it. This warmed air rises and transfers heat to the upper levels of the atmosphere.
What causes winds to form in a thunderstorm?
Warm, moist air near the ocean’s surface rises upward, cools, and condenses, forming clouds. With less air than before at the surface, the pressure drops there. Because air tends to move from high to low pressure, moist air from surrounding areas flows inward toward the low-pressure spot, creating winds.
How big is the average size of a thunderstorm?
15-mile diameter, average. Ranges from 10 yeards to 2.6 miles wide (50 yards, average) Ranges from 100 to 900 miles in diameter. (300 miles diameter, average) Storm strength. Severe or non-severe. Severe storms have one or more of the following conditions: Winds of 58+ mph.