What is a Wedge Tornado?

A wedge tornado is a type of tornado characterized by its immense width, often appearing as a massive, dark, and ominous cloud extending across the horizon. These tornadoes are typically at least a half-mile wide but can grow to be over a mile wide. Wedge tornadoes are among the most powerful and destructive tornadoes, frequently rated EF3 or higher on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.

Wedge tornadoes form under supercell thunderstorms, where intense wind shear and strong updrafts create the perfect conditions for a large, rotating vortex. Due to their size, these tornadoes can stay on the ground for an extended period, carving a path of devastation across multiple communities. Their immense width can make them difficult to identify from a distance, often resembling a large wall of clouds rather than a traditional narrow funnel.

These tornadoes are particularly dangerous because their sheer size means they can engulf entire neighborhoods, making escape difficult. Historical wedge tornadoes, such as the 2013 El Reno, Oklahoma tornado, hold records for being among the widest tornadoes ever recorded, reaching 2.6 miles in width. Proper storm shelter precautions, such as underground storm shelters or above-ground safe rooms, are critical for surviving such violent storms.