John Wheeler: Twisted storm damage does not prove there was a tornado

John Wheeler: Twisted storm damage does not prove there was a tornado

FARGO — The term, "straight-line wind" is meant to illustrate the difference between non-tornado thunderstorm wind and wind caused by a tornado. However, the term makes it seem as though a wind not caused by a tornado is flat and even, which it is not. Wind is turbulent and thunderstorm wind is extremely turbulent, and much of the damage from thunderstorm wind is a direct result of that turbulence. Differential wind speed over close distances ca…