What type of storm is known for having a rapidly rotating column of air?

A tornado is a type of storm characterized by a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. This phenomenon usually occurs during severe weather conditions and is often associated with supercell thunderstorms, which are organized storm systems capable of producing strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and sometimes tornadoes. The rotation of air in a tornado is typically very fast and can reach speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour, resulting in significant destruction in its path.

In contrast, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and squalls, while they may involve various weather-related phenomena, do not specifically feature the same type of rapid rotation or concentrated circulation of air that defines a tornado. Thunderstorms can produce wind and sometimes even tornadoes, but their structure and characteristics are different. Hurricanes are large-scale storm systems with a defined circulation pattern over water, and squalls refer to sudden increases in wind speed often associated with weather changes but do not feature a rotating column of air.