Tornado

Category: Geography / Climatology / Disaster Management

Notes

• A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a convective cloud to the ground.

• It is generally associated with severe thunderstorms.

• Tornadoes have a relatively small spatial footprint but can generate extremely destructive winds.

• In India, tornado occurrence is relatively rare.

• West Bengal and Odisha are among the regions more vulnerable to tornadoes.

• Tornadoes should not be confused with tropical cyclones.

Key Pointers

• Associated with: Severe thunderstorms

• Scale: Localised

• Shape: Funnel/cylinder/rope-like

• India: Rare but possible, especially eastern India

• Difference: Cyclone = large-scale rotating storm; tornado = highly localised rotating column

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