Index / Natural Phenomena / Tornado
Natural Phenomena
Tornado
Rotating column of air
A violently rotating column of air connecting a thunderstorm base to the ground. Warm humid air rising into a mesocyclone tightens by conservation of angular momentum, producing pressure drops large enough to lift vehicles and level framed houses.
Key specifications
Peak winds
> 480 km/h (EF5)
Funnel width
50 – 4,000 m
Lifespan
~10 min avg · up to 1 h+
Scale
Enhanced Fujita 0 – 5
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