At ground level, there is no intensity. At higher elevetions the intensity is less than after the tornado has touched down. When a tornado touches down, it is no longer able to draw in air from below. This causes the pressure in the core of the vortex to drop, leading to an increase in wind speed.
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The strength of a tornado is measured using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which ranges from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest). The strength of a tornado before it hits the ground can vary but is typically classified as the intensity increases when it reaches the surface. Wind speeds can range from around 65 mph for an EF0 tornado to over 200 mph for an EF5 tornado.
Before a tornado hits the ground, a rotating column of air forms in the storm cloud known as a funnel cloud. This funnel cloud extends towards the ground, and once it makes contact, the tornado is then officially considered to have touched down.
When a tornado hits the ground, it can cause widespread destruction by uprooting trees, damaging buildings, lifting vehicles, and creating a path of destruction in its wake. The strong winds and rotating motion of the tornado can cause significant damage to anything in its path.
In some cases, the wind may calm or stop momentarily before a tornado hits due to the storm's dynamics. This is known as the "calm before the storm" phenomenon. However, it is not a consistent or reliable indicator of an impending tornado, so it's crucial to rely on other warning signs and alerts to stay safe.
When a tornado hits the ground, it produces an extremely loud and distinct sound, often described as a continuous roaring or freight train-like noise. This sound is caused by the powerful winds swirling and causing destruction, along with the debris and objects being picked up and thrown around by the tornado.
The momentum of a mass just before it hits the ground depends on its velocity and mass. The momentum is given by the equation momentum = mass x velocity.