The Tornado’s Cousin Called a Gustnado is Popping Up in Texas

Last week in Midland, the National Weather Service received reports of a high number of tornado-like phenomena called a gustnado according to mrt.com. While similar to a tornado, they are not but can still do damage.

Video was caught of the phenomena in Midland.

Basically, winds from the edge of a thunderstorm will shoot to the ground, mix with the warmer air at the surface and begin swirling upwards. There is a rotation like a tornado and winds can get as high as 100 mph.

The damage they cause can be very similar to that of a small tornado. Much like a tornado, they can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

Storm Shield App on YouTube has a great explanation of what a gustnado is.

Annnnnd one more in Texas form the last two weeks: