Which of the following best describes a tornado?

The definition of a tornado as a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground captures the essential characteristics of this weather phenomenon. Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms, particularly within supercell storms, where the conditions allow for the wind pattern to rotate. This rotation stretches vertically to create a tornado, which can have an extremely intense and focused level of wind energy.

Tornadoes are typically characterized by their funnel shape, which is visible when they are dense with precipitation or debris. The connection from the thunderstorm base directly to the ground is what distinguishes a tornado from other forms of severe weather phenomena. Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing how tornadoes differ from other types of severe weather, such as cyclones or prolonged rainfall events, which do not exhibit the same rotating column behavior or direct connection to the storm system.