Final answer:
A rotating updraft thunderstorm is called a supercell, which can cause tornadoes and is formed by wind variations at different altitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A thunderstorm with a persistent rotating updraft is called a supercell. Such a thunderstorm is capable of producing tornadoes and severe weather conditions, as it features a deep, persistently rotating updraft–a mesocyclone. Supercells form when there is a sufficient difference in wind speeds and directions at different altitudes, which can tilt the rotating column of air from a horizontal to a vertical orientation, leading to the development of tornadoes. These storms demonstrate the powerful effects of rotational motion and can lead to substantial atmospheric phenomena.