Super Tornado Outbreak of 2011
The April 27, 2011 Deadly Tornado Outbreak
On April 27, 2011, the South and Southeastern United States witnessed the worst tornado outbreak that the U. S. has seen since the Super Tornado Outbreak of 1974. The 2011 series of storms contained over 265 tornadoes, and left over 355 people dead in it's wake. Although five states were impacted by this outbreak, the State of Alabama was especially hard hit, with the city of Tuscaloosa suffering a direct hit from a strong EF4 twister.
Public domain photo courtesy Wikipedia/NOAA
Tuscaloosa Tornado
The "Tri-state" tornado was the single deadliest tornado to strike the U. S. The twister killed 695 people along a 219 mile long track that covered parts of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana on March 18, 1925.
Enhanced Fujita Scale
The Fujita Scale is used to rate the relative strength of tornadoes. The scale has been in place since 1971, with the updated, "enhanced" scale implemented in 2006.
- EF0---Winds: 65-85 MPH---Minor or no damage.
- EF1---Winds: 86-110 MPH---Moderate damage.
- EF2---Winds: 111-135 MPH---Considerable damage.
- EF3---Winds: 136-165 MPH---Severe damage.
- EF4---Winds: 166-200 MPH---Extreme damage.
- EF5---Winds: 201+ MPH---Complete destruction of buildings.
Farmville, Virginia Twister
Quick Tornado Question
Have you ever seen a live tornado (not on TV)?
Mississippi Tornado
Birmingham Twister
Fast Tornado Facts
- Although tornadoes can occur at any time, they are most commonly seen between 3 and 9 P. M.
- Tornadoes have occurred in every State in the U. S.
- Each year there are roughly 1,200 tornadoes in the United States.
- Less than one percent of all tornadoes are rated F4 or stronger, but those twisters account for 70+ percent of tornado-related fatalities.
- The average tornado moves from Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes can be unpredictable and can move in any direction.
- On average, the month of May sees the most tornadic activity.
- Australia ranks second to the United States in total yearly tornadoes.
Alabama Aftermath
Aerial video shot of the devastation caused by a nearly mile-wide tornado in Jefferson County Alabama, April 27.
Home Weather Stations
Make your own weather forecast with these great tools.
Additional Tornado Info
- Tornadoes....Nature's Most Violent Storms
In-depth tornado information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. - Super Outbreak - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Detailed background on the Super Tornado Outbreak of 1974. - The Tornado Project Online
The Tornado Project is a small company that researches, compiles and makes tornado information available to all. - Tornadoes | LiveScience
Learn all about tornadoes at LiveScience.com.
Photos here courtesy Wikipedia.
