you are thinking of a dust devil
An example of a dust devil
(Copyright: John Roenfeldt-Inflow Images)
What is a Dust Devil?
A common wind phenomenon that occurs throughout much of the world, including Arizona, are dust devils . An example of a dust devil can be seen to the left. These dust-filled vortices, created by strong surface heating, are generally smaller and less intense than a tornado. Typical diameters of dust devils range from 10 to 300 feet, with an average height of approximately 500 to 1000 feet. Dust devils typically last only a few minutes before dissipating, however they sometimes for tens of minutes, under optimal conditions. Over the deserts or other locations with very dry soil, dust devils can reach heights of several thousand feet and last on the order of an hour or more. Wind speeds in larger dust devils can reach 60 mph or greater. Even though they are generally smaller than tornadoes, dust devils can still be destructive as they lift dust and other debris into the air. Small structures can be damaged, and even destroyed, if in the path of a strong dust devil.
"A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground."
If there is no cloud it isn't a tornado.
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What is a tornado called that doesnt have a cloud above it?it is called a cyclone. It is not the same magnatude as a full blown tornado, and gets its name from the shape of the funnel cloud. On the small end of things you have dust devils, whirling dervish, cyclone, and then tornado.
I believe it's called a cyclone.What is a tornado called that doesnt have a cloud above it?
Good question. They may be "gustnadoes" associated with strong gust fronts or they may be "dust devils" associated with strong differential surface heating.
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