Showing posts with label National Climatic Data Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Climatic Data Center. Show all posts

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Tornadoes

First, I must apologize for not posting a blog last Sunday, but I was sick.  Although, all issues have not been solved I am better.

Here in the Midwest it is tornado season, and we are being prepared by the meteorologists in our area for the danger.  When I was a kid I lived in the country, and we stood in the yard to watch the tornadoes.  It is not something one should do, but back then we didn't understand how dangerous tornadoes could be.

 


Most of us having listened to our forecasters have a good idea of what causes tornadoes, but just in case you haven't paid attention I have listed a simple explanation below. 

Tornadoes are caused by unstable air in the atmosphere.  The lower atmosphere tends to be warmer than normal while the upper atmosphere tends to be cooler than usual.  The varying temperatures combine with unstable wind speeds to make a tornado.

Where is tornado alley?  Below is a photo of tornado alley.

 
There are a number of other regions across the United States that see an exorbitant amount of tornadoes in a given year.

None more so than what's classified as Tornado Alley by the National Climatic Data Center.  On a smaller scale there also exists Dixie Alley in the south, Hoosier Alley in the upper Ohio Valley, and out east the Carolina Alley.  Every state in the contiguous U.S. has recorded at least one tornado since 1950, these regions of host the greatest threat in any given year. 


Stay safe and pay attention to your weather forecasters.  Have a great week and see you back here next Sunday.

Sandra K. Marshall, author
@ Eirelander Publishing
http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com
http://www.skaymarshall.com
https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98