A tornado is a massive, rotating column of air that can reach from the ground to the base of the clouds. Tornadoes are one of the most dangerous and destructive natural disasters, often causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure and threatening human life.
Tornadoes typically form from large thunderstorm cells when strong, upward winds collide with cool, dry surrounding air, creating a rotating vortex of air. If this vortex is strong enough, it can descend to the ground and form a tornado.
Tornadoes are typically surrounded by a thin cloud called a funnel cloud. The rotating column of air in a tornado can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h, making it one of the fastest-moving phenomena on Earth.
Tornadoes can be difficult to predict and often occur unexpectedly. It is important to seek shelter immediately during tornado warnings, either in an underground bunker or in a room without windows in a strong building.