Storms: What are they, how are they formed, types and their difference with rain

Storms are meteorological phenomena that are characterized by having dense clouds, winds, rains and, many times, lightning and thunder. They are climate manifestations that can vary in intensity and duration, from short episodes to prolonged events that affect large extensions of territory.

There are different types of storms, such as electric, snow, sand or hail, and each one presents under particular conditions. Despite their differences, they all have in common that they represent a sudden alteration of the normal state of the atmosphere.

The storms are formed when certain key factors are combined in the atmosphere: humidity, warm air and a mechanism that forces that air to ascend.

1. Soil warming and air rise: This process usually begins when the sun heats the earth’s surface, causing hot and humid air near the ground to rise to the highest layers of the atmosphere. As that air rises, it cools.
2. Formation of cumulonimbus clouds: When this air cools, the water vapor it contains is condensed and forms clouds, usually of the cumulonimbus type, which are large, dense and with a very marked vertical development. This condensation releases energy in the form of heat, which further drives the rise of the air and feeds the storm. Here you can learn more about how clouds are formed.
3. Storm activity and dissipation: When this process is strong enough, ascending and descending air currents, accumulation of electric charges and rainfall are generated within the cloud. If the conditions are adequate, all this results in a storm that can include intense rain, rays, thunder, hail and strong winds. After a while, the energy descends and the cold air is greater, so the storm is stopped until it stops at all.

We also recommend watching our video about how an electric storm forms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWBDDDSITXQ

There are several types of storms, and each one has its own characteristics according to the conditions in which they are formed:

Electric storm

It is the best known storm. It is characterized by the presence of lightning, thunder, intense rains and sometimes gusts of wind. Rays are produced by the accumulation and discharge of electricity inside the clouds or between clouds and soil.

In this other post you can learn more about electric storms: what are, how types and consequences are formed.

Tropical storm

It is a large -scale climate system that is formed on warm waters and is characterized by strong winds, heavy rains and spiral circulation. When it reaches a sustained wind speed greater than certain limits, it can evolve in a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone, according to the planet region.

Here you have more information about tropical storms or cyclones: what they are and how they form.

Snowstorm

Also known as intense or snow -snow snowfall, this type of storm occurs in cold areas and is characterized by the abundant snowfall.

Here we tell you more about what a snowstorm is and how it is formed.

Hail storm

This type of storm occurs when water drops frozen due to low temperatures in the high layers of the atmosphere. Those frozen drops fall to the earth in the form of hail. Hail can cause damage to crops, cars, roofs and windows.

If you want to learn more about hail: what is, how it is formed and types, we recommend this other article.

Sand or dust storm

It is formed in arid or desert regions when strong winds raise large amounts of sand or soil dust. These storms advance rapidly and reduce visibility almost to zero.

Discover more about the sand storm: what it is, how it is formed and consequences here.

Let’s see what are the main risks, consequences and dangers associated with storms:

• Floods: Intense rains that accompany many storms can saturate drainage systems and cause sudden floods. Here you can read more about floods: what are, causes and consequences.
• Electric power cuts: Rays, strong winds and trees can damage electric lines and cause blackmaker, sometimes for hours or even days.
• Material damage: Hail, intense winds or heavy objects can break windows, damage roofs, dump vehicles or destroy infrastructure such as greenhouses or communication towers.
• HEALTH AND LIFE RISKS: Storms can cause injuries or deaths due to electric discharges, trees or debris falls, hypothermia in case of snowstorms, or respiratory problems in dust storms.
• Transport interruptions: Reduced visibility, flooded or frozen roads and infrastructure damage such as bridges or tunnels can paralyze land, aerial and maritime transport.
• Impact on agriculture and the environment: Depending on intensity, crops, eroding soils, contaminating water sources and altering natural habitats can be destroyed.

Although they are often used as synonyms in everyday language, storm and rain are not the same. Rain is a liquid precipitation that falls from the clouds when the water vapor in the atmosphere is condensed and forms heavy enough to fall by gravity. It can be light, moderate or intense, but in general, the rain alone does not imply other phenomena beyond water falling from the sky.

The stormon the other hand, it is a much more complex and aggressive phenomenon. In addition to rain (which is usually more intense and accompanied by bursts), a storm can include strong winds, rays, thunder, hail and even snow or sand, depending on the type.

In these other posts we talk about torrential rain: causes, consequences and what to do and the rain of mud: what it is and why it occurs.

• Refuse in a safe place: It remains inside a house, building or closed vehicle. Avoid remaining outdoors, especially in open areas such as fields, beaches or mountains, since it increases the risk of being reached by lightning.
• Get away from metal and electrical objects: During a thunderstorm, it avoids contact with metal objects such as bicycles, tools or fences. It is also advisable not to use electrical devices or plugs to the current, such as computers, televisions or microwave, since the rays can cause voltage increases.
• Do not take refuge under trees: If a ray falls on the tree, it can reach who is close or under it. In this other post you can read about why trees attract rays.
• Close doors and windows: Keeping the interior of the closed house helps prevent strong wind from causing damage, and also reduces the risk that between water or an object dragged by air.
• Avoid the use of current water: During a storm, it is better not to shower or wash dishes, since metal pipes can drive electricity if lightning falls close.
• Listen to alerts weather and follow the indications of the authorities.

What is the difference between electric and normal storm?

A storm includes rays, thunder and electrical activity, while a normal storm can be limited to intense rain, wind or hail, without lightning.

Why are thunder and lightning in a storm?

Because during the storm, electric charges accumulate in the clouds due to the clash of ice and water particles. This load difference causes lightning (electrical discharges), and the intense heat they generate causes the air to expand sharply, producing the sound or thunder.

How much can a storm last?

A storm can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on its intensity, type and atmospheric conditions.

Where are more storms in the world?

The region with more storms is the area of Lake Maracaibo (Venezuela), followed by tropical areas such as Congo and Southeast Asia. Here you can learn about the Catatumbo lightning: what is it, where it looks and why it occurs.

What is a supercelda and how does it relate to storms?

A supercelda is a very powerful and organized type of storm, with a rotary ascending current; It can generate hail, tornadoes and heavy rains. You can learn more about the Supercell or Supercelda: what is, how it is formed, types and consequences in this other post.

How are storms predicted?

They are predicted through weather models, satellite images, radars and pressure analysis, humidity and temperature in the atmosphere.

Why are storms more common in summer?

Because summer heat generates more evaporation and convection, which favors the formation of storm clouds such as cumulonimbos.

If you want to read more articles similar to Storms: What are they, how are they formed, types and their difference with rainwe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.