Due to a “superstorm cell,” a tornado struck Tours Airport on Monday, July 21.
According to the French tornado and violent storm observatory, Keraunos, “the phenomenon developed under a convective storm cell, which began around 8 a.m. in the neighboring department of Maine-et-Loire.”
“This storm cell crossed the border of Indre-et-Loire around 9:30 a.m., before continuing on its way to the city of Tours.
This tornado originated from a “LT supercell,” also known as a “mini-supercell.” To form, it requires very unstable conditions: warm, humid air in the lower layers of the atmosphere and strong winds between the lower layers of the atmosphere and the higher layers.
At altitude, the presence of relatively cold air will also constitute a favorable environment. The Centre-Val de Loire region has been placed on yellow alert for thunderstorms by the meteorological institute until 8 p.m. this Monday.
