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Subject : L6) Are TC tornadoes weaker than midlatitude tornadoes?
Contributed by Bill McCaul and Bart Hagemeyer
In general, it appears that TC tornadoes are somewhat weaker and
briefer than midlatitude tornadoes. During the period 1948-1986,
the percentage of TC tornadoes that reached F2 or greater intensity
on the Fujita scale was 26% (McCaul et al.
2004), while during a roughly comparable period (1950-1976), the
corresponding percentage for all U.S. tornadoes was 36% (Kelly et al. 1978). In addition, there have
been no F5-rated TC tornadoes since reliable records commenced
in 1950, and only two F4's. There have, however, been numerous F3's,
and some of these have caused many casualties and much damage. Of
course, we cannot rule out the possibility that a future TC might
spawn an F5 tornado (Gentry 1983 ,
McCaul 1991). In Florida, in particular,
the most significant
tornadoes tend to occur with "hybrid" cyclones or tropical
cyclones with some hybrid influence. This usually means greater
westerly shear in the storm environment which is believed to be
favorable for stronger, longer-lasting tornadoes. Hurricane Agnes in
June 1972 was a minimal category 1 hurricane with
considerable hybrid influence and it produced the most F2 and
greater tornadoes in a single day in Florida history (Hagemeyer 1998, Hagemeyer and Spratt 2002).
Last updated August 13, 2004
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