Iowa Boyscout Camp hit by tornado?

Question

CNN broke news that 120 Boyscouts and Supervisors took brunt of a f-2/f-3 tornado which caused at least 4-casualties and dozens of traumatic injuries tonight.

The camp had some buildings, and the scouts were camping out in tents, in the rural setting.

Should the buildings that were destroyed by the tornados have been better built for tornados?

Answer 1

There is no man made building that can withstand a powerful tornado. I looked at the town of Jerrel, Texas after it's tornado and even the basements and foundations of houses were removed from the ground and destroyed! That tornado was over 1/2 mile across and destroyed everything in it's path.

Answer 2

Do you realize how much it would cost to build a building that can withstand a f-3 tornado? Let me give you a clue; this camp would never see the amount of money that would require.

Completely inappropriate question at this time of tragedy.

You're completely wrong about my feelings and intentions. All I am saying that now is not the time to place blame and look upon what could have been done differently. Now is the time to being praying for those who have been injured and for the families of those who have passed away. Sorry if my concern is not for the past but rather for the tragedy at hand. Leave the "what could we improve" discussion for a later time; not now. Thank you for making a valiant effort to completely distort what I said.

If you want to tread that line; let me help you out.

So a $50,000-$85,000 building that can withstand a tornado? I think you better check your figures. I lived in Iowa, tornado alley, for the first 18 years of my life and not once saw a $85,000 housing structure survive an f-3 tornado. Thanks for the laugh.

Second, just a little piece of information; 95% of houses and building structures in Iowa have basements. It's a simple, cost effect solution to save your life during a tornado. That's all these camp buldings would have needed. And hey; maybe they had one. But let me tell you; if they were able to, and if they had the time to, they sure as h**l would have taken to it the second they heard the sirens - have you ever been in a tornado? You should try it some time.

People around there are used to these events happening. They are prepared and know what to do under many circumstances. I'm sure they did all they could have done at the time. There are many more matters and circumstances to be examined in your ridiculous, close-minded question.

Answer 3

Most houses can barely withstand an ef2 tornado. You would wish that any building that is built could withstand a tornado but its not just the wind that kills and causes destruction, it's what's in the wind. Remember we're talking about trees, poles, furniture, and even cars being thrown at over 150-250 mph (if its an ef-2 or 3).

Most houses just cannot withstand a hit from a tornado, its just the harsh reality of things. They are now trying to build structures that can withstand hurricanes but there is always going to be damage. A hurricane at its strongest is an average strength tornado not an ef-4 or 5. Tornadoes just have the knack of throwing things in the air and the windspeeds above ground are higher so more damage is going to be done to a home or tall building.