Storms and Severe Weather

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. It is a destructive force of nature that can cause widespread damage.

A supercell is a severe thunderstorm that produces large hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning. It is characterized by a rotating updraft that can reach the stratosphere.

Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are all names for the same type of large, rotating storm system that forms over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges.

A squall line is a long, narrow band of thunderstorms that can produce damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. It is typically associated with a cold front and can cause widespread damage.

Lightning is a continuous electrical discharge between the cloud and the ground. It is a powerful and dangerous force of nature that can cause fires, injuries, and even death.

Thunder is the loud sound that follows a lightning strike. It is caused by the rapid heating and cooling of the air around the lightning bolt.

Giant hail, severe hail, and golf ball hail are all terms for hail that is larger than 1 inch in diameter. This type of hail can cause significant damage to property and crops.

Gusts, squalls, and tornadoes are all types of strong winds that can accompany a thunderstorm. Gusts are sudden, brief increases in wind speed, while squalls are more sustained periods of strong winds. Tornadoes are violent, rotating columns of air that can cause widespread damage.

A river flood occurs when a river or stream overflows its banks. This type of flood can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure.

A flash flood occurs when a large amount of rain falls in a short period of time. This type of flood can cause rapid and dangerous flooding, especially in urban areas.

A coastal flood occurs when the sea level rises and inundates coastal areas. This type of flood can be caused by storm surges, tsunamis, or high tides.

A blizzard, winter storm, and snowstorm are all terms for a type of storm that produces heavy snow and strong winds. These storms can cause significant travel disruptions and power outages.

An ice storm is a type of storm that produces freezing rain. This type of rain can cause significant damage to trees and power lines, and can make travel extremely hazardous.

A sleet storm is a type of storm that produces sleet. Sleet is a mixture of rain and snow that falls when the temperature is near freezing.

A hail storm is a type of storm that produces hail. Hail is a type of precipitation that consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice.