NWS LIX - Hurricane Tornado Threats and Impacts

EXTREME

Potential for an outbreak of tornadoes

DEVASTATING TO CATASTROPHIC

   Potential for Extreme Impact:   There is an extreme threat to life and property.

* Numerous locations may experience major tornado damage, with a few locations experiencing catastrophic damage.

* Some tornadoes may have long damage paths. Even well constructed buildings may have major damage. Mobile homes will be destroyed. 

Tornadoes which cause major to catastrophic damage and are considered significant: EF-2 to EF-5 tornadoes are increasingly strong to violent in intensity on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale causing major damage, even up to complete destruction. Mobile homes are completely demolished; numerous large trees snapped off, totally uprooted, or debarked; small debris objects (lawn mowers, smaller sections of roofs) become airborne missiles. Power outages are substantial, extending over larger areas. Structural damage to sturdy buildings realized, especially roof and wall failures. However, in the worst situations, well-constructed walls fail or are even removed; large debris objects (cars, trucks, larger sections of roofs) become airborne missiles causing further structural failures. Tornado wind speeds 111 mph or greater, and in the worst situations 200 mph or greater.

Note: In all tropical cyclone situations, listen for possible tornado watches and warnings. Take cover immediately if a tornado warning is issued for your area regardless of the depicted level.

HIGH

Potential for many tornadoes

EXTENSIVE

   Potential Impacts:  There is a critical threat to life and property.

* Several tornadoes of violent intensity are possible.

* Isolated locations may experience catastrophic damage. 

* Many locations could experience major tornado damage.

Tornadoes which cause major to catastrophic damage and are considered significant: EF-2 to EF-5 tornadoes are increasingly strong to violent in intensity on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale causing major damage, even up to complete destruction. Mobile homes are completely demolished; numerous large trees snapped off, totally uprooted, or debarked; small debris objects (lawn mowers, smaller sections of roofs) become airborne missiles. Power outages are substantial, extending over larger areas. Structural damage to sturdy buildings realized, especially roof and wall failures. However, in the worst situations, well-constructed walls fail or are even removed; large debris objects (cars, trucks, larger sections of roofs) become airborne missiles causing further structural failures. Tornado wind speeds 111 mph or greater, and in the worst situations 200 mph or greater.

Note: In all tropical cyclone situations, listen for possible tornado watches and warnings. Take cover immediately if a tornado warning is issued for your area regardless of the depicted level.

MODERATE

Potential for several tornadoes

SIGNIFICANT

   Potential  Impacts: There is a significant threat to life and property.  

* Scattered locations may experience moderate tornado damage.

Tornadoes which cause minor to moderate damage: An EF-0 tornado is weaker in intensity on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale causing minor damage. Damage to chimneys, porches, screen houses, and lighter-weight outbuildings; a few downed trees and power lines; large signs blown over. Tornado wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph. An EF-1 tornado is of moderate intensity on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale causing moderate damage. Mobile homes are moved off foundations or overturned; roof surfaces peeled off buildings; cars blown off roads; several large trees downed and some power outages. Tornado wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph.

Note: In all tropical cyclone situations, listen for possible tornado watches and warnings. Take cover immediately if a tornado warning is issued for your area regardless of the depicted level.

ELEVATED

Potential for a few tornadoes

LIMITED

   Potential  Impacts:  There is an elevated threat to life and property.

*  Isolated locations to widely scattered locations may experience minor to locally moderate tornado damage. 

Tornadoes which cause minor to moderate damage: An EF-0 tornado is weaker in intensity on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale causing minor damage. Damage to chimneys, porches, screen houses, and lighter-weight outbuildings; a few downed trees and power lines; large signs blown over. Tornado wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph. An EF-1 tornado is of moderate intensity on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale causing moderate damage. Mobile homes are moved off foundations or overturned; roof surfaces peeled off buildings; cars blown off roads; several large trees downed and some power outages. Tornado wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph.

Note: In all tropical cyclone situations, listen for possible tornado watches and warnings. Take cover immediately if a tornado warning is issued for your area regardless of the depicted level.

NONE 

Tornadoes not anticipated

NONE

  Potential Impacts:  No discernible threat to life and property.