Tornado and Hail

Tornado and hail: how supercells produce both, the green sky phenomenon, and multi-hazard severe weather safety.

The Supercell Connection

Both come from same storms

Supercells produce hail and tornadoes

Not all hail storms produce tornadoes

But most tornadoes occur with hail

Multi-hazard event

Green tinge often precedes severe storms

Caused by hail-laden storm clouds

Light scattering through hail

Warning of hail storm

Not always tornado but indicates severe potential

Large hail (golf ball+) suggests supercell

Watch for rotation after hail

Continued monitoring important

Warning system upgrade possible

Same shelter approach

Interior room, lowest floor

Away from windows

Vehicle safety - park under cover if possible

Wait for all severe weather to pass

Hail damages roofs, cars, windows

Tornadoes cause structural damage

Combined damage substantial

Insurance implications

Documentation important

Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.

Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.