Downbursts

  • are really nothing more than strong downdrafts
  • if the diameter of the downdraft is 4 km or less, the downburst is called a microburst
  • if the diameter of the downdraft is greater than 4 km, the downburst is called a macroburst
  • downbursts can produce winds comparable to weak tornadoes
  • initially, people attributed microburst damage to tornadoes

image from WW2010 Online Guides