Twisters

Current Context : In May 2025, the central United States experienced a series of severe weather events, including multiple tornado outbreaks, resulting in significant fatalities and widespread destruction across several states.

About Twisters

• Definition: “Twister” is a colloquial term for a tornado—a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
• Formation: Tornadoes form when warm, moist air collides with cold, dry air, creating atmospheric instability. This leads to strong updrafts and wind shear, causing the air to spin vertically.
• Characteristics: Tornadoes can reach wind speeds up to 250 miles per hour (approximately 400 km/h) and are often funnel-shaped.
• Geographical Prevalence: The majority of tornadoes in the U.S. occur in “Tornado Alley,” particularly around the Gulf of Mexico, which provides a significant moisture source.