In the southern states, however, tornadoes frequently occur without the presence of large hail. A supercell storm is characterized by intense rotation within the storm. Typically, this area of rotation occurs in the south side of the storm. Visually, a low-hanging cloud base with rotation is often seen. This area may or may not be visible since rain sometimes wraps around the area of circulation.
Some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground.
Look for signs of debris below the visible funnel. Rotating wall cloud with very dark sky in the background, near Lahoma, Oklahoma. Tornado near Alma, Nebraska, showing visible condensation only partially to the ground. Note the swirl of dust near the ground, and the visible funnel. Tornado nearly obscured by heavy rain near McClean, Texas.