Tornado by TGH

A tornado is a powerful and destructive natural phenomenon characterized by a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. With wind speeds that can exceed 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour), tornadoes can cause widespread devastation, destroying buildings, uprooting trees, and hurling debris over great distances. These intense vortexes typically form in severe thunderstorms, known as supercells, when warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, creating instability in the atmosphere. Tornadoes are most common in the central United States, often referred to as Tornado Alley, but they can occur in many parts of the world. Despite their destructive power, tornadoes are relatively short-lived, typically lasting only a few minutes, but their impact can be catastrophic, underscoring the importance of preparedness and safety measures in tornado prone areas.