How Does a Hurricane Cause a Tornado?

Asking how does a hurricane cause a tornado is a very intelligent question. Only within the past seven years or so, have researchers and individuals in the field really begun to notice that the tendency for hurricanes to cause tornadoes has increased.

When a hurricane hits the ground, a tornado can form. Of course, you might be confused, since when a hurricane does come to the ground, it generally weakens. Indeed, the bottom part of the hurricane does slow down; however, the top part picks up even more speed and momentum.

When this process occurs, strong air is formed that is taken up by the thunderstorms which surround the hurricane. Because of this added pressure and faster moving winds, the thunderstorms start to rotate, thereby causing tornadoes to form.

Much of the force that comes into these tornadoes is because of the energy contained in the higher levels of the tornado.  As you may know if you have ever lived through a hurricane, they are quite strong and very powerful. They do not just sprinkle a bit of rain on your home. Floods can occur in coastal areas, and lawn furniture may whip across the pavement due to the incredibly strong winds. Therefore, tornadoes already have the momentum that they need.

As Joe Schaefer, a meterologist at NOAA Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma says, "These are tornadoes that get their strength and power from the hurricane in which they are embedded."

To sum up the way in which hurricanes cause tornadoes, since the entirety of the hurricane does not slow down once it hits the ground, the extra energy needs some place to go. Therefore, strong air forces are pressed into the thunderstorms accompanying the hurricane. Furthermore, the tornado already has some of the power from the original form to start and sustain it. Hurricanes can form tornadoes thousands of miles away from the original point of storm impact.

Recent Weather Trends

Individuals who have been keeping up with issues of global warming and climate change have probably noticed that there have been some pretty dramatic changes in weather in the past several years.

In 2004, research was conducted indicating that hurricane induced tornadoes were on the rise. Therefore, not only do people who live in tornado heavy areas need to be prepared, but individuals who live in hurricane heavy areas also need to be prepared for tornadoes.

A hurricane can induce a tornado thousands of miles away from the site where the hurricane struck down. Certainly, these patterns are quite frightening for all of us. As severe weather increases, so does our need for back up plans and methods of protection against such conditions.

Tornado Safety

Discussing the impact and frequency of tornadoes must always be followed up with some tornado safety tips.

• Go to a safety shelter, if possible.
• If not, get into the basement of your home.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Make sure that your home is also stocked with necessities, such as water and non perishable food, just in case you are trapped in your home for days.
• Keep a kit with flashlights, band aids, a battery powered radio, and so forth in your house.

For a rather comprehensive look at tornado safety, visit Tornado Project.