Three key differences between hurricanes and tornadoes are their formation, size, and duration.
1. Formation: Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, typically in tropical regions, where the combination of warm air, moisture, and low wind shear create the conditions for their development. Tornadoes, on the other hand, form from severe thunderstorms over land, usually in areas with strong temperature and moisture contrasts, such as the central United States. Tornadoes are typically spawned by supercell thunderstorms, which have rotating updrafts, while hurricanes have a distinct tropical cyclone formation process.
2. Size: Hurricanes are significantly larger than tornadoes. A hurricane can span hundreds of miles in diameter, with the eye of the storm alone ranging from a few miles to tens of miles wide. In contrast, tornadoes are much smaller in scale, typically only measuring a few hundred feet to a quarter mile in width. The difference in size is due to the varying mechanisms of their formation and the different atmospheric conditions they encounter.
3. Duration: Hurricanes are long-lasting weather systems that can persist for weeks, while tornadoes are relatively short-lived. A hurricane can maintain its strength and intensity over several days to weeks, gradually weakening or strengthening as it interacts with its surrounding environment. Tornadoes, on the other hand, typically last only a few minutes to a couple of hours. The most intense tornadoes, known as violent tornadoes, are rare and usually last for a shorter duration compared to weaker tornadoes.
It is important to note that these differences are generalizations, and there can be variations within each weather phenomenon. Some tornadoes may last longer or be larger in size, while certain hurricanes may be relatively small or short-lived. The variations depend on various factors such as the specific atmospheric conditions, geographical location, and intensity of the storm system.