How do microbursts form in a thunderstorm?

A microburst is a strong downdraft, which causes an outburst of damaging winds that are forced outward near the ground. Many times a microburst is mistaken as a tornado. Microburst and tornadoes are sometimes confused because microbursts can send winds outwards at speeds up to 168 miles per hour, and can travel for about 2.5 miles. A microburst can cause the same amount of damage as an EF 4 tornado. An EF4 tornado makes roofs fly off houses, through cars and level small houses.

In order for microburst to form a downburst forms first. The downburst develops as the downdraft (strong downward current) moves toward the ground. As soon as the downdraft reaches the ground the highest winds are observed. Then during the outburst stage the wind curls as cold air from the downburst moves away from the point of impact with the ground. After the outburst stage the cushion stage begins. The winds start curling more and the winds begin to accelerate along the ground and then slows because of friction. The cushion stage is where the microburst occurs.

On May 2, 2009 a strong thunderstorm was passing over the Dallas Cowboys practice bubble. A microburst occurred ad collapsed the practice bubble. There were 70 people inside the bubble at the time it collapsed and 12 were injured and taken to the hospital.