eli5: why are tornadoes common in north America but not other parts of the world?

Question

eli5: why are tornadoes common in north America but not other parts of the world?

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Answer 1

This has been fascinating. Thanks everyone who contributed. I’ve spent the last couple days trying to learn more in depth.

The air over the Rockies hitting the air from the Gulf creates horizontal spin. The cold air from Canada hitting the warm air from the Gulf creates very strong thundering. These storms create strong updrafts that turn the spin vertical. For some reason I don’t think science fully understands this will sometimes create tornadoes. Nature is amazing