13. The Intense Lightning Activity
Although many thunderstorms involve lightning, an exceptional rise in lightning frequency or intensity can point to a strengthening storm that might generate a tornado. For individuals who are weather-aware, this increased electrical activity is sometimes seen in the run-up to tornado formation and can act as still another natural warning indicator. In a tornadic thunderstorm, lightning strikes so often that the sky appears to be always lit, virtually always flickering. Strong updrafts and turbulent mixing of air inside the storm produce the charge separation required for lightning to strike, thereby generating this great intensity of lightning activity. Especially interesting are cloud-to- ground lightning strikes, particularly if their frequency seems to be rising. Although the scientific explanation for this is yet unknown, several viewers have seen bluish-green lightning in tornadic storms. Though it can be a sign of a strong storm with tornadic potential, powerful lighting does not ensure that a tornado will develop. Still, it ought to definitely make you very aware. If you witness very frequent or severe lightning, particularly in relation to other warning signals like strong winds or a revolving cloud base, you should keep close observation and be ready to hide. Lightning itself is quite dangerous, hence if you are near enough to see this strong activity, you should already be indoors or in a safe area. As lightning can pass through these systems, stay away from windows and avoid using plumbing fixtures or corded electrical appliances. Remember always that your safety comes first; if in doubt, it’s preferable to err on the side of caution and hide.
14. The Rapid Barometric Pressure Drop
Another important natural warning sign indicating favourable conditions for tornado development is a rapid and notable drop in barometric pressure. Barometric pressure, sometimes referred to as atmospheric pressure, is the force acting from the weight of the atmosphere. This pressure often lowers quickly in the run-up to major storms like tornadoes. Strong updrafts within the thunderstorm generate this pressure reduction; they basically lift the air and lessen the weight of the atmosphere above. Usually plummeting by 100 millibars or more in a couple of minutes, a normal pressure drop linked with an incoming tornado can be really dramatic. Often perceived physically, this fast transition can produce a spectrum of human body experiences. Some people say they feel pressure or fullness in their ears, like what you may have when fast rising in an aircraft. Others say they get headaches, anxiety or tension, or even joint discomfort. Although individual differences exist in these bodily feelings, a clear and quick drop in air pressure always indicates that major weather changes are under way. Should you have a home barometer, you would find the needle moving quickly anticlockwise. You might also find other indicators of pressure shift in your house, such doors opening or closing suddenly becoming difficult. Without tools, Though a fast and notable decline is always a harbinger of possibly severe weather, not all pressure dips will cause tornadoes. Should you observe these pressure variations, particularly in conjunction with other warning indicators such as darkening sky or high winds, it is advisable to be vigilant and ready to immediately find cover. Always give your safety top priority, and pay attention to official warnings about approaching severe storms.