Major Tornadoes in the Last Decade
In the last decade there have been three official F5 category tornadoes recorded in North America. A category EF5, as defined by the Enhanced Fujita scale, accounts for only 1% of all tornadoes. These storms are known to cause “incredible damage” due to their speeds of over 261 mph. They are capable of lifting houses from their foundations and hurling them considerable distances.
Major Tornadoes over the last decade:
- May 4, 2007 in Greensburg, Kansas
- June 22, 2007 in Eli, Manitoba
- May 25, 2007 in New Hartford, Iowa
The May 2007 tornado outbreak in Greensburg, Kansas left 10 people dead and the entire area evacuated. In the aftermath, American Red Cross and FEMA professionals were called to the scene to begin the recovery efforts. Shelters for families as well as a shelter for lost and injured animals were opened after the disaster. This F5 tornado alone caused damage which was estimated at $153 million dollars.
The Eli, Manitoba tornado on June 22, 2007 marks the least damaging. With winds over 261 mph, the storm leveled several houses and left $4 million in damages in its 3.7 mile trail. Miraculously however, no one was injured or killed during this category F5 tornado.
Less than a year later, on May 25, 2008 in New Hartford, Iowa another category F5 hit the United States resulting in the death of 8 people, over 70 who were injured, and endless damages. An estimated 441 homes were destroyed in the 261 mph winds of this storm. According to FEMA’s assessment after the tornado, damage costs were around $6 million. This May 2008 tornado marked the second deadliest tornado in Iowa since 1950.
Major Tornadoes Resources:
Adjusters International Tornado Damage References
Wikipedia List of F5 and EF5 tornadoes
