Meso-vortices can be associated with tornadoes, or narrow channels of strong, straight-line winds.

Damage associated with a meso-vortex can occur before a distinct bow echo can be identified in reflectivity.

Tornadic meso-vortices develop in areas of enhanced convergence at the leading edge of a descending rear-inflow jet.

Tornadic meso-vortices are stronger, deeper and longer-lived than ordinary vortices (especially stronger below 2 km).