What is a Very Long Track Tornado?

A very long track (VLT) tornado is a tornado that remains on the ground for an extended period, covering a significant distance. While most tornadoes have short paths of a few miles, a very long track tornado can travel over 50 miles and, in extreme cases, exceed 100 miles. These tornadoes are typically associated with violent EF4 or EF5 tornadoes that form in strong, long-lasting supercell thunderstorms.

VLT tornadoes pose an extreme danger due to their ability to cause widespread devastation over large areas. As they move across multiple counties or states, they can impact numerous towns, infrastructure, and populations. For example, the Tri-State Tornado of 1925, the deadliest tornado in U.S. history, traveled 219 miles across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

Because of their long duration and destructive power, very long track tornadoes reinforce the importance of storm shelters and safe rooms. Families and businesses in tornado-prone regions should have a reliable emergency plan, including access to underground tornado shelters or above-ground safe rooms to protect against these rare but devastating events.