The winds of a tornado carry a large amount of force. Most tornadoes are capable of toppling trees and breaking tree limbs, some of which may fall on power lines, snapping them. An EF1 or EF2 (86-135 mph winds) carries enough force in its winds to topple and snap wooden power poles. The winds of an EF3 tornado (136-165 mph) are powerful enough to crumple steel transmission towers.
The time it takes for a tornado to destroy something can vary depending on the tornado's intensity, size, and the durability of the object. In many cases, a tornado can cause significant damage within seconds to minutes as it passes through an area.
It depends on how strong the tornado is. A weak tornado (EF0 or EF1) will generally only destroy small trees and weakly built structures such as sheds and fences. Stronger structures will only take minor to moderate damage. A strong tornado (EF2 or EF3) will destroy most trees, vehicles, and some buildings. A violent tornado (EF4 or EF5) will destroy just about everything in its path.
It varies depending on the structure and the intensity of a tornado. In most cases, though, it takes a matter of seconds, which is usually how long a structure is exposed to the strongest winds. One analysis of the fast-moving EF5 tornado that hit Smithville, Mississippi tornado of 2011 found that houses wiped clean off their foundations were exposed to the strongest winds of the tornado for less than 3 seconds.
Most likely not, though a large enough explosion might disrupt a small, weak tornado temporarily. The structure of a tornado is enormous, extending upwards for miles. Some of the largest tornadoes can be well over a mile wide, and most very destructive tornadoes are at least a quarter of a mile wide. However, any explosive strong enough to disrupt a tornado would cause more damage that the tornado.
No, it is not safe to touch power lines. Power lines carry high voltage electricity and touching them can result in serious injury or death. It is important to always stay away from power lines and never attempt to touch them.
Yes. Even fairly weak tornadoes can bring down power lines. These power lines create a risk of electrocution in the tornado's aftermath.
It depends on how bad the tornado was. A relatively weak tornado will topple trees and power lines, damage roofs, and destroy some weaker structures. After an intense tornado many homes may be destroyed or be without their roofs. Debris is scattered everywhere. After a large, violent tornado neighborhoods may be turned into fields of debris with trees stripped of their leaves and bark.
Yes. A tornado F3 or higher intensity could definitely destroy a mansion.
The main hazards from a tornado are flying debris, extreme ly powerful winds, and downed power lines.
Yes. In a strong enough tornado wind and debris carried by the wind can destroy houses.
It depends on the intensity of the tornado. Weak tornadoes (EF0 and EF1) can topple trees, destroy sheds and barns, and severely damage or mostly destroy trailers. Stronger structures will sutain mild to moderate damage. Strong tornadoes (EF2 and EF3) will obliterate trailers and many weak structures. Many houses may be mostly destroyed by an EF3. Violent tornadoes (EF4 and EF5) will destroy even the strongest buildings, with an EF5 leaving behind nothing but a bare foundation of most houses.
Tornado Alley itself is not destructive, but the tornadoes that frequent it can be. The tornadoes in Tornado Alley destroy many homes each year.
Yes. A strong enough tornado can destroy just about any manmade structure. A tornado of high EF3 intensity or stronger should be enough.
They can destroy or "take out" power lines and metal conducting items.
The tornado is itself a disaster. When a tornado strikes and area, buildings and vegetation in the path are damaged or destroyed. In a strong enough tornado debris from destroyed structures is carried by the wind at high speeds, adding to the destructive potential. In the aftermath there may be destroyed homes and businesses, roads blocked by debris, downed power lines, power outages, and sometimes fires from ruptured gas lines.
A strong to violent tornado could potentially destroy a portion of it. But the area appears too large to be covered by a tornado.
The wind speed of a tornado can vary greatly, but it can reach over 300 mph. While a tornado's destructive power can be significant, the ability to completely destroy a house is influenced by various factors such as construction materials and the intensity of the tornado. In severe cases, a tornado can quickly demolish a house within seconds.