Question

Tornadoes
explain 2 ways this natural disaster happens and how it causes destruction
(using evidence from this text)
Primarily occurring in the US, tornadoes are rotating columns of air that extend from certain thunderstorms to the ground. The climate crisis is increasing the frequency and strength of severe thunderstorms, which in turn produces atmospheric conditions that can develop even more intense tornadoes.

To reduce the risk of destructive impacts, cities and towns can implement stronger building codes.10 Roof straps and wind-resistant construction materials, for example, can help strengthen resilience. And when responding to a tornado, efforts should be implemented equitably, such as by ensuring that shelters are accessible to people with disabilities.

Answer 1

Tornadoes typically occur when specific conditions within the atmosphere foster severe thunderstorms, which can lead to the development of tornadoes. Here are two ways tornadoes happen and how they cause destruction:

1. **Creation from Thunderstorms**: Tornadoes form from rotating columns of air that descend from certain types of severe thunderstorms. When warm, moist air at the surface meets cooler, dry air above it, this creates instability in the atmosphere. The updraft from the warm air rises rapidly, leading to the formation of a supercell thunderstorm. Within this environment, if the conditions are right, rotating air can extend down to the ground, forming a tornado. This strong and concentrated wind can cause massive destruction by uprooting trees, demolishing buildings, and hurling debris, which can lead to significant injuries and damage to infrastructure.

2. **Influence of the Climate Crisis**: The climate crisis is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of severe thunderstorms, which in turn creates conditions conducive to powerful tornadoes. As atmospheric temperature and moisture levels rise, the potential for more robust storms increases. This can lead to more frequent occurrences of tornadoes and an increase in their strength. When a tornado strikes, its violent winds can exceed 300 miles per hour, resulting in catastrophic damage over a wide area. This destruction manifests in shattered homes, disrupted power lines, and devastated communities, creating lasting impacts on both human lives and the environment.

These explanations underscore the importance of understanding how tornadoes form—specifically in relation to severe thunderstorms and climate change—while illustrating their destructive capabilities.