Tornado vs Hurricane

Definition:
- A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
- A hurricane is a large rotating storm with high speeds of wind that forms over warm waters in tropical areas.

Formation:
- Tornadoes are typically formed from severe thunderstorms when warm, moist air collides with cold, dry air, creating instability in the atmosphere.
- Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when warm, moist air rises and cools, condensing into clouds and releasing heat energy.

Size and Duration:
- Tornadoes are usually smaller in size, with a typical width of a few hundred yards and a lifespan of a few minutes to a few hours.
- Hurricanes are much larger in size, with diameters ranging from 100 to 1000 miles and can last from a few days to a few weeks.

Wind Speed:
- Tornadoes have incredibly high wind speeds, with some reaching over 300 mph, causing intense damage in a small area.
- Hurricanes have lower wind speeds compared to tornadoes, ranging from 74 mph for a Category 1 hurricane to over 157 mph for a Category 5 hurricane, but they cover a much larger area.

Damage:
- Tornadoes are known for their destructive power, causing significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and landscapes in a concentrated path.
- Hurricanes can also cause widespread damage, including flooding, storm surges, and high winds, affecting entire regions and causing billions of dollars in damage.
In conclusion, while tornadoes and hurricanes are both powerful natural phenomena, they differ in their formation, size, duration, wind speed, and the extent of damage they can cause.