4. The Wall Cloud Formation
Advertisement
A wall cloud's emergence is a major and usually foreboding indication that tornado development might be around here. A wall cloud is a localised, consistent, usually sudden decrease of the rain-free base of a thunderstorm. Usually occurring in the location of highest updraft within a supercell thunderstorm—the kind most likely to generate tornadoes—it occurs in Usually seen on the southern or southwest side of the storm in the Northern Hemisphere, wall clouds Their unique lowering look, which frequently resembles a dark, scary overhang under the main storm cloud, helps one to identify them. Wall clouds especially worry me because of their rotation. One very good clue that a tornado might be developing is a revolving wall cloud. The strong updraft inside the storm draws warm, moist air upward and drives it to rotate. Eventually, this spinning action can tighten and stretch downward, perhaps generating a tornado. Though their occurrence should always be regarded seriously, not all wall clouds cause tornadoes. If you see a wall cloud—especially one that is rotating—you should keep a watchful eye on things and be ready to find quick cover. Key indicator in their tornado predicting and reporting, weather spotters and storm chasers frequently rely on wall cloud sightings. Recognising a wall cloud can give the typical individual useful extra minutes to seek cover before a possible tornado strikes.
Advertisement
