answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

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

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How high can the wind speed go for an elephant trunk tornado?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Earth Science

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.


What storm system has the highest wind speed?

The fastest winds on Earth are found in violent tornadoes. The current wind speed record is held by an F5 tornado that struck the Oklahoma City area on May 3, 1999 with winds as high as 302 mph.


Why do tornadoes have such a high wind speed?

The rotation of a tornado originates from a larger but less intense circulation called a mesocyclone, which creates an area of low pressure. A tornado forms when the mesocyclone tightens and stretches toward the ground. This causes the winds and the low pressure to intensify.


What is the range of wind speed that may be experienced during an F5 tornado?

Originally, the winds of an F5 tornado were estimated to be in the range of 261-318 mph. However, this estimate was found to be to high and was changed on the Enhanced Fujita scale. An EF5 tornado has estimated winds over 200 mph. Winds over 300 mph have been recorded.


What are the destructive powers of tornadoes?

The primary destructive force in a tornado is wind. The intensity varies, but the wind in a strong enough tornado can easily carry more force than most structures can withstand. Some pieces of destroyed structures can then turn into high-speed debris, which adds to the destruction.

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 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 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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Can you stop a tornado by adding high heat?

No, adding high heat in the area of a tornado, or even directly into a tornado, would not stop it.


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

A tornado is a violent and rotating column of air that forms under specific atmospheric conditions. It can significantly increase wind speed, sometimes exceeding 200 mph, and dramatically change wind direction as it moves through an area. This is due to the intense rotational forces created by the tornado, which disrupt and manipulate the surrounding air flow.


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.


What was the wind speed of the joplin Missouri tornado?

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