answersLogoWhite

0

Contrary to popular belief, the size and shape of a tornado is not a very good indicator of intensity. In 1995 an elephant trunk tornado struck the outskirts of Pampa, Texas. Using video analysis, tornado expert Thomas Grazulis estimated the wind speed to be approximately 300 miles per hour (480 km/h).

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

What is faster than a F5 Tornado?

A F5 tornado is the most intense on the Fujita scale, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. Very few natural phenomena can rival the speed of an F5 tornado, but some examples include the speed of a jet stream at high altitudes or the velocity of a high-speed bullet.


Does a temperature rise in a tornado?

Yes, temperature can rise in a tornado due to several factors. Intense friction between high-speed winds and the ground can generate heat, raising the temperature. Additionally, the high-energy air within the tornado can compress and warm up as it funnels into a more confined space, further increasing the temperature.


How strong is an F4 tornado?

Originally winds in an F4 tornado were estimated to be 207-260 mph, but this was found to be far too high and revised to 166-200 mph for an EF4 tornado. A tornado of this strength can completely level well-built houses, peel asphalt from roads, and turn large objects into high-speed projectiles.


Does low pressure in a tornado cause buildings to explode as the tornado passes overhead?

No, buildings do not explode due to low pressure in a tornado. The destructive force in a tornado comes from high-speed winds and flying debris, not pressure differentials. Buildings may collapse or sustain damage from the strong winds and debris impact.


What is the main cause of damage of a tornado?

The main cause of damage from a tornado is the extreme wind speed and debris carried by the tornado. The high winds can destroy buildings, uproot trees, and toss objects with great force, causing widespread destruction in its path.

Related Questions

How do tornadoes use air?

A tornado is made of air. Air moves into a tornado and spirals upward at high speed.


What is faster than a F5 Tornado?

A F5 tornado is the most intense on the Fujita scale, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. Very few natural phenomena can rival the speed of an F5 tornado, but some examples include the speed of a jet stream at high altitudes or the velocity of a high-speed bullet.


What was the wind speed of the joplin tornado?

In excess of 200 mph at the peak, possibly as high as 250 mph.


Is a cheetah faster than a tornado?

In terms of the speed at which a tornado travels, yes. A typical tornado travels at 30 to 35 mph. A cheetah can run at 70 to 75 mph, which is close to the upper limit of how fast a tornado can move. Note, however, that a cheetah can only maintain such high speeds for a few seconds. A tornado can maintain a high rate of speed for over an hour in some cases. In terms of the wind speed of a tornado, no. Even comparatively weak tornadoes can produce winds in excess of 80 mph. The most violent tornadoes can produce winds over 300 mph.


Where is the cooling fan relay on a 1998 Lincoln Continental?

They are located in the trunk underneath the Rear dash in the trunk compartment. There are 2 one high speed fan relay, and one low.


Where is cooling fan relay on a 1998 Lincoln Continental?

They are located in the trunk underneath the Rear dash in the trunk compartment. There are 2 one high speed fan relay, and one low.


Does high air pressure increase tornado rotation?

High air pressure aloft can increase wind shear, which is a key factor in tornado rotation. Wind shear is the change in wind direction and speed with height, and when it increases due to high pressure systems, it can enhance the rotational capabilities within a storm system and potentially lead to tornado formation.


Is a tornado strong when the eye is big or small?

A tornado's strength is not determined by the size of its eye. The eye of a tornado is typically small and calm, surrounded by a larger area of intense winds known as the eyewall. The strength of a tornado is measured by its wind speed and the amount of damage it causes, not by the size of its eye.


What is the wind speed of an F3 tornado?

Originally the wind speed of an F3 tornado was estimated at 158-206 mph. However this estimated was later found to be too high for the damage inflicted and was lowered to 136-165 mph in an EF3 tornado.


What explains the effect a tornado has on a normal wind speed and direction?

A tornado will produce a very rapid increase in wind speed and similarly rapid changes in wind direction. This is because the wind in a tornado spins around a central axis at high speed. Wind direction shifts as different parts of the tornado pass over.


Are tornadoes just air?

Not really. A tornado is defined as a violent rotating column of air, but when a strong tornado hits a populated areas, it picks up pieces of buildings, adding high speed debris to the vortex. Even a weak tornado creates a whirl of dust.


Does a temperature rise in a tornado?

Yes, temperature can rise in a tornado due to several factors. Intense friction between high-speed winds and the ground can generate heat, raising the temperature. Additionally, the high-energy air within the tornado can compress and warm up as it funnels into a more confined space, further increasing the temperature.