Severe storm terminology from the Weather Watch 4 meteorologists at Channel 4 Action News:A macroburst is a large downburst with an outflow diameter of 2.5 miles or larger and damaging winds.
A downburst is a severe localized downdraft from a thunderstorm or shower. This outward burst of cool or colder air creates damaging winds at or near the surface. Sometimes the damage resembles tornadic damage.
A microburst is a small-scale downward wind blast from a thunderstorm that covers an area less than 2.5 miles and usually lasts less than 5 minutes.
A tornado occurs when fast winds move high above the ground, while slower winds move near the ground.
Click here for more about tornadoes as measured by the Fujita Scale.
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