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Tornadoes are not uncommon on the prairies of Canada because they experience some of the same effects that have led to the high incidence of tornadoes in Tornado Alley to the south. Some even consider the southern portion of these plains to be part of Tornado Alley. In this region it is not uncommon to have collisions of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, cool air from northern Canada, and dry air from the Rockies. These collisions result in very strong thunderstorms, with the moist air acting as their "fuel." Additionally, the region often has a layer of stable air called a cap that suppresses storms. This behaves like the lid on a pressure cooker, allowing the atmosphere below it to become increasingly unstable until storms develop explosively. Finally, the region often sees strong vertical wind shear, or a variation of wind speed and direction with altitude. This tilts them in such a way that the updraft and downdraft portions becomes separated and don't interfere with one another, letting the already strong storm further strengthen and last longer. The wind shear also sets the storms rotating, turning them into supercells, the most powerful thunderstorms on earth. It is the rotation within these supercells that can develop into a tornado.
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Are there tornadoes in the prairie?
Yes, tornadoes can occur in the prairie regions of North America. The flat terrain and abundant moisture in the prairies make them conducive to the formation of tornadoes, especially during the spring and summer months when warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air.
Why do tornadoes occur in tornado alley?
Tornadoes occur frequently in Tornado Alley due to the unique combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meeting cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains. This collision of air masses creates the ideal conditions for supercell thunderstorms, which can produce tornadoes. The flat terrain of the region also allows for better visibility of tornadoes as they form.
Why do tornadoes mostly happen in new york?
Tornadoes do not mostly happen in New York. Tornadoes can occur in any state, but they are more common in the central United States due to the clash of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cool, dry air from Canada. New York does experience tornadoes, but they are not as frequent as in the central US.
What climate are tornadoes least likely to occur in?
Tornadoes are least likely to occur in a polar climate.
Do tornadoes occur mostly at night or day?
Tornadoes are more common during the day, but they happen at night fairly often as well. About 58% of tornadoes occur during the day.
