<p>Yes, if one takes the common meaning of the term <a href="http://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Eye">"eye of the storm"</a> to be the area of relatively low wind speed near the center of the vortex, most tornadoes can be said to have eyes. Cyclostrophic balance describes a steady-state, inviscid flow with neglected Coriolis force:</p>

<p>$$
\dfrac{v^2}{r} = -\dfrac{1}{\rho}\dfrac{\partial p}{\partial n}
$$  </p>

<p>where centripetal force balances radial pressure gradient. Here, $v$ is tangential wind speed, $r$ distance from vortex center, $\rho$ is air density, $p$ is atmospheric pressure and $n$ is the radial direction pointing inward. From here, tangential wind speed is simply:</p>

<p>$$
v = \sqrt{-\dfrac{r}{\rho}\dfrac{\partial p}{\partial n}}
$$</p>

<p>suggesting that $v\to0$ when $r\to0$. While the flow in tornadoes is highly non-stationary and subject to friction, this idealized model shows why there must exist an "eye" inside a vortex or an area of closed circulation. This "eye" may or may not be easily recognized by a hypothetical human observer inside a tornado.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-07-29T09:29:48.083Z
@user837 : Or, they were not inside the tornado naked. See Reed Timmer and his TIV. A real human observer who has gone to the core of many a tornado and built a vehicle for the express purpose of doing exactly that - getting inside and taking measurements: it's armored like a tank and heavy as hell, but considerably more mobile.
The_Sympathizer
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-30T17:36:55.913Z
This is a very science heavy answer. I'm sure it took a lot of work and time to compile. Thanks IRO-bot. The last line, though, was a stroke of genious .....a hypothetical human observer inside a tornado....!
If a human was really inside a tornado, like one of the questioners referred to, they would either be extraordinarily lucky to be able to come back and report....or be referred by the adjective....the Former human observer. :)
thanks for this forum.
user837
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-22T04:18:37.993Z
2014-08-22T04:18:37.993Z
milancurcic
<p>In the movie <em>Into the Storm (2014)</em> near the end, storm chaser Pete sees the eye of a massive tornado.</p>

<p>In 1928 (real life), Will Keller was in his barn when a huge tornado passed through. He reported seeing an opening in the center of the tornado "about 55 feet (17 meters) across and extended some 2,500 feet (762 meters) up." <a href="http://superbeefy.com/do-tornadoes-have-eyes-and-what-happens-at-the-center-of-a-tornado/">Source</a></p>

<p>Is there any "official" documentation or evidence that tornadoes, especially stronger ones, have eyes like a hurricane does? Or is it just an urban legend?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-02T11:35:06.980Z
Hi Jeff, welcome to Earth Science.  Although your experience is interesting, we are looking for science-based answers rather than personal anecdotes.  I have converted your answer to a comment.  Once you have 50 reputation, you will be able to comment everywhere!
gerrit
<meteorology><tornado><thunderstorm><severe-weather>
Do tornadoes have eyes?
geoff
# Do tornadoes have eyes?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-08-21)

In the movie *Into the Storm (2014)* near the end, storm chaser Pete sees the eye of a massive tornado.

In 1928 (real life), Will Keller was in his barn when a huge tornado passed through. He reported seeing an opening in the center of the tornado "about 55 feet (17 meters) across and extended some 2,500 feet (762 meters) up." [Source](http://superbeefy.com/do-tornadoes-have-eyes-and-what-happens-at-the-center-of-a-tornado/)

Is there any "official" documentation or evidence that tornadoes, especially stronger ones, have eyes like a hurricane does? Or is it just an urban legend?

**Tags:** meteorology, tornado, thunderstorm, severe-weather

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Hi Jeff, welcome to Earth Science.  Although your experience is interesting, we are looking for science-based answers rather than personal anecdotes.  I have converted your answer to a comment.  Once you have 50 reputation, you will be able to comment everywhere!  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-08-22. Score: 20 | Accepted answer

Yes, if one takes the common meaning of the term ["eye of the storm"](http://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Eye) to be the area of relatively low wind speed near the center of the vortex, most tornadoes can be said to have eyes. Cyclostrophic balance describes a steady-state, inviscid flow with neglected Coriolis force:

$$
\dfrac{v^2}{r} = -\dfrac{1}{\rho}\dfrac{\partial p}{\partial n}
$$

where centripetal force balances radial pressure gradient. Here, $v$ is tangential wind speed, $r$ distance from vortex center, $\rho$ is air density, $p$ is atmospheric pressure and $n$ is the radial direction pointing inward. From here, tangential wind speed is simply:

$$
v = \sqrt{-\dfrac{r}{\rho}\dfrac{\partial p}{\partial n}}
$$

suggesting that $v\to0$ when $r\to0$. While the flow in tornadoes is highly non-stationary and subject to friction, this idealized model shows why there must exist an "eye" inside a vortex or an area of closed circulation. This "eye" may or may not be easily recognized by a hypothetical human observer inside a tornado.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: This is a very science heavy answer. I'm sure it took a lot of work and time to compile. Thanks IRO-bot. The last line, though, was a stroke of genious .....a hypothetical human observer inside a tornado....! If a human was really inside a tornado, like one of the questioners referred to, they would either be extraordinarily lucky to be able to come back and report....or be referred by the adjective....the Former human observer. :) thanks for this forum.  
> **username_3**: @username_4 : Or, they were not inside the tornado naked. See Reed Timmer and his TIV. A real human observer who has gone to the core of many a tornado and built a vehicle for the express purpose of doing exactly that - getting inside and taking measurements: it's armored like a tank and heavy as hell, but considerably more mobile.  

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