Severe Weather Phenomena

Tornadoes are the most common type of severe weather in the United States, with an average of 1,200 tornadoes reported each year.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to measure the intensity of hurricanes, with categories ranging from 1 to 5.

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.

A hurricane is a large and powerful tropical storm with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour.

A flood is a sudden and rapid rise in water level, usually caused by heavy rainfall or a dam break.

A blizzard is a severe winter storm characterized by heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility.

A tsunami is a large and destructive wave caused by an underwater earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption.

A supercell is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of large hail, strong winds, and frequent lightning.

A mesocyclone is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a rotating updraft, which can lead to the formation of tornadoes.

A derecho is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a long-lived, rotating updraft, which can produce multiple tornadoes.

A squall line is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a squall line, which can produce strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.

A bow echo is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a bow echo, which can produce strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.

A hook echo is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a hook echo, which can indicate the presence of a tornado.

A wall cloud is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a wall cloud, which can indicate the presence of a tornado.

A funnel cloud is a severe thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a funnel cloud, which can indicate the presence of a tornado.