Being caught in the path of atornado is never ideal; addressing the aftermath can be overwhelming. Tornados develop from severe storms and are dangerous due to their concentrated power. Although the area of a tornado base can be limited to a few yards, the destruction can be devastating and cause displacement of families and businesses.
At Forum Forensics, we understand the impact and aftermath of tornado damage. Our team has provided information about tornado risk factors and how to navigate the effects of tornado damage below.
What Causes Tornados?
Tornados develop from unstable air masses that typically begin with storm systems. When the ground temperature is warm and moist and mixes with cool, dry air in the atmosphere, it creates wind shear and updrafts. The wind and updrafts can then begin to rotate or become violent and develop into a tornado.
When Do Tornados Happen?
Tornados typically occur in the United States in the spring and early summer. During the seasonal change from winter to spring, atmospheric ingredients combine perfectly to create tornado-producing storms. Warm moist air from the gulf clashes with cool air from Canada and causes an increased risk for unstable air masses. Tornados also occur more often in the late afternoon and early evening because, by this time,the sun has heated the ground enough to create a thunderstorm which can then cause a tornado to form.
Where Do Tornados Happen?
Tornados can occur almost anywhere if the conditions are right. In the U.S., they are most common between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains in the central plains. The region is home to"Tornado Alley," known for the highest frequency of tornadic activity. See the map below for the geographicarea described above.
Tornado Types & Categories
Tornadoes are produced mainly from two types of thunderstorms supercell and non-supercell. Supercells have updrafts and shear winds that combine to form a mesocyclone. The combination creates the rotation needed for a tornado. This type of storm is the least common but has the highest propensity for violent tornados and other severe weather.
A non-supercell thunderstorm has an updraft that is not rotating. These storm systems do not rotate because of insufficient change in wind speed and direction with shear winds. As a result, these tornados tend to be short-lived and weaker in comparison, but the damage they leave behind can be just as devastating.
The damage and type of storm are measured by the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which determines the windspeed of a tornado after it has happened. Supercells typically produce an EF3 or higherand non-supercell systems produce an EF2 or lower. See the chart below for more detail.
Signs of Tornado Damage
As mentioned, tornados are devastating enough that most damage is obviously visible. The most prominent signs to determine whether a tornado made landfall are:
- The damage path is chaotic in appearance.
- Large, uprooted trees often cross each other.
- Large, displaced items such as cars and structural components of a building.
- Downed power lines and other exposed wires
- Cracks or sagging in walls, floors, doors, windows, foundations, and staircases.
Surviving a tornado with anya mount of damage can be traumatic. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from further hazards after the disaster is essential. It is recommended that professional disaster response crews assess the damage first to ensure ther eare no live wires, gas leaks, or unstable structures to address. After the area has been deemed safe by officials, the insurance claim or repair process can begin. Even if a building doesn't have apparent damage, Forum Forensics recommends a structural inspection. A forensic inspection will identify al ldamage, mitigating any unforeseen issues in the future.
Forum Forensics is a team of experts at identifying signs of tornado damage. Our service includes thorough investigation and comprehensive reporting of your home or business. In addition, our team will communicate with you throughout the process and provide you with real-time notifications. Contact us today if you have experienced a tornado or other storm damage.
Cited:
Severe Weather 101: TornadoFAQ (noaa.gov)
How the NWS determines WindDamage and Tornadoes (weather.gov)
Severe Weather 101: Tornado Basics (noaa.gov)
