If you live in Iowa, I’m sure you have noticed the high frequency of tornado watches and warnings this year. As of April 30th, Iowa had already had 55 confirmed tornadoes. May 1st is the recognized start of our tornado season. Unfortunately, the number of tornadoes we have seen this year is quickly approaching the record year of 2004. Merriam Webster defines a tornado as a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land. The tornado that hit Greenfield on May 21st was categorized as an EF4 and did indeed cause devastating damage.

 

Tornadoes are rated on the following scale.

  • EF0: Light damage, with wind speeds of 65–85 mph
  • EF1: Moderate damage, with wind speeds of 86–110 mph
  • EF2: Considerable damage, with wind speeds of 111–135 mph
  • EF3: Severe damage, with wind speeds of 136–165 mph
  • EF4: Devastating damage, with wind speeds of 166–200 mph
  • EF5: Incredible damage, with wind speeds over 200 mph