Meteorologist Pat Cavlin explains the difference between a regular thunderstorm and a severe one.
HOUSTON — In Southeast Texas, we are no strangers to thunderstorms, which can happen during any time of the year.
Sometimes, wind gusts can be so sudden and strong that they are mistaken for tornadoes. However, the straight-line damaging winds are different and can even be more impactful since they cover a larger area. These severe winds form when dry air is pulled into the storm at higher levels in the atmosphere. From there, it cools and becomes more dense, allowing it to accelerate downward. Once that colder air hits the ground, it rushes forward at great speeds, sometimes doing damage.
Lightning is the cause of thunder and ultimately the very thing that defines a thunderstorm. While lightning is not a requirement for a storm to be severe, the frequency will increase as a storm becomes more intense.
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