The Great Tri-State Tornado?

Question

Do you think it is possible that this tornado could have been an f-6(using the old fujita scale), due to the fact that back then not only was the fujita scale not invented yet, but also there were no radars, and forecasting back then was very primitive?

Answer 1

HI Gabe,

Using pictures from various sources and also climo data scrapped up from the period, I would say that it would be an F-5.

Due to the primitive nature of the equipment and the knowledge of vortex theory back then, it is almost impossible to peg a determinate FS index to it.

However, what I could do is realize that the tornado(s) caused extensive damage, had a long track, and was part of a supercell due to the outbreak that occured March 18, 1925.

So my answer is an F-5 storm, based strictly upon forensic Climo data that I gathered from the history books.

Take care, and I hope I have helped!

Answer 2

Yes its possible, the Moore, OK tornado in 1999 had winds that were measured up to 318 by doppler on wheels but that was above ground.

I still think the Moore tornado was the worst to touch down on the face of the earth. The Tri-State tornado has been controversial, no one really knows if it was a single tornado or a series of tornadoes. Basically we're being told a tornado traveled 234 miles! That is highly improbable and like you said forecasting and even tornado research was primitive. But its still hard to tell, the tornado was said to be traveling at 73 mph, that's very fast for a twister, this one was unique.

The damage was extensive but remember most homes weren't built like they are today so they were leveled easily. But i'm not saying it doesn't deserve f-5 status.