question about tornados, I have heard folk talk about the typical "J" radar

[NMDemDist2]

that usually signifies a tornado

what do they mean?

[RL3AO]

1. It is called a 'hook echo'

You literally see a hook on radar which shows that there is very strong rotation and indicates that a tornado may be forming or is on the ground.

[NMDemDist2]

2. thanks! we're not really in tornado alley, but they aren't unknown around here

sometimes the thunderstorms are so deafening I wouldn't hear a tornado coming

I'd like to know what to look for on the radar.....

[RL3AO]

3. They usually won't be that defined. That hook echo was from an F5 tornado.

[NMDemDist2]

4. great LOL

here's a link to the storm that passed over last night and it wasn't even one of the 'nasty' ones

go down below the radar and tell it to show you a loop for Sept. 29th

http://www.weatherunderground.com/radar/radblast.asp?zoommode=pan&prevzoom=zoom&num=1&frame=0&delay=15&scale=1.000&noclutter=1&ID=MAF&type=N0R&showstorms=0&lat=0&lon=0&label=you&map.x=400&map.y=240&scale=1.000¢erx=400¢ery=240&showlabels=1&rainsnow=1&lightning=1&lerror=20&num_stns_min=2&num_stns_max=9999&avg_off=9999

[RL3AO]

5. It is almost October which is the start of the fall severe weather season.

Just like in spring the cold Canadian air meets the warm gulf air.

[RL3AO]

6. Near Springfield, MO yesterday.

[texas1928]

7. Here in the plains of New Mexico and Texas, sometimes we do not see the Hook echo.

When you have storms in the area, watch your local weather closely. Our storms can get tornadoes, and they do not show the hook. The rotation will show up on the wind velocity radar. They are really hard to pick out.