When this downdraft hits the ground, it causes winds to curl outward in a straight line. These straight line winds can cause significant damage. The damage from downbursts is many times mistaken by untrained observers as tornado damage. Sometimes the onset of flash flooding comes before the end of heavy rains. There is little time between detection of flood conditions and the arrival of the flood crest, usually less than six hours.
Swift action is essential for the protection of life and property.
A funnel-shaped cloud extending down from the base of a parent thunderstorm. It is associated with a rotating column of air that is not in contact with the ground. If the cloud has a debris cloud or dust whirl below, at ground level, it is a tornado, not a funnel cloud. The leading edge of the thunderstorm downdraft air. The gust front is most prominent beneath the rain-free base and on the leading edge of an appraching thunderstorm.