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| Sunday, 13 March 2005 |
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Met Department on tornadoes by Anton Nonis Meteorology Department Deputy Director Jayatilleke Banda speaking to the Sunday Observer about tornadoes, explains. When the atmospheric conditions are favourable, one thunderstorm cloud in a group of clouds undergoes transformation. It takes up a funnel-like shape. This cloud is sometimes called `funnel cloud'. The phenomenon may take place on land or on sea. The funnel cloud is called 'tornado', if happens on land. On ocean, it is called 'water spout'. Whether it is a tornado or water spout, the hanging part of funnel has a width extending upto about 100 metres. The wind speed is about 200 miles per hour. Pressure in its centre said to be very low. In Sri Lanka, tornadoes had occurred especially during the intermonsoon periods. The two intermonsoons are during March-April and October-November periods. Weathermen say this is the period for tornadoes in the country. Investigations are being carried out of the kind of climatologic event that hit Puttalam and some other areas recently. Deputy Director Banda said, hanging part of tornado when touches ground would cause destruction to life and property that is in its path.The destructive effects persist for a few minutes. Then it disappears. Thereafter re-appears until finally fades off. Destruction continues as the tornado moves. Meteorologists show the importance of having a `Weather Radar' for predicting any such event. Transformation of thunderstorm cloud to a tornado is predicted accurately with the aid of a `Weather Radar'. The event could be clearly seen in a weather radar and the path it takes. Besides this, heavy rainfall, thunderstorm clouds, cyclones or any other weather change could be seen well on time and prior warning issued on them. Meteorologic investigations on the recent ice-fall in Gampaha and
Bandarawela had shown it was due to ice which formed on tops of thunderstorm
clouds that comes down with rain. |
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