Visibility & Tornadoes

When it comes to tornadoes, you can't always see them coming. Vegetation, rain, time of day and air quality all impact the visibility. Today in Glynn County, the public reported seeing a tornado near Jekyll Island. In this thunderstorm, excessive rainfall was falling, which would make it difficult for many to even see the tornado. This can the situation even more dangerous. Because if you can't see something coming, you may not take action.

By: Kris Allred | WSAV-TV
Published: August 05, 2009 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment

When it comes to tornadoes, you can't always see them coming.

Vegetation, rain, time of day and air quality all impact the visibility.

Today in Glynn County, the public reported seeing a tornado near Jekyll Island. In this thunderstorm, excessive rainfall was falling, which would make it difficult for many to even see the tornado. This can the situation even more dangerous. Because if you can't see something coming, you may not take action.

We call these rain-wrapped tornadoes. Often even storm spotters can't tell the difference between a rain-wrapped tornado and a heavy rain curtain until the tornado or rain curtain is right on top of them. Many motorists have been killed by rain-wrapped tornadoes.

Also, vegetation can play a big part. Large trees restrict the viewing of tornadoes. In our area, tornadoes can't be seen beyond the canopy of trees.

The time of day is critical for tornado observation (specifically day versus night). Obviously, nighttime tornadoes are more difficult to view than daytime tornadoes.

Pre-existing visibilty is the fourth factor. Examples include smoke, haze, steam fog and pollution.