metro correct 3

Air mass thunderstorm

Localized thunderstorms formed due to unequal heating of surface; typically short-lived.

Severe thunderstorm

Thunderstorms caused by rapid uplift of warm humid air, associated with high winds, hail, flash floods, and possible tornadoes.

Supercell thunderstorm

A powerful type of thunderstorm consisting of a persistent cell with updraft and downdraft, capable of producing severe weather.

Mesocyclone

A rotating updraft within a supercell thunderstorm that can lead to tornado formation.

Lightning

Electrical discharge from the separation of charges within a cloud, leading to visible light and thunder.

Thunder

Sound caused by the rapid expansion of air surrounding the hot lightning bolt.

Tornado

A violent wind storm characterized by a rotating column of air or vortex, typically formed in thunderstorms.

Mesocyclone formation

A process where air rises rapidly, creating horizontal rotation that becomes vertically tilted, potentially forming a tornado.

Funnel cloud

A rapidly spinning vortex extending downward from a cloud, which becomes a tornado upon reaching the surface.

Doppler Radar

A radar system capable of detecting circular motion of air, helping predict mesocyclone and tornado formation.

Fujita Intensity Scale

A scale that classifies tornadoes based on wind speed, ranging from EF0 (65-85 mph) to EF5 (over 200 mph).

Safety precautions during thunderstorms

Stay indoors, avoid water, stay low, do not wave metal, and remain in a car when outside.

Tornado season

The time period when tornadoes are most likely to occur, typically between April and June in the Midwestern U.S.

Average tornado travel distance

Typically travels about 16 miles before dissipating.

Percentage of lightning reaching the ground

Only about 20% of lightning strikes reach the ground; the rest stay within the clouds.