Microburst vs. Tornado

Decorative Image: This image shows damage caused by a microburst. Notice the damage is in a divergent pattern.

Microburst

Tornado

Decorative Image: This image shows damage caused by a tornado. Notice the convergent pattern of damage.

Speaker Notes:

• The left hand image shows damage caused by a microburst, while the image on the left shows damage caused by a tornado.

• Notice damage on the right is divergent while the damage pattern on the left is convergent.

• Regardless of what caused the damage, straight line winds (non-tornadic) can cause the same type of damage as tornadoes which is why it’s important to seek shelter during severe thunderstorms warnings as you would for tornado warnings.