The topic of this post is how to describe a tornado in a story. Continue reading to learn about 10 words you can use to depict a devastating tornado in your novel.
1. Chaotic
Definition
Something that’s in a state of confusion or disorder.
Examples
“The chaotic tornado rampaged through the streets without warning.”
“The townspeople tried to run and hide, but the chaotic tornado gave no signs of where it was going.”
How it Adds Description
The word “chaotic” shows how the tornado isn’t following a predictable pattern. This means it could strike out and harm characters or the setting at any point, and thus it can create an atmosphere of fear. You can use the tornado’s “chaotic” energy to frighten characters and create a stressful scene.
2. Mighty
Definition
Something very powerful or large.
Examples
“Every night, she visualized a mighty tornado heading towards her enemies. Though dark, the visions gave her lots of peace.”
“Their home was built from sturdy brick, but a mighty tornado could bring it down.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to stress the size and power of your tornado, “mighty” is a good adjective to use. “Mighty” gives a sense of physical size and strength, which can further scare characters or make them worry about the damage the tornado may cause. You can also use “mighty” to show the potential danger of the tornado, and this might make some characters leave the location early.
3. Violent
Definition
Something that uses physical force to injure or kill people.
Examples
“He sprinted to the underground shelter as fast as possible. There was no way he’d risk staying above ground during the violent tornado.”
“Ten years ago, we experienced a violent tornado, but I can’t bring myself to talk about it.”
How it Adds Description
“Violent” can stress the imminent danger of your fictional tornado. From getting injured to potential death, this word shows how worrisome the tornado is for your characters. It can also be used to show past tornado tragedies, which gives the reader some insight into the history of your characters or setting.
4. Terrifying
Definition
Something that frightens you.
Examples
“She curled up in bed and prayed that the terrifying tornado disappeared.”
“Goosebumps flashed up his arms at first sight of the terrifying tornado.”
How it Adds Description
Tornadoes are scary aspects of nature, and you can use the adjective “terrifying” to show your character’s pure fear. This word makes your character’s feeling clear, and you can use it to illustrate their desire to leave or hide from the weather event.
5. Wild
Definition
A term to describe uncontrolled behavior or stormy weather.
Examples
“He drew his curtains and sank to the floor. Only a higher power could save him from the wild tornado now.”
“Windows smashed, bricks fell, and homes were scattered due to the wild tornado.”
How it Adds Description
Tornadoes are known to be dangerous, and “wild” reinforces their perilous nature. Using “wild” to describe your tornado can point out that the weather is stronger than usual, and it can help to raise the alarm amongst the characters and your reader. “Wild” may also show that it’s a random or new event that surprises your characters.
6. Abnormal
Definition
Something that’s different or unusual in a worrying way.
Examples
“The abnormal tornado seemed to be getting more powerful despite the calm weather conditions.”
“It was an abnormal tornado, and no one knew how to react to its strange powers.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to highlight that your fictional tornado is acting strange, “abnormal” can help. This adjective shows that the tornado is behaving in a weird manner, and this can cause intrigue amongst your characters. “Abnormal” has negative connotations, so you can also use this word to build up fear or superstition from your characters due an unexpected or unusual tornado that’s taken them by surprise.
7. Tiny
Definition
Something that’s extremely small.
Examples
“I’ve never seen such a tiny tornado. That’s nothing to worry about!”
“That tornado is so tiny that we could run through it and not feel a thing.”
How it Adds Description
The word “tiny” can show the physical size of your tornado and how it’s not a threat to your characters. At most, a “tiny” tornado can cause annoyance. So, using the word “tiny” implies your characters are safe from harm.
8. Feeble
Definition
Something that’s weak and not powerful.
Examples
“She braced herself, but the feeble tornado did no harm.”
“The town prayed for a feeble tornado, but no one wanted to address the strong winds building up outside the building.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show how weak your fictional tornado is, “feeble” can help. This adjective has connotations of weakness, proving your tornado doesn’t have the power to hurt anyone. This can leave the characters feeling relieved and calm. However, some characters may still feel anxious, even during a “feeble” tornado.
9. Towering
Definition
Something that’s very impressive and tall.
Examples
“The towering tornado made their town look like a model village. The inhabitants had never felt so small and powerless.”
“Though fearful, the family stepped outside to admire the sheer size of the towering tornado.”
How it Adds Description
“Towering” can give your readers an impression of the tornado’s large size. This adjective shows that the tornado is giant and also impressive. Your characters might want to look at the tornado due to this characteristic, but they will likely be scared while doing so. You can also use “towering” to show how small the characters are in comparison to the weather event, which can evoke a further sense of powerlessness.
10. Breathtaking
Definition
Something that’s amazing or beautiful.
Examples
“She glanced at the breathtaking tornado on the horizon and gasped. It was amazing!”
“Shivers ran down his spine as he stepped outside, but he needed to see the breathtaking tornado with his own eyes.”
How it Adds Description
While tornadoes are scary and dangerous, they can also be very beautiful. “Breathtaking” shows how your characters are in awe of the tornado due to its size or sheer power. This word can also show they’ve never seen anything like it before, further stressing how the tornado is a one-off or strange event.