An illustration of destruction after a tornado

Tornadoes: Their Varieties and Potential Impacts

The U.S. has the highest rate of tornadoes as compared to other nations and states. There are four times as many tornado touchdowns in the U.S. each year as in Europe.

In total, more than 1,376 tornadoes hit the U.S. in 2021. Tornadoes can cause significant property damage in addition to endangering human lives. However, people can’t just up and leave their houses and possessions even when tornados constitute a significant threat because they need to protect themselves and their families.

Therefore, it’s best to understand different types of tornadoes to formulate an ideal survival plan. Look at this guide to learn about different kinds of tornadoes and the damage they may cause.

1. Supercell Tornado

These types of tornadoes are the most massive and destructive tornadoes on the list. They tend to cause substantial damage to both urban and rural areas.

2. Gustnados

This particular tornado is not associated with a cloud base. A gustnado is a transient whirling cloud at a low altitude that typically develops on the edge of a thunderstorm. It typically develops along a thunderstorm’s gust front when swiftly moving freezing air is forced through a cloud of the ambient atmosphere near the ground. They are one of the least disastrous tornadoes on the list.

3. Rope Tornado

They are regarded as the smallest kinds of tornadoes. They are typically very narrow and resemble lassos. Despite being the smallest, they can still do a lot of harm. The tunnel becomes tighter and windier as it becomes more narrow.

Image Filename: Rope-tornado

Image Alt-Text: An illustration of destruction after a rope tornado

4. Waterspout

A waterspout tornado is a whirlwind that develops above water and usually vanishes when it hits land. These types normally develop from torrential downpours or cumulus clouds. Although they emerge over warm sea waters, their funnels are made of condensed water particles. Waterspouts can be intimidating for people close to the ocean, but they don’t cause much damage because they dissipate once they hit land.

5. Firenadoes

Firenadoes, commonly referred to as fire tornadoes, are produced by the searing heat from volcanic activity or wildfires. They develop when the fire’s airflow centers on an initially modest vortex and grows into a column of smoke and flames that resembles a tornado. Wind speeds from firenadoes can reach above 100 mph, which can have disastrous repercussions.

Get a Safe and Reliable Tornado Shelter in Dallas, TX

In 2019, Texas had a record amount of tornadoes. Look no further than U.S. Safe Rooms if you’re in Texas and need a secure facility to safeguard yourself and your family.

We have a variety of tornado shelters that are above ground. The structure is made of ¼-inch steel and is fastened to a concrete slab. Our shelters are built to survive a tornado with an EF5 rating. Investing in a tornado shelter for clients in Dallas who are concerned about their safety during tornado season is critical.

Contact us to learn more about storm shelters.

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