What is a Significant Tornado?
A significant tornado is a tornado that reaches an EF2, EF3, EF4, or EF5 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. These tornadoes produce wind speeds of at least 111 mph (179 km/h) and can cause substantial destruction, including the complete collapse of well-built structures, uprooting of trees, and severe injuries or fatalities.
Significant tornadoes are often long-lived and more intense compared to weaker (EF0–EF1) tornadoes. They frequently develop in severe thunderstorms, particularly in regions prone to tornado outbreaks, such as Tornado Alley in the central United States.
Impact and Safety Measures
Significant tornadoes pose extreme dangers, making storm preparedness crucial. Homes and businesses in tornado-prone areas should have storm shelters or safe rooms to provide protection during severe weather events. Underground tornado shelters and reinforced above-ground safe rooms are recommended for surviving these high-intensity storms.
Meteorologists use Doppler radar, storm spotters, and tornado warnings to alert the public about approaching tornadoes. However, due to their strength and speed, significant tornadoes can still cause devastation even with advanced warning systems.
If a significant tornado is approaching:
- Seek shelter immediately in a tornado-safe structure.
- Avoid windows and take cover in a basement, storm shelter, or interior room on the lowest floor.
- If driving, do not attempt to outrun a tornado. Instead, find a sturdy building for shelter.
Notable Significant Tornadoes
Some of the deadliest and most destructive tornadoes in history have been classified as significant tornadoes, including the Tri-State Tornado of 1925, the Joplin, Missouri EF5 tornado in 2011, and the Moore, Oklahoma EF5 tornado in 2013. These storms caused widespread devastation and loss of life, highlighting the need for storm preparedness and tornado safety measures.