The Tri-State Tornado Explained

The Tri-State Tornado is classified as an EF5 tornado. This is the most powerful category of tornado, which means it had winds of over 200 miles per hour. Let's break down what that means and learn more about this incredible weather event!

What is a Tornado?

A tornado is a rotating column of air that is in contact with both the ground and a storm cloud. They can form during severe thunderstorms and can range from weak to extremely strong.

What Makes an EF5 Tornado Special?

The Enhanced Fujita scale rates tornadoes from EF0 to EF5, based on the damage they can cause:

• EF0: Light damage
• EF1: Moderate damage
• EF2: Significant damage
• EF3: Severe damage
• EF4: Devastating damage
• EF5: Incredible damage (the most severe)

The Tri-State Tornado, which occurred on March 18, 1925, traveled through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. It was not only one of the strongest tornadoes on record but also the deadliest tornado in U.S. history with about 695 confirmed deaths!

Key Facts about the Tri-State Tornado

• Length: It traveled about 219 miles.
• Duration: The tornado lasted approximately 3.5 hours.
• Width: At its widest point, it was over a mile wide.

In summary, the Tri-State Tornado is known for being extremely powerful, and understanding its classification helps us learn about the dangers of tornadoes. Always remember to stay safe during storms and pay attention to warnings.