With the uncertain weather in Malaysia, one should always prepare for the worst— Tornadoes! Only yesterday, we have been shocked by the news of several houses getting destroyed due to a tornado in Marang.
Thus, let’s seek for some knowledge about this dangerous ‘wind.’
What is a tornado?
- A tornado is a violent whirlwind that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, the base of a cumulus cloud.
- The wind speed of a tornado is 80km/h. Worst, it can reach up to 300km/h.
- Its diameter can go further to one kilometer long.
- The duration of the tornado to become wild is from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
- A tornado can happen anywhere, especially in open, and damp areas.
- The tornado happens due to the combination of thunderstorms, wind shear, and higher power force in the area.
What to do if there is a tornado?
- Stay away from the scene and seek protection under strong-structured buildings.
- If you are at home, stay downstairs and search for a place that is strong and stable.
- Do not stay near places that are filled with glasses and mirrors.
Knowing the types of tornadoes
The tornadoes that occur in Malaysia are usually small. Besides that, it stays put in one place and does not stay alive for long. Due to that, it is hard to identify the tornadoes’ presence, especially their formation. Below are the three types of tornadoes that you should know:
1) Supercell
- The size of a supercell is humongous.
- Supercell usually occurs in the North America Continent.
- Its diameter can reach up to more than 50m.
- The windspeed of a supercell is 100km/h.
2) Landspout
- A landspout is a small type of tornado.
- It forms on the land due to the formation of cumulonimbus — a type of cloud.
- The diameter of a landspout is 50m.
- Its wind speed usually does not reach 150km/h.
3) Waterspout
- A waterspout is described as the same as a landspout.
- The difference between them is that a waterspout occurs over a body of water, especially the sea.