The Worst Tornadoes in US History Compared to the Tornado Hit in Mississippi

Introduction

On March 24, 2023, a devastating tornado hit Mississippi, causing widespread damage and loss of life. As we look back at the history of tornadoes in the United States, we can see that this is not the first time the country has been hit by such a disaster. In this article, we will compare the tornado that hit Mississippi to some of the worst tornadoes in US history, with a particular focus on EF-5 tornadoes and the damage they caused.

What are EF-5 Tornadoes?

Tornado measurement is typically done using the Enhanced Fujita scale, which rates tornadoes on a scale of EF-0 to EF-5 based on the estimated wind speed and the resulting damage caused by the tornado. An EF-0 tornado has wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph and can cause minor damage, while an EF-5 tornado has wind speeds over 200 mph and can cause catastrophic damage.

 

The scale takes into account the type of structures affected, including homes, schools, and other buildings, as well as the overall severity of the damage caused. By measuring tornadoes using this scale, meteorologists can provide more accurate information to the public and emergency responders about the potential impact of a tornado and the appropriate safety precautions that should be taken.

The Worst Tornadoes in US History

Tri-State Tornado of 1925

 

Destruction of Griffin, Indiana in the 1925 by Tri-State Tornado

 

The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 is the deadliest tornado in US history, with a death toll of 695 people. This EF-5 tornado struck Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925, and traveled over 200 miles in just three and a half hours. The tornado destroyed entire towns, leaving behind a trail of devastation that was felt for years to come.

Joplin Tornado of 2011

On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, killing 158 people and causing over $2 billion in damage. The tornado was over a mile wide, and its winds reached speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. The tornado destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and left a lasting impact on the community.

Moore Tornado of 2013

The Moore Tornado of 2013 was another EF-5 tornado that struck Oklahoma on May 20, 2013. The tornado killed 24 people and caused over $2 billion in damage. The tornado was 1.3 miles wide, and its winds reached speeds of up to 210 miles per hour. The tornado destroyed over 1,000 homes and businesses, and left a lasting impact on the community.

The Mississippi Tornado of March 24, 2023

On March 24, 2023, a tornado struck Mississippi, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The tornado was classified as an EF-4, with winds of up to 170 miles per hour. The tornado destroyed homes and businesses, and caused widespread power outages. The death toll was 26 people according to the latest estimate.

Comparison to EF-5 Tornadoes

While the tornado that hit Mississippi was devastating, it was not as severe as some of the worst EF-5 tornadoes in US history. The wind speeds of an EF-5 tornado are much higher than those of an EF-4 tornado, and the damage caused is often much more catastrophic. However, it is important to note that any tornado can be deadly and cause widespread destruction.

Conclusion

Tornadoes are a natural disaster that can strike at any time, causing widespread damage and loss of life. While the tornado that hit Mississippi was not as severe as some of the worst tornadoes in US history, it still had a devastating impact on the community. It is important for individuals and communities to be prepared for natural disasters, and to take steps to minimize the impact of these events.

 

FAQs

1. What is an EF-5 tornado? An EF-5 tornado is the most severe category of tornado, with wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour.
2. How does an EF-5 tornado differ from other tornado categories? An EF-5 tornado has the highest wind speeds and can cause catastrophic damage, while lower categories of tornadoes may have lower wind speeds and cause less severe damage.
3. What should I do to prepare for a tornado? It is important to have an emergency plan in place, including a designated safe room or shelter. You should also monitor weather reports and be prepared to take action if a tornado warning is issued.
4. How can I help those affected by a tornado? There are many organizations that provide assistance to those affected by natural disasters, such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. Donations of money, supplies, and volunteer time can all be helpful.
5. Are tornadoes becoming more common? There is evidence to suggest that tornadoes may be increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, but more research is needed to fully understand the impact of these changes.