Tornadoes Vs. Landspouts: Spot The Difference In Oklahoma Weather

It's weird to consider there's a definitive difference, especially this time of year, but not all tornadoes are tornadoes across Oklahoma.

How many times have you seen a lowering or even a funnel fall from a thunderstorm, yet the sirens never go off, and there's no report of a twister in the area?

There's a reason for that. It's the difference between a tornado and a good old-fashioned Oklahoma landspout.

What is a landspout?

While Oklahomans have made fun of the term for a decade or so now, we all know it as a gustnado.

@natwxdesk #gustnado #dustdevil #twister #softball #summer ♬ original sound - The National Weather Desk

Depending on your age, you may know it as a Dust Devil or Dirt Devil, especially if you're from Southwest Oklahoma.

The difference.

Landspouts do pop up far more often than tornadoes, but the biggest difference between the two is how they form.

Tornadoes form out of a mesocyclone from the clouds to the ground. A Landspout forms pretty much anytime from the ground and climbs toward the sky.

While tornadoes are an awe to behold, Dust Devils are a fun and special treat, especially if you've ever been brave enough to run or drive into one.