How are tornadoes and waterspouts different?
Waterspouts are weak tornadoes that form over warm water. Waterspouts are most common along the Gulf Coast and southeastern U.S. coastline. Waterspouts occasionally move inland – as soon as the base of the rotating column of air moves over land the waterspout becomes a tornado! How strong are tornadoes? While most tornadoes (69%) have winds of less than 100 miles an hour, they can be much much stronger. Violent tornadoes (winds greater than 205 miles an hour) account for only 2% of all tornadoes, they cause 70% of all tornado deaths. In 1931, a tornado in Minnesota lifted an 83-ton railroad train with 117 passengers and carried it more than 80 feet! Once a tornado in Oklahoma carried a motel sign 30 miles and dropped it in Arkansas! In 1975 a Mississippi tornado carried a home freezer more than one mile! Tornado Wind/Damage Scale Scale Winds Damage Frequency F0 40 to 72 MPH Some damage to chimneys, TV antennas, roof shingles, trees, and windows. 29% F1 73 to 112 MPH Automobiles overtur
