Another name for a tornado is a twister. Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms to the ground, characterized by their funnel shape. They can vary in strength and size, with the most severe tornadoes capable of causing significant destruction. Twisters form under specific atmospheric conditions, often during severe weather events, particularly in regions like the United States' "Tornado Alley." The measurement of tornado intensity is typically done using the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which rates them based on the damage they cause.