Understanding QLCS Tornadoes: What You Need to Know

Oklahoma is no stranger to severe weather, with all types of storms and tornadoes affecting the state throughout the year.

One type of tornado you may hear mentioned is a QLCS tornado, but what exactly does that mean, and how are these tornadoes different from the more traditional ones we often see?

What is a QLCS Tornado?

Technically the term stands for quasi linear convective system tornadoes. This is a mouth full that lets you know the tornado comes from a line of storms and not from individual supercells.

These tornadoes develop along a squall line, or long line of storms with heavy rain and usually damaging winds with some hail. Sometimes this line can extend from one end of the state to the other. Along that line, rain cooled winds push out from the storm, while warm humid winds feed into the storm.

These opposing winds create circulation, and if the ingredients come together just right, a quick tornado can form.

The Nature of QLCS Tornadoes

Typically these types of tornadoes are on the weak side. They usually occur very quickly with little advance warning. Sometimes you will see tornado warnings for a large section of the line, because the individual circulations come and go so rapidly.

Monitoring QLCS Tornadoes with Live Radar

We watch our live radar Nextgen scan by scan when these setups are present, because these circulations can come and go in a matter of minutes. With Nextgen we are able to see the live radar sweep and give as much lead time as possible when a QLCS tornado begins to develop.

What You Should Do

Since QLCS tornadoes can develop rapidly, it’s important to stay informed during severe weather events. Make sure you’re tuned into News 9, have a way to receive weather alerts using our app, and know your safe spot in your home. Even if a tornado doesn’t directly impact your area, the storm system can still bring dangerous winds and hail, so always stay alert.