Virtual twister reveals possible source of tornado longevity

Storm simulation suggests rain keeps tornadoes spinning

computer simulated tornado

CYBER STORM  The 60-kilometer-wide swirling thunderstorm in this simulation spawned the first digitally created long-lived EF5 tornado (bottom, right-center). The 700-meter-wide virtual twister may reveal why some real-life tornadoes linger.

David Bock

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A rotating updraft within this 20-kilometer-high thunderstorm sired a violent tornado.