11. The Funnel Cloud Sighting
One of the most direct and worrisome visual cues that a tornado might be approaching is the sighting of a funnel cloud. Basically a revolving column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm but not yet touching earth is a funnel cloud. Should it actually come into touch with the ground, it formally becomes a tornado. Usually described as appearing like an upside-down ice cream cone, funnel clouds first show up as a cone-shaped projection from the base of the storm. Their looks vary; sometimes they seem slender and rope-like, and other times they could be vast and intimidating. Depending on the lighting circumstances and the degree of moisture and trash a funnel cloud carries, its colour could range from dark grey to almost black. Though every funnel cloud should be considered as a potential tornado, not all funnel clouds become tornadoes. Sometimes in a matter of seconds, the change from funnel cloud to tornado can occur rather swiftly.Sometimes a tornado can also strike ground even if the funnel cloud doesn’t seem to reach all the way down since the lower section might be hidden by trash, dust, or rain. See a funnel cloud and you have to act right away. Try to see it closer; wait to see whether it touches down. Get cover right away from the most sturdy building, ideally in a basement or lower floor inner chamber. Should you be in a vehicle, avoid trying to outrun the funnel cloud or possible tornado. If at all possible, or as a last resort, lie down in a nearby low-lying area or ditch; else, abandon the car for strong cover. Recall that your first concern is your safety; every second matters when a funnel cloud is seen.
12. The Persistent Rotation in the Cloud Base
Persistent rotation in the cloud base of a thunderstorm is one of the most revealing indicators that a tornado might be developing. For those who know what to look for, this rotation is a vital early warning indicator since it is sometimes obvious well before a funnel cloud or tornado forms. Usually seen in the rear of a supercell thunderstorm—the kind most prone to generate tornadoes—the revolving cloud base is sometimes referred to as a mesocyclone. Though in many situations it is fairly clear, showing up as a big, revolving cylinder hanging from the base of the storm, this rotation can occasionally be subtle and challenging for an inexperienced eye to perceive. Although the rotation starts slowly, as the storm gets stronger it can up speed. Though nearly all major tornadoes originate from storms displaying this characteristic, not all rotating cloud bases may cause tornadoes. This spin suggests a significant updraft and the wind shear required for tornado development in the storm. Should you notice continuous rotation in the cloud base of a storm, particularly in conjunction with other warning indicators such as a wall cloud or strong winds, you should remain vigilant and ready to seek cover rapidly. A tornado striking in a few minutes could have started here. Although specialised radar technology is used by weather forecasters and storm chasers to identify this rotation, even to the unaided eye this rotation clearly indicates approaching danger. If you see this phenomena, always give your safety top priority and follow official warnings.