MANY SHADES OF GREY...

Have you ever wondered about the color of tornadoes? They seem to have an almost chameleon-like propensity for variety. And while tornado color is governed somewhat by the internal workings of a severe storm, it's often the surrounding environment that has the greatest impact on appearance.

The color grey usually comes to mind when we think of tornadoes. Often times, the dark shading of the storm is caused by flying debris. As dirt and mud are drawn into the funnel, the overall appearance of the system is darkened. As you may expect, the color of the soil can play a huge role in the color of the tornado. It's not unusual for Great Plains tornadoes to appear reddish orange in tint, thanks to the deep coloration of the surrounding soil.

Waterspouts usually attract more sea foam and water, giving them a whitish or blue-grey appearance. It's also interesting to note that most waterspouts are weaker than their land-based cousins, leading to a slightly more translucent appearance. Of course, the presence of lightning (especially at night) can lend a rainbow of color to any tornado.

Not all coloration is directly tied to external sources. The presence of hail within the developing tornadic thunderstorm can sometimes create odd lightning effects, giving a more ethereal glow to tornadoes. Regardless of color, these powerful storms are often as beautiful as they are deadly.