how far can a tornado travel
The distance a tornado can travel varies greatly, depending on several factors such as the tornado’s intensity, wind shear, and the presence of a strong updraft, known as a mesocyclone. Here are some general guidelines:
- Weak tornadoes (EF0-EF1): These tornadoes typically travel short distances, usually less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers).
- Moderate tornadoes (EF2): These tornadoes can travel up to 5-10 miles (8-16 kilometers).
- Strong tornadoes (EF3-EF4): These tornadoes can travel 10-30 miles (16-48 kilometers) or more.
- Long-lived tornadoes (EF4-EF5): In rare cases, these powerful tornadoes can travel 50-100 miles (80-161 kilometers) or more.
The longest recorded tornado path was the Tri-State Tornado, which occurred on March 18, 1925, in the United States. It traveled an astonishing 219 miles (352 kilometers) through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, lasting for approximately 3.5 hours.
Other notable examples of long-traveling tornadoes include:
- The Joplin, Missouri tornado (2011): 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) wide, traveled 6.9 miles (11.1 kilometers)
- The Moore, Oklahoma tornado (2013): 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) wide, traveled 14 miles (22.5 kilometers)
- The El Reno, Oklahoma tornado (2013): 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) wide, traveled 16.2 miles (26 kilometers)
Keep in mind that these distances are exceptions rather than the rule. Most tornadoes travel much shorter distances, and their paths can be unpredictable and erratic.
