The tornado is an atmospheric disturbance of great intensity but of restricted dimensions. It is distinguished from hurricanes by its limited size.
Tornadoes typically form against the backdrop of supercell thunderstorms. Conditions conducive to the formation of tornadoes include the meeting of warm and cold air masses, atmospheric instability and the presence of winds aloft. The life cycle of a tornado can be divided into several distinct stages, although there can be variations depending on specific weather conditions, such as topography and topographical conditions.