The Angus Tornado
The distinction between watches and warnings in the case of Angus Tornado occurs in the sense that: A watch occurs in an event that there are favorable atmospheric conditions for the development of extreme thunderstorms with a potential to produce a tornado. For instance, in the case of Angus Tornado, there was a favorable atmospheric phenomenon for the occurrence of thunderstorms such as existences of winds moving at speeds 50 knots and above were recorded with hails characterized by diameters larger than 1 inch. However, warnings are imminent conditions characterized by existence of thunderstorms, which produced a tornado in the past.
The Angus Tornado, according to the Global News occurred on the Evening (5:20 p.m.) of June 17th, 2014 damaging at least 30 homes (Global News).
Yes. There were predisposing factors that indicated the possibility of the existence of a severe weather on this day. In an article published by the Global New Online, it is indicated that Environment Canada, had warned communities residing in Angus of the potential of a severe weather. Lines of thunderstorms characterized with embedded tornadoes were seen in the region surrounding Lake Simcoe. There were also wind gusts moving at high speeds of over 100KPH.
Value of CAPE Prior to the Angus Tornado; the Enhanced Fujita Scale was 2 (EF2): The value of CAPE prior to the Angus Tornado was ≥ 1000 J/kg’s.
Precipitation was observed.
Precipitation was in form of Hail, characterized with a diameter of over 1 inch. The Global News Online in a report indicated that winds moving at an average speed of 50 knots and precipitation were present before and during the Angus Tornado (Global News).
In terms of intensity, the Angus precipitation was heavy; local media channels indicated that it was a heavy downpour, characterized with large hail storms. According to Global News Online, the precipitation occurred for about one hour. The precipitation covered an area of about 1Km2 ("Angus Aftermath: Tornado Timing a 'miracle”).
Lightning was observed during the Angus Tornado incident. The Environment Canada reported that an emergency response team was strike by lighting during the incident (Global News).
In the estimation of the amount of time one would take to hear sound in an event of lighting, there are several assumptions that are made; one of these assumptions is that light travels five times faster that sound. Assuming that lighting is seen for duration of 10 seconds, an observer simply divides 10 seconds by 5, hence, concluding that the lighting has occurred 2 miles away. The other assumption that would be made is that both light and speed travels within similar conditions i.e. humidity, temperature and distance.
The thunderstorm that was associated with the Angus Tornado was supercell; this is a severe form of thunderstorm. Reporters indicated that severe storms ripped through the Angus regions, hence, causing damage to a significant number of houses.
The picture below provides an illustration of the Angus Tornado
The Angus Tornado (Picture courtesy of Global News Online).
It is not possible to quantify the size of the tornado relative to the associated thunderstorm; however, it is possible to quantify the size of the tornado solely taking into consideration the height, width and speed.
The picture below shows the impact of the Angus Tornado
Picture courtesy of Global News Online
The Map of Tornadoes that have affected Ontario
(Courtesy of Google Maps)
In an event that the Angus tornado event is inserted in the above map, it would be categorized under the Enhanced Fujita Scale of EF2. This is because geographical reports have shown that the magnitude of the Angus Tornado was at EF2 scale, making it a less severe tornado compared with other tornadoes that have affected Angus and other parts of Ontario.
It is also crucial that nothing is exceptional concerning the time of the occurrence of the Angus Tornado. Other tornadoes have affected the region and other parts of Canada during similar periods/seasons.
Consequently, the conditions of the Lake Breeze and currents during the occurrence of the Angus Tornado are not exceptional or unique. The magnitude/intensity of the Angus tornado was measured at EF2, meaning that it was caused by similar atmospheric conditions as other tornadoes of the same intensity or measurement.
Tornadoes are difficult to observe because there is usually limited time for response; the occurrence of a tornado is usually rapid and intense in a manner that affected persons may not have adequate time to prepare for the observation process (Global News).
The prediction of tornadoes is also quite challenging unlike Hurricane and Blizzards that can be detected through satellites few days prior to their occurrence. The occurrence of tornadoes is usually unexpected because that conditions that favor their occurrence can develop rapidly and within a short period of time.
According to Environment Canada, the modification of the intensity of tornadoes is not possible without appropriate technology. However, with proper spotter reporting, sensing and detection, the current and future generations will be capable of preventing the impacts of tornadoes ("Is Canada Experiencing More Tornadoes?").
Works Cited
"Angus Aftermath: Tornado Timing a 'miracle'" The Weather Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 July 2016.
"Is Canada Experiencing More Tornadoes?" Global News Is Canada Experiencing More Tornadoes. N.p., 2014. Web. 22 July 2016.
Global News. "Tornado Touches down in Angus, Ont.; State of Emergency Declared." Global News Tornado Touches down in Angus Ont State of Emergency Declared. N.p., 2014. Web. 22 July 2016.
