Tornadoes and storm chasing

Violent storms can cause widespread destruction within minutes, making them a subject of both fear and fascination. The field of storm chasing—the pursuit of severe weather events, especially tornadoes—has grown in popularity among scientists, meteorologists, and thrill-seekers. While storm chasing provides valuable data to improve forecasting, it also comes with significant risks.

What Are Tornadoes?

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. It is often visible as a funnel-shaped cloud made of condensed water droplets and debris. Tornadoes can form in a matter of minutes and have wind speeds ranging from 65 mph (105 km/h) to over 300 mph (480 km/h), making them one of the most intense atmospheric events.

How Tornadoes Form

Tornadoes typically develop from supercell thunderstorms, which are massive, rotating storm systems with an updraft. The formation process follows these key steps:

Instability and Wind Shear – Warm, moist air near the surface rises and interacts with cooler, dry air at higher altitudes. Wind shear (changes in wind speed and direction) creates a rotating effect in the atmosphere.

Mesocyclone Development – A strong updraft within the storm tilts the rotating air, forming a spinning column known as a mesocyclone.

Funnel Cloud Formation – As the rotation tightens and strengthens, a visible funnel cloud may form, extending downward.

Tornado Touchdown – If the funnel cloud reaches the ground, it officially becomes a tornado. The tornado can last from a few seconds to over an hour, depending on atmospheric conditions.

Tornado Intensity and Measurement

Tornadoes are classified using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, which rates their strength based on wind speed and damage:

EF0 (65-85 mph): Light damage (broken tree branches, minor roof damage)

EF1 (86-110 mph): Moderate damage (roofs stripped, small trees uprooted)

EF2 (111-135 mph): Considerable damage (mobile homes destroyed, large trees uprooted)

EF3 (136-165 mph): Severe damage (houses severely damaged, vehicles lifted)

EF4 (166-200 mph): Devastating damage (well-built houses leveled, cars thrown)

EF5 (200+ mph): Incredible damage (houses swept away, trees debarked, cars airborne)

The most violent tornadoes, rated EF4 and EF5, are rare but can cause catastrophic destruction across entire towns.

Storm Chasing: The Pursuit of Tornadoes

Storm chasing is the act of tracking and following severe weather conditions, particularly tornadoes, to study them or capture footage. Storm chasers include scientists, meteorologists, journalists, and adventure seekers, all driven by the thrill of witnessing nature’s raw power.

Why Do People Chase Storms?

Scientific Research – Meteorologists chase storms to collect data on tornado formation, structure, and behavior. This information helps improve tornado forecasting and warning systems.

Public Safety – Some chasers provide real-time updates to weather services, aiding in severe weather warnings.

Photography and Videography – Many storm chasers document tornadoes through stunning videos and images, sharing them with the public.

Adrenaline and Thrill – Some individuals chase storms purely for the excitement and challenge of getting close to extreme weather.

How Storm Chasing Works

Storm chasers rely on meteorological tools and technology to predict tornado locations, including:

Doppler Radar – Identifies rotation in thunderstorms and helps chasers locate potential tornadoes.

Satellite Imagery – Provides large-scale atmospheric data.

GPS and Mobile Apps – Help track storms in real-time.

Weather Balloons – Gather atmospheric data, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

Once chasers identify a developing storm, they position themselves safely at a distance, observing the tornado’s path while staying mobile in case evacuation is necessary.

Dangers of Storm Chasing

While storm chasing can be exhilarating, it is also highly dangerous. Some of the biggest risks include:

Unpredictable Tornado Paths – Tornadoes can change direction suddenly, trapping chasers in dangerous situations.

Flying Debris – Tornadoes pick up debris such as metal, wood, and glass, which can cause severe injuries or death.

Flash Flooding – Heavy rainfall from storms can lead to flash floods, making roads impassable.

Traffic and Panic – Popular storm-chasing locations can become congested with chasers and onlookers, increasing accident risks.

The dangers of storm chasing became evident in 2013 when legendary storm chaser Tim Samaras, his son Paul, and meteorologist Carl Young were killed while chasing an EF3 tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma. This tragedy served as a reminder that even experienced chasers are vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of tornadoes.

Notable Tornadoes in History

Several tornadoes stand out due to their intensity and destruction:

The Tri-State Tornado (1925) – The deadliest tornado in U.S. history, killing 695 people across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

The Joplin Tornado (2011) – An EF5 tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, killing 158 people and causing $2.8 billion in damage.

The Moore Tornado (2013) – Another EF5 tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma, with winds over 200 mph, destroying thousands of homes.

Tornado Preparedness and Safety

For those living in tornado-prone areas, preparation is key to survival. Here are essential safety tips:

Stay Informed – Monitor weather forecasts and have a NOAA weather radio for alerts.

Seek Shelter – Go to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. Avoid windows.

Use Protective Covering – Helmets, blankets, and mattresses can provide extra protection from flying debris.

Have an Emergency Kit – Include water, food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies.

Conclusion

Tornadoes are among nature’s most awe-inspiring and dangerous forces, capable of immense destruction. While storm chasing has contributed significantly to our understanding of these powerful storms, it remains a high-risk activity. Through continued research and improved forecasting, scientists hope to develop better early-warning systems to save lives and reduce the devastating impact of tornadoes. Whether observing from a safe distance or actively chasing, understanding the power of tornadoes is essential for appreciating and respecting the forces of nature.