The region of heavy rain and hail that usually forms on the southern and western side of a mesocyclone, but to the northeast of where a tornado may exist or may be forming, is referred to by storm chasers as the bear’s cage. This is the most dangerous part of the storm, as a tornado can be obscured behind a rain shield, striking with little warning. Visibility is low, and damaging hail, strong winds, and flash floods are also a hazard.