What is the ‘downburst’ that impacted Columbia County?

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — After storms heavily impacted our area on Wednesday, officials say a downburst was what caused severe damage in Columbia County .

But what is a downburst and how does it happen?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a downburst is described as powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm and spread quickly once they impact the ground.

A downburst starts when a strong updraft feeds a cloud with moist and unstable air.

This updraft can hold rain and hail in the middle and upper part of the storm.

When the core of the hail and rain falls, it gains significant speed as it accelerates towards the ground.

Upon impact, it rapidly spreads out and is known as a downburst.

While a downburst and tornado can cause extensive damage to property and trees, they are fundamentally different meteorological phenomena.

Tornadoes are caused by high wind shear, which is a change in wind speed and direction with height, think of a spiral staircase.

On the other hand, downbursts require lower wind shear, in part, to sustain the core of rain and hail in the middle of the storm.

In addition to the structural composition, the pattern of damage is different.

A tornado causes damage that will appear in a spiral or swirling pattern.

A downburst causes damage in one direction.

For example, it would push down all trees towards the east.

During any thunderstorm or severe weather event, you should be inside a sturdy structure.

The best place is the lowest level of the building.

Stay weather aware by having a secure method to receive severe weather alerts .

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