How do tornadoes form? - James Spann

Tornadoes are the most violent storms on Earth, with wind velocities that can exceed 200 miles per hour. How do these terrifying cyclones form? Meteorologist James Spann sheds light on the lifespan of tornadoes as they go from supercell thunderstorms to terrible twisters before eventually dissolving back into thin air.

Lesson by James Spann, animation by Província Studio.

[flickchick]

For anyone who doesn't know the narrator is James Spann also known in Birmingham Alabama as Spann the Man. He is one of the best meteorologists in the United States and when the super tornado outbreak happened on April 27th 2012 he saved thousands of lives (including mine and my husbands) that day by tracking dozens of tornados that were down simultaneously throughout the state. He stayed on the air for over 12 hours that day. This year we had a tornado and he realized on the air that the tornado was headed directly towards his house where his wife was. He stepped out long enough to call and make sure she was safe and came back to continue reporting. He stepped out 20 minutes later to find out that his wife was safe but their house was badly damaged. The man did not stop until the state was in the clear. He's a hero in Alabama and just an all around great man. If your ever in Alabama especially around Birmingham and you try and say something mean about James Spann be prepared for a fight. We're very protective of him around here.

[chypheirprod]

no one:
tornado: m i n e c r a f t c o w s o u n d.

[cpvmtxp]

My zoom teacher won’t let me in the meeting so I gotta watch this by myself

[babystepsgarden]

Spann the Man! You've been my hero ever since you told the people in a Haleyville trail or park not to wait, but to take shelter. "Go Now!"
That was quite a few years ago. You saved many lives that night by trusting your instincts, and doing the job you were called to do.
You will always be a hero to me. ❤️
God bless and keep you and yours.

[sadewiggins]

tornados are made when hot air and cold play tag

[sysexstudio]

The narrator's voice sounds exactly like a radio meteorologist. [EDIT, so he IS a meteorologist except on television, thanks everyone]

[carlahead]

Great video James!! You’re Alabama’s best meteorologist and they’re so fortunate to have you looking out for them!! Keep up the great work and continue keeping Alabama’s residents safe during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, like on that horrifying day which is April 27th, 2011.

[kristiecosta]

I was listening and at the end i was like “what the heck just happened”

[safir]

I think when I was little (like 6 years old or something) I was in the car with my parents & saw a mesocyclone. I was scared to death & kept telling my parents to go back home or park the car. Smart little boy.

[timbartschwolfman]

James Spann is a good man he helps people in the event of Tornado Outbreak by helping them to prepare and keep them safe

[hgbugalou]

James Spann is one of the most 'aggressive' teachers of meteorology in the business and does so much for t he community far outside of his viewing area as a TV weatherman. His sole reason for doing all these new age things like TED-Ed is to teach people understanding of the weather and he know this is how to reach younger viewers. Dude is awesome.

[martymodus]

I'd love to see an updated presentation. I'm under the impression that there's been groundbreaking data collection and compelling computer modeling that has refined our understanding of tornado formation since this was made. The fundamentals might not have changed, but added detail would be interesting.

[ColemanCraftFTW]

Mommy, how are tornados born. When your old enough to Jimmy, when your old enough

[katyoutnabout]

My town was in a storm like that once. Three tornados in one night. One destroyed all the big, heritage trees in town, among other typical damage, like broken windows, crushed vehicles, powerlines on the ground. My trampoline ended up three houses down the block, in someone else’s yard. Another tornado took out a wall on my grandpa’s new quonset, but left the adjacent old, rickety barn perfectly fine. The last one destroyed everything on my friend’s farm, except for a tiny little lodge they set up for visitors. I particularly remember the next morning, there was an incredible sense of community as everyone helped clean up.

[Son_]

I never knew I could learn so much things in 4 minutes.

[lsmrkqj]

Never experienced a tornado in my life

[dogedoge]

You gather a bunch of airbenders in one area and make them bend air in swirls.

[patriciahayes]

Meteorologists depend on storm chasers to give them additional information on tornados while those things are on the ground. The storm chasers can observe the locations and actions of the storms and then relay the information back to the meteorologists. In turn, the meteorologists help the storm chasers by telling them what to watch out for regarding the conditions that can spawn twisters. It's a great partnership. 🌪👍😁

[lacyaubut]

I’m glad you know this because i never would have figured it out.

[miaespinoza]

This helped me out with my homework thanks!! I got a 100! My teacher even asked me what I watched or searched so I told her it was this vid!! My class loved it thanks!!!