Final answer:
An elongated cluster of thunderstorm cells with a continuous gust front is known as a squall line, which is distinct from supercells that can produce tornadoes under the right conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
An elongated cluster of thunderstorm cells accompanied by a continuous gust front at the cluster's leading edge is known as a squall line. A squall line consists of a series of storms, potentially causing a significant weather front, including strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and sometimes tornadoes. They differ from supercells, which are isolated, highly organized storms with a deep, constantly rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. Unlike squall lines, supercells have the potential to produce severe weather events, including very large hail, destructive straight-line winds, and especially tornadoes, which are spawned from the intense updraft of air within the storm.
Supercells are broader storm systems that can sometimes produce tornadoes due to the difference in wind speeds at various altitudes, in large part because of the interaction between the jet stream and warmer surface winds. This rotating column of air can become vertically oriented under the right conditions, leading to the formation of tornadoes. Storm reports often highlight the role that pressure differences play in the development of powerful winds and possible tornado formation.