Formation of a tornado mesocyclone" tornadoThe Science of Tornado
summer in the mid-latitudes of both
the Northern and Southern
Hemispheres. These whirling
atmospheric vortices can generate the
strongest winds known on
Earth: wind speeds in the range of 500 km
(300 miles) per hour have
been estimated. When winds of this
magnitude strike a populated
area, they can cause fantastic
destruction and great loss
of life, mainly through injuries from flying
debris and collapsing structures.
Most tornadoes, however, are
comparatively weak events
that occur in sparsely populated areas and
cause minor damage."
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