What is a Gustnado?
A gustnado is a small, brief whirlwind that forms along a storm’s gust front, typically appearing as a swirling column of dust and debris. Unlike traditional tornadoes, gustnadoes do not originate from a supercell or connect to a thunderstorm’s mesocyclone. Instead, they are caused by rapidly changing wind directions and speeds near the ground.
These vortices can develop suddenly and may resemble weak tornadoes, but they are generally less powerful and shorter-lived. Gustnadoes usually last only a few minutes and have wind speeds ranging from 50 to 80 mph. While they can cause minor damage, such as knocking down small trees, flipping lightweight structures, or creating hazardous driving conditions, they are not as dangerous as full-fledged tornadoes.
Gustnadoes often occur along squall lines or outflow boundaries ahead of severe thunderstorms. People should remain cautious when encountering one, as they can still produce strong winds and flying debris, especially near construction sites or open fields. While they are not considered true tornadoes, they serve as a reminder of the unpredictable power of severe weather.