Wind‐speed limits in numerically simulated tornadoes with suction vortices

Three‐dimensional numerical simulations of tornado‐like vortices are presented. Of particular interest is a regime with multiple suction vortices within a larger cyclone. The simulations are designed to assess the magnitude and mechanism by which low pressure is sustained in a suction vortex. The pressure in the transient suction vortices can be nine times that supported by the buoyancy of the ‘storm’. The low pressure is sustained by transient axial flow; the pressure‐gradient force along the axis is balanced by the inertia of the axial flow, rather than by buoyancy.