Understanding the different types of tornadoes and circulating winds

In light of recent reports of severe weather in Ermelo, where a suspected tornado caused widespread destruction, understanding tornadoes and other rotating wind phenomena becomes all the more relevant.

While South Africa rarely experiences high-intensity tornadoes, the event in Ermelo highlights the devastating impact these forces of nature can have.

ALSO READ: 10 ways to protect you and your family during a tornado

This article explores different types of tornadoes and circulating winds—shedding light on how they form, the unique dangers they pose, and how to distinguish them from one another.

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most powerful forces, capable of causing immense destruction.

However, not all tornadoes are equal, and some are significantly more dangerous than others.

Supercell storms and tornadoes

Supercell tornadoes are a dangerous form of tornadoes. These storms form from powerful thunderstorms with rotating updrafts known as supercells. The process starts when wind shear—differences in wind speed and direction at various atmospheric levels—creates a spinning column of air. When warm, moist air is pulled into this rotation, it can reach the ground and form a tornado. These powerful thunderstorms are known for producing severe weather conditions, including thunder, hail, and tornadoes. Supercell tornadoes are notorious for their intensity and destructive potential. A supercell storm has the potential to spawn several types of tornadoes and related phenomena, not just the supercell tornadoes.

Non-supercell tornadoes

Not all tornadoes stem from supercell thunderstorms. Some originate in non-supercell conditions and are generally less intense.

Landspouts

These tornadoes develop at ground level rather than high up in a thunderstorm. They are typically smaller and weaker than supercell tornadoes, often forming during the growth stage of cumulus clouds. Because of their smaller size and lower intensity, landspouts are rarely detected by radar and are usually short-lived.

Waterspouts

As the name suggests, waterspouts form over bodies of water, often appearing as slender, rope-like funnels. While some waterspouts can be tornadic in nature and pose a threat if they move onto land, many are weak and result from atmospheric dynamics that differ from those that create supercell tornadoes.

Funnel clouds

A funnel cloud is a rotating column of air that extends downward from a storm cloud but does not reach the ground. These clouds often serve as precursors to tornadoes, as they can develop into one if they make contact with the surface. Funnel clouds form when wind shear and strong updrafts in a thunderstorm create rotation within the cloud. While they resemble tornadoes in appearance, funnel clouds themselves are generally harmless as long as they remain aloft. However, their presence signals potentially dangerous conditions, so it’s wise to monitor them closely.

Dust devils

These whirlwinds form in dry, clear conditions when hot air near the ground rises quickly, creating a swirling vortex. Dust devils can range from half a meter to over a kilometer in width. They are usually harmless but can sometimes cause minor damage.

Gustnadoes

A gustnado is a shallow, short-lived vortex that forms along the gust front of a thunderstorm. Though not technically a tornado, gustnadoes resemble weak tornadoes and are usually limited to surface-level rotation.

Fire whirls (firenadoes)

When intense heat from a fire combines with turbulent winds, it can create a fire whirl or firenado. These fiery vortices carry flames, ash, and smoke, posing a unique danger compared to other wind phenomena.

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