When meteorologists say a tornado is a "mile wide," are they referring to circumference?

Question

Thanks for your answers. I had never really gotten a definitive answer about that. I kinda thought they went by the diameter of the base but wasn't sure.

Answer 1

They are talking about the base of the storm.

Answer 2

They are referring to the diameter of its base.

Answer 3

STRUM   VOGEL   IS  CORRECT.      THANK   YOU  FOR  YOUR  INQUISITIVE   MIND   AND  HARD  WORK  FOR  US  HERE.     db  p.s     STRUM    VOGEL    WAS   THE  ONE   SHOWING   ON  MY  SCREEN  AS   THE  FIRST  ANSWER

Answer 4

That is a very good question. I study the weather and i haven't really heard the definition of mile wide. I would have to say yeah because if it didn't mean circumference, then you would have to multiply the mile by 4 to get the circuference and i don't think they mean 4 miles.