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Only to a limited degree.

Doppler radar can detect a mesocyclone, which is a rotating updraft in a thunderstorm that can produce a tornado. Radar can also detect the much smaller signature of a possible tornado, though this can be difficult, especially for weak and short lived tornadoes. Even if radar detects such a signature, it cannot tell if it is on the ground of if it will touch down, but it is enough to prompt a tornado warning.

By detecting where a mesocyclone or possible tornado is and knowing the direction of the storm, it is possible to see what areas might be in damager.

Even with this technology some tornadoes strike without warning, and there are many false alarms.

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Q: Can you predict whether a tornado is forming or is going to hit if so how?
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Is there going to be a tornado in 2012 in Chicago?

It is impossible to make long term predictions of whether or when a specific location will have a tornado. When we do determine that a town or city is going to be hit, the time to the tornado's impact is measured in minutes.


Is a tornado coming to Arizona Apache Junction?

It is impossible to predict if a specific location is going to be hit by a tornado unless that tornado is already close to striking. That said, while tornadoes do occur in Arizona, they are rare so you probably don't have much to worry about.


How can a scientist predict when a tornado is going to happen?

In the first stage of tornado prediction scientists look for general weather conditions. The conditions include wind shear and systems that can form strong thunderstorms such as a cold front, dry line, or low pressure system.If such general conditions are in place a tornado watchis issued.The second stage scientists look for conditions that may soon produce a tornado, or if a tornado is forming. These include using Doppler radar to look for strong rotation in thunderstorms or possibly even the signature of an actual tornado. Storm spotter are also sent out to report strong rotation, funnel clouds, and tornadoes. If strong enough rotation is detected or if an actual tornado or funnel cloud is spotted or detected a tornado warning is issued.


Is there going to be a tornado in Boston ma today June 23 2012?

Whether a tornado will hit a given location on a given day is impossible to predict. On average the lead warning time before a tornado hits is about 15 minutes. That said, there is virtually no risk of severe weather in Boston for June 23, 2012 so the chances of Boston being hit are negligible. Since detailed record keeping began in 1950 there have been 156 recorded tornadoes in Massachusetts of which only 2 or 3 have hit the outskirts of Boston. None have hit the inner part of the city.


Is there going to be a tornado today 2018 April 3?

It is very possible since there is a tornado watch covering portions of several states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and some counties in Mississippi. Whether or not that's the area you are concerned about has not been made clear in your question.

Related questions

Is there going to be a tornado in fallriver today?

Whether any specific location will be hit by a tornado on any given day is impossible to predict.


When is Arizona going to have or next tornado?

It is impossible to predict when the next tornado will happen anywhere.


When is there going to be a tornado in lebonon?

It is impossible to predict when a or where a tornado will strike unless it is already developing. Even then it is uncertain.


Is there going to be a tornado in mesquite Texas on June 6th?

Whether or not a town will be hit by a tornado on a given date is impossible to predict unless that tornado has formed and is minutes or seconds away from striking that town. However, unless the threat of a tornado is imminent the chances of any given town being hit are low.


Is there going to be a tornado in Lena today?

Unfortunately it is impossible to predict whether a location will be hit by a tornado more than a few minutes in advance. However, even if conditions favor the formation for tornadoes, the chances of any given location being hit are small.


Is there going to be a tornado today December 23 2015 in Oxford Mississippi Louisville?

It is impossible to predict whether a particular place will be hit by a tornado. That said, northern and western portions of Mississippi, including Oxford and Louisville are under a moderate threat from tornadoes, including the potential for strong tornadoes.


Is there going to be a tornado in 2012 in Chicago?

It is impossible to make long term predictions of whether or when a specific location will have a tornado. When we do determine that a town or city is going to be hit, the time to the tornado's impact is measured in minutes.


When will the next tornado warning be?

Such a thing is impossible to predict. A tornado warning itself is a prediction that the threat of a tornado is imminent. As soon as signs indicate that a tornado warning is warranted, then one is issued. So there is no way of nowing when a tornado warning is going to be issued until it actually happens.


When is a tornado going to hit maryland?

It is impossible to predict when the next tornado will hit any area. It is very difficult to predict an event as specific as a tornado even a few minutes ahead of time. Long term predictions of more general weather patterns cannot forecast more than a few days ahead of time.


Is a tornado coming to Arizona Apache Junction?

It is impossible to predict if a specific location is going to be hit by a tornado unless that tornado is already close to striking. That said, while tornadoes do occur in Arizona, they are rare so you probably don't have much to worry about.


How can Bernoulli's principle be used to predict how a house may be damaged in a tornado?

The wind going over the roof of the house creates an upward pressure force that, in a strong enough tornado, can actually lift the roof from the house.


Can you predict if a tornado is about to happen?

Not exactly. If a tornado is imminent then Doppler radar will probably detect the rotation wand a warning will be issued that a tornado may soon form. Often, especially with areas of major damage, the tornado has already been on the ground for at least a few minutes and moves into the area. Meteorologists can often detect the signature of a tornado on radar will announce where the tornado is and where it is going.