Tornadoes have been known to give off lightning sparks. During one twister in Oklahoma, about 24,000 lightning flashes were recorded. Scientists think that these electrical discharges may be the real force that drives tornadoes.

Lightning between clouds appear strongest when the mesocyclone reaches its peak. It has been described as more brilliant, bluer, and more “vicious” than normal lightning.

Witnesses have described the sound of a tornado as a "sustained, hollow roaring, like a distant freight train." Others say they hear strange hissing, whistling noises, while others claim they sound like hundreds of locomotives, thousands of cannons, or the buzzing of a million bees. Some people even say they can feel the sound vibrating the air against their faces.

[ back to graphics version ]

Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)

http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/tornadoes/lightandsound.shtml [ t o r n a d o e s   :   l i g h t   a n d   s o u n d ]

Tornadoes have been known to give off lightning sparks. During one twister in Oklahoma, about 24,000 lightning flashes were recorded. Scientists think that these electrical discharges may be the real force that drives tornadoes.

Lightning between clouds appear strongest when the mesocyclone reaches its peak. It has been described as more brilliant, bluer, and more “vicious” than normal lightning.

Witnesses have described the sound of a tornado as a "sustained, hollow roaring, like a distant freight train." Others say they hear strange hissing, whistling noises, while others claim they sound like hundreds of locomotives, thousands of cannons, or the buzzing of a million bees. Some people even say they can feel the sound vibrating the air against their faces.

[ back to graphics version ]

Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)

http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/tornadoes/lightandsound.shtml