Tornado Damage

While many associate tornadoes with the Great Plains region of the United States, it’s important to note that over 1,500 tornadoes were reported across the country last year.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms to the ground, capable of inflicting severe damage on anything in their path, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph during the most intense events.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categorizes tornadoes into two primary types: those spawned by supercell thunderstorms and those that develop from non-supercell storms.

Supercell Thunderstorm Tornadoes
These tornadoes are the most prevalent and often the most dangerous.

Non-Supercell Tornadoes
Also known as landspouts, these tornadoes feature a narrow, rope-like condensation funnel that forms quickly and typically dissipates just as fast. Landspouts, similar to waterspouts but occurring over land, tend to cause less damage than their supercell counterparts.

Tornadoes are classified using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, ranging from EF0 to EF5, with wind speeds varying from 65 mph for the weakest tornadoes to over 200 mph for the most severe.

Tornadoes are highly unpredictable and can move swiftly through an area, leaving complete devastation in their wake or randomly striking different neighborhoods while sparing others.

When tornadoes touch down, typical damages can include:

• Broken windows
• Destroyed concrete structures
• Downed trees and power lines
• Doors ripped from hinges
• Damaged shingles and roofs
• Toppled vehicles
• Torn gutters
• Upended mobile homes

Additionally, tornadoes can cause severe damage from their intense winds and the debris they lift, leading to extensive destruction across homes, businesses, and properties.

These powerful weather events can displace residents in mere seconds. When it’s time to file an insurance claim, StormClaim.com has a dedicated team ready to assist you in securing the recovery you deserve.