Will the NWS issue a tornado warning if a spotter reports a very strong dust devil that is causing damage.?

Answer 1

I would not expect a Tornado Warning will be issued.

In rare local wind events, a dust devil with wind speeds of over 70 mph can occur. Significant structual damage has been documented in the past by damage survey teams. These reports can be found in the archived Storm Data Reports. In the state of New Mexico, these potentially damaging dust devils are not that uncommon.

Because this type of event is very localized and rarely dangerous to life, I do not think a Tornado Warning will be issued. If the forecaster on duty thinks that this dust devil is still hazardous to property, he may issue a...

A Short Term Forecast Product...NOWcast...with a headline pointing that a strong dust devil had been reported and will remain hazardous for the expected given time.

If he really feels that something stronger is needed, I think he can issue a Non-Precipitating Weather Warning or Advisory. This product will not be tone alerted since this type of an event is not expected to be life threatening. However...the forecaster must have strong justification for using this method to alert the public. I think in almost all cases, a NOWcast would do just fine to cover it.

If the hazardous event the spotter reported is now over, but there is a potential for more isolated strong dust devils to develop through the day, I think the forecaster can do one or more of the following to get this information out to the public...

- Issued a Special Weather Statement.
- Update the Hazardous Weather Outlook
- Update the Area Forecast Discussion
- Update the Zone Forecast Product
- Continue to issue the NOWcast as needed
- Update the TWEBs (and TAFs if possible) to alert the aviation community if the forecater thinks this may also be hazardous to pilots flying into or taking off from the local airports.

Answer 2

Dust devils are normally a local condition caused by rising hot air from the ground and horizontal winds meeting obstructions. There would probably be a high wind warning already in effect. A tornado watch is issued when conditions are right for forming tornados, which normally requires a mass of hot air (not just surface air) being forced up by advancing cold air thus forming the massive thunderheads and storm fronts. A warning is only issued when a tornado is sighted by people or when overwhelming radar evidence makes it clear that a tornado has touched down.

Answer 3

chances a dust devil will get as strong as you are saying are very low. the only occasion that ive heard that is somewhat similar was durning winter and the Chicago NWS issued severe thunderstorm warnings because a snow squall was moving south can causing winds that would be rated as severe in a thunderstorm

Answer 4

I agree with Kevin B. I remember one day in October 12, 2006, a ThunderSnow Squall came through Detroit about 4:00 PM and produced 50 MPH winds. I was rather awed.

Answer 5

they won't cause that much damage, but they can cause some serious property damage. On devil in the Sahara caused a bridge to collapse on itself. many strong dust devils are known to be able to blow light cars off roads, but I haven't heard of a transport.

Answer 6

Dust devils do not cause damage. Tornadoes cause damage.