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VOL. XXII. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., SATURDAY, JULY 16,1887. NO. 29 TORNADOES. What They Are—How and Where Pormed— How to Observe Them. Prof. John P. Finley was assigned the duty by thc Tinted States Signal Service of gathering thi; data respecting tornadoes, cyclones, etc., in the I'nited States, and this has been published by Mr. C. C. Iline, of Xew York city, in a very interesting volume of about 200 pages, highly illustrated. For the information of the readers ofthe IM.IANA Fakmhr we are permitted to publish some of this Important information, and give illustrations of noted storms: The tornado is truly and invariably a land-storm, which we find possessed of the billowing prominent characteristics: A path varying in width from a few yards to So rods. The general direction of movement of the tornado-cloud is invariably from a point in the southwest to the northeast. The tornado-cloud assumes the form of a funnel, the small end drawing near to or resting upon the earth. This cloud, or the moving air of which it is the embodiment, revolves about a central, vertical axis with inconceivable rapidity, ami always in a direction contrary to the movej- ment of the hands of a watch. The destructive violence of the storm is sometimes con fiBed to the immediate path of the cloud, as when the small or tail end just touches the earth. While, on the other hand, as the body of the cloud lowers, more of it rests upon the earth, the violence increases and the path widens to the extreme limit. The tornado with hardly an exception occurs in the afternoon, just after the hottest part of the day, and generally disappears before the going down of the sun. The hour of greatest frequency is between three and four p. in. A tornado very rarely, if ever, begins after ti p. m., but a tornado commencing about live j.. m. may continue its characteristic violence until nearly eight p. in., which only means that thc tornado-cloud may be traveling after six p. m. or after seven p. ni., but it does not develop, that is, make its appearance for the lirst time, after those hours. Without the path of destitution, even to the shortest distances, at times even along the illl mediate edge, the smallest objects often remain undisturbed, although a few yards distant the largest and strongest buildings are crushed to atoms. At any point along the storm's path, where there is opportunity afforded the tornado-cloud to display its |«>wer, the disposition of the debris presents unmistakable signs of the revolving, right-to- left action of the wind. The violent* and intensity of the destructive power increases directly as you pass from the circumference of the storm to ils .enter. observations with the barometer are of little pradical value at any one point, whether made before or after the tornado- cloud has formed or while it is approach, ing. Such observations will not indicate its approach, however near the position of the instrument to the point of the cloud's iu«>eption. The "tornado season" i- eni braced between March and October. The months of greatest frequency are May ami July. There are exceptional instances in a long series of years were tornadoes have been reported in every month of the year. They may, an.l sometimes do, occur in some of the .Southern States during the winter and spring months. Taking the whole t'nited States together and averaging the datesof occurrence for a long series of years (over 200) it is found that the region of greatest frequency embraces the States of Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. Of all thc states in the Onion, Kansas and Missouri rank the highest in regard to frequency. SI. INS OF THE TOIt.VADO. extend from the southwest through the west by the north to the northeast. More frequently, however, they form in the northwest and southwest, sometimes commencing, lirst in the former quarter and then again in the latter, but in either case they arc equally significant. The marked peculiarity of the clouds is found to occur not only in the form but in the color and character of development. The sudden appearance of ominous clouds, lirst in the southwest and then almost immediately in the northwest or On the day of the storm, and for several northeast I perhaps the reverse in the order hours previous to the appearance of the of their appearance), generally attracts the tornado-cloud, the indications of its pro).- attention of the most casual observer, and able formation and approach are within frequently overcomes him with astonish- the comi.rehcnsion of any ordinary obser- ', ment. In almost all eases these premoni" ver and can readily he detected by htm. tory clouds are unlike any ordinary and A sultry, oppressive condition of the at- usual formation. If they are light, their ii^^^Ai^l^iiiiii>AJ2^Jl^^ni^^^^—^^_^^^^^^^^^^ Near North Wnion, I ml., June 10,1883. From a rude pen sketch, made from memory after the storm. BallOOD cloud passed half a mile from the town. mosphere is thus described by various ob- ai>|>earance resembles smoke issuing from servers as follows: "I really experienced : a burning building or straw stack, rolling a sickly sensation under thc influence of . upward in fantastic shapes to great the sun's rays." "I was compelled to stop heights. Again, like a line mist or quite work on account of the peculiar exliaus- white, like tog or steam. Some persons tion experienced from physical exertion." describe these light clouds as at times ap- "Tt seemed as if the lightest garments that I patently irri.lescent or glowing as if from I con Id put on were a burden to me." ; their irregular surfaces a j.ale, whitish ''There was not a breath of air stirring." "The air at times came in puffs as from a heated furnace." "I felt a want of breath, the air frequently appearing too rarilied lo breathe freely." "I was startle.) at the sudden and continued rise in the thermometer, especially at this season of the liglit was cast. The dai k clouds at times present a deep, green's") hue, which forebodes the greatest evil and leaves one to imagine quite freely of dire possibilities. Again, they appear jet black from center to circumference, or, iu it change of form, this >lee|.-set color Near." "In thc forenoon I actually wore may only appear al the center, gradually an overcoat, but shortly after dinner I put on my straw hat and worked in my shirt sleeves." "I noticed a remarkable change in the temperature, many of the neighbors spoke about it and said that there was a p.'.jnliar feeling about the licit, something they had not before experinee.) ill years." "It was terribly oppressive; it seemed as diminishing in intensity as the outer edges of the cloud or banks of clouds arc approached. Sometimes these dark clouds, instead of appearing in solid and heavy masses, roll up lightly, but still intensely black, like thc smoke from an engine or locomotive burning soft coal. They have been described as of a*purple or bluish if the atmosphere was unusually l|cav.v tinge, or at times possessed of a strange atld pressing down on me with a great li\ illness. Frequently dark green, again weight." an inky blackness that fairly startles you These citations clearly indicate the chin- with its intensity. Many observers are at aet.r of this peculiar sultriness. Other a loss for words in Which to give jut ade- signs equally important and reliable may quale description of the terrible scenes be found in the development ami peculiar and simply say: "Thev uere the worst formation of the clouds in the western lookingclouds 1 eversaw,perfectly awful." horizon. Sometimes these peculiar cTotWs ' Said one observer, "The clouds seemed to be boiling uj> like muddy water, the upper surface of the cloud reminding me of the ii ssimt eddies or whirls seen in the muddiest portions of the Missouri river." .ith.r observers as follows: "I saw two whirling circles of lightish gray clouds in the west; they were acting independently of each other and moved slowly inward toward each other from opposite directions. The clouds were very low, seemed to be on the earth, the wind in contrary directions across the face of the western sky and surrounding clouds in great confusion." "Observed clouds moving in all directions, some of a dark green color, others white us steam." "The lower end of the cloud was very white, like fog." "I saw a great smoke, an.l supposed at lirst it was a lire." "I saw a terrible cloud of a dark jiurplish color." "There was a peculiar ami terrifying look to the clouds." "I saw a green-looking cloud iu the northwest, surrounded by others not so deep- set in color. 1'nder the cloud from the southwest, there came a large number of little thunder-heads, some very dark but Others as white as steam. Thev seemed to l.e separated and running very low. 1 never saw clouds so low before. Pretty soon they began to go in all directions, some np. some down, right ami left, backwards and forwards. I next saw a cloud that looked even all over in color ahd very white} the edges pretty even, li moved remarkably steady anil seemed to 1* right under the edge of the cloud from the southwest." "The clouds looked as if a mosquito-net had been spread out over the sky." "1 saw clouds tumbling over and over in terrible confusion." "I noticed a strange action in the clouds and saw a cloud rolling on the ground coming from the southwest." "The ground was covered with White, steamy-looking clouds that prevented one from seeing any distance." "Two clouds, one from the northwest and the other from the southwest seemed to meet, and after meeting passed still lower. Above their place of meeting black smoke appeared in very peculiar shape." "The air presented a very peculiar appearance, it seemed to be iii different-shaded strata and quite marked." At the bottom of the cloud a hazy apjiearance rose up, obstructing thc view." "Two clouds came together, one from the southwest and the other from the northwest; the latter was the highest, and the former the heaviest and looked the worst." "A heavy cloud spread out before us to a width of about I'M) feet, and as black as night." As they approach from opposite directions they arc suddenly thrown into the greatest confusion ; breaking up, as it were, into small portions, which clash pell-mell over each other anil in every direction; now darting toward the earth, now rushing Upward to considerable heights like sky-rockets, or at moderate elevations rolling over each Other In a well-developed whirl. An observe*, in describing theap- j.i oach of the clouds from tlie southwest and northwest, stated that they "came together with a terrific crash, as if thrown from the i.louthsofcannons." Generally, follow ing closely upon the existence of this condition, the funnel-shaped tornado- cloud appears against the western sky, moving boldly to the front from without this confused mass of (lying clouds. As the torua.lo-cloud advances these scuds continue to play about its top and sides, constituting a eharaetertic feature of the scene. Another and invariable sign of the tornado's approach is a heavy, roaring noise, Which augments in intensity as the tornado-cloud advances: This roaring is com pared to the passage of a heavily loaded freight train moving over a bridge or through a deep pass or tunnel. To the roaring of a railroad train such as is heard on Samp mornings when the sound is very dear and loud.—To be continued next week.
Object Description
Title | Indiana farmer, 1887, v. 22, no. 29 (July 16) |
Purdue Identification Number | INFA2229 |
Date of Original | 1887 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | United States - Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or not-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Date Digitized | 2011-02-21 |
Digitization Information | Original scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Description
Title | Page 1 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or non-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Digitization Information | Orignal scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Transcript | VOL. XXII. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., SATURDAY, JULY 16,1887. NO. 29 TORNADOES. What They Are—How and Where Pormed— How to Observe Them. Prof. John P. Finley was assigned the duty by thc Tinted States Signal Service of gathering thi; data respecting tornadoes, cyclones, etc., in the I'nited States, and this has been published by Mr. C. C. Iline, of Xew York city, in a very interesting volume of about 200 pages, highly illustrated. For the information of the readers ofthe IM.IANA Fakmhr we are permitted to publish some of this Important information, and give illustrations of noted storms: The tornado is truly and invariably a land-storm, which we find possessed of the billowing prominent characteristics: A path varying in width from a few yards to So rods. The general direction of movement of the tornado-cloud is invariably from a point in the southwest to the northeast. The tornado-cloud assumes the form of a funnel, the small end drawing near to or resting upon the earth. This cloud, or the moving air of which it is the embodiment, revolves about a central, vertical axis with inconceivable rapidity, ami always in a direction contrary to the movej- ment of the hands of a watch. The destructive violence of the storm is sometimes con fiBed to the immediate path of the cloud, as when the small or tail end just touches the earth. While, on the other hand, as the body of the cloud lowers, more of it rests upon the earth, the violence increases and the path widens to the extreme limit. The tornado with hardly an exception occurs in the afternoon, just after the hottest part of the day, and generally disappears before the going down of the sun. The hour of greatest frequency is between three and four p. in. A tornado very rarely, if ever, begins after ti p. m., but a tornado commencing about live j.. m. may continue its characteristic violence until nearly eight p. in., which only means that thc tornado-cloud may be traveling after six p. m. or after seven p. ni., but it does not develop, that is, make its appearance for the lirst time, after those hours. Without the path of destitution, even to the shortest distances, at times even along the illl mediate edge, the smallest objects often remain undisturbed, although a few yards distant the largest and strongest buildings are crushed to atoms. At any point along the storm's path, where there is opportunity afforded the tornado-cloud to display its |«>wer, the disposition of the debris presents unmistakable signs of the revolving, right-to- left action of the wind. The violent* and intensity of the destructive power increases directly as you pass from the circumference of the storm to ils .enter. observations with the barometer are of little pradical value at any one point, whether made before or after the tornado- cloud has formed or while it is approach, ing. Such observations will not indicate its approach, however near the position of the instrument to the point of the cloud's iu«>eption. The "tornado season" i- eni braced between March and October. The months of greatest frequency are May ami July. There are exceptional instances in a long series of years were tornadoes have been reported in every month of the year. They may, an.l sometimes do, occur in some of the .Southern States during the winter and spring months. Taking the whole t'nited States together and averaging the datesof occurrence for a long series of years (over 200) it is found that the region of greatest frequency embraces the States of Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. Of all thc states in the Onion, Kansas and Missouri rank the highest in regard to frequency. SI. INS OF THE TOIt.VADO. extend from the southwest through the west by the north to the northeast. More frequently, however, they form in the northwest and southwest, sometimes commencing, lirst in the former quarter and then again in the latter, but in either case they arc equally significant. The marked peculiarity of the clouds is found to occur not only in the form but in the color and character of development. The sudden appearance of ominous clouds, lirst in the southwest and then almost immediately in the northwest or On the day of the storm, and for several northeast I perhaps the reverse in the order hours previous to the appearance of the of their appearance), generally attracts the tornado-cloud, the indications of its pro).- attention of the most casual observer, and able formation and approach are within frequently overcomes him with astonish- the comi.rehcnsion of any ordinary obser- ', ment. In almost all eases these premoni" ver and can readily he detected by htm. tory clouds are unlike any ordinary and A sultry, oppressive condition of the at- usual formation. If they are light, their ii^^^Ai^l^iiiiii>AJ2^Jl^^ni^^^^—^^_^^^^^^^^^^ Near North Wnion, I ml., June 10,1883. From a rude pen sketch, made from memory after the storm. BallOOD cloud passed half a mile from the town. mosphere is thus described by various ob- ai>|>earance resembles smoke issuing from servers as follows: "I really experienced : a burning building or straw stack, rolling a sickly sensation under thc influence of . upward in fantastic shapes to great the sun's rays." "I was compelled to stop heights. Again, like a line mist or quite work on account of the peculiar exliaus- white, like tog or steam. Some persons tion experienced from physical exertion." describe these light clouds as at times ap- "Tt seemed as if the lightest garments that I patently irri.lescent or glowing as if from I con Id put on were a burden to me." ; their irregular surfaces a j.ale, whitish ''There was not a breath of air stirring." "The air at times came in puffs as from a heated furnace." "I felt a want of breath, the air frequently appearing too rarilied lo breathe freely." "I was startle.) at the sudden and continued rise in the thermometer, especially at this season of the liglit was cast. The dai k clouds at times present a deep, green's") hue, which forebodes the greatest evil and leaves one to imagine quite freely of dire possibilities. Again, they appear jet black from center to circumference, or, iu it change of form, this >lee|.-set color Near." "In thc forenoon I actually wore may only appear al the center, gradually an overcoat, but shortly after dinner I put on my straw hat and worked in my shirt sleeves." "I noticed a remarkable change in the temperature, many of the neighbors spoke about it and said that there was a p.'.jnliar feeling about the licit, something they had not before experinee.) ill years." "It was terribly oppressive; it seemed as diminishing in intensity as the outer edges of the cloud or banks of clouds arc approached. Sometimes these dark clouds, instead of appearing in solid and heavy masses, roll up lightly, but still intensely black, like thc smoke from an engine or locomotive burning soft coal. They have been described as of a*purple or bluish if the atmosphere was unusually l|cav.v tinge, or at times possessed of a strange atld pressing down on me with a great li\ illness. Frequently dark green, again weight." an inky blackness that fairly startles you These citations clearly indicate the chin- with its intensity. Many observers are at aet.r of this peculiar sultriness. Other a loss for words in Which to give jut ade- signs equally important and reliable may quale description of the terrible scenes be found in the development ami peculiar and simply say: "Thev uere the worst formation of the clouds in the western lookingclouds 1 eversaw,perfectly awful." horizon. Sometimes these peculiar cTotWs ' Said one observer, "The clouds seemed to be boiling uj> like muddy water, the upper surface of the cloud reminding me of the ii ssimt eddies or whirls seen in the muddiest portions of the Missouri river." .ith.r observers as follows: "I saw two whirling circles of lightish gray clouds in the west; they were acting independently of each other and moved slowly inward toward each other from opposite directions. The clouds were very low, seemed to be on the earth, the wind in contrary directions across the face of the western sky and surrounding clouds in great confusion." "Observed clouds moving in all directions, some of a dark green color, others white us steam." "The lower end of the cloud was very white, like fog." "I saw a great smoke, an.l supposed at lirst it was a lire." "I saw a terrible cloud of a dark jiurplish color." "There was a peculiar ami terrifying look to the clouds." "I saw a green-looking cloud iu the northwest, surrounded by others not so deep- set in color. 1'nder the cloud from the southwest, there came a large number of little thunder-heads, some very dark but Others as white as steam. Thev seemed to l.e separated and running very low. 1 never saw clouds so low before. Pretty soon they began to go in all directions, some np. some down, right ami left, backwards and forwards. I next saw a cloud that looked even all over in color ahd very white} the edges pretty even, li moved remarkably steady anil seemed to 1* right under the edge of the cloud from the southwest." "The clouds looked as if a mosquito-net had been spread out over the sky." "1 saw clouds tumbling over and over in terrible confusion." "I noticed a strange action in the clouds and saw a cloud rolling on the ground coming from the southwest." "The ground was covered with White, steamy-looking clouds that prevented one from seeing any distance." "Two clouds, one from the northwest and the other from the southwest seemed to meet, and after meeting passed still lower. Above their place of meeting black smoke appeared in very peculiar shape." "The air presented a very peculiar appearance, it seemed to be iii different-shaded strata and quite marked." At the bottom of the cloud a hazy apjiearance rose up, obstructing thc view." "Two clouds came together, one from the southwest and the other from the northwest; the latter was the highest, and the former the heaviest and looked the worst." "A heavy cloud spread out before us to a width of about I'M) feet, and as black as night." As they approach from opposite directions they arc suddenly thrown into the greatest confusion ; breaking up, as it were, into small portions, which clash pell-mell over each other anil in every direction; now darting toward the earth, now rushing Upward to considerable heights like sky-rockets, or at moderate elevations rolling over each Other In a well-developed whirl. An observe*, in describing theap- j.i oach of the clouds from tlie southwest and northwest, stated that they "came together with a terrific crash, as if thrown from the i.louthsofcannons." Generally, follow ing closely upon the existence of this condition, the funnel-shaped tornado- cloud appears against the western sky, moving boldly to the front from without this confused mass of (lying clouds. As the torua.lo-cloud advances these scuds continue to play about its top and sides, constituting a eharaetertic feature of the scene. Another and invariable sign of the tornado's approach is a heavy, roaring noise, Which augments in intensity as the tornado-cloud advances: This roaring is com pared to the passage of a heavily loaded freight train moving over a bridge or through a deep pass or tunnel. To the roaring of a railroad train such as is heard on Samp mornings when the sound is very dear and loud.—To be continued next week. |
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