Tornadoes can generate the strongest winds known on Earth: wind speeds in the range of 500 kilometres (300 miles) per hour have been measured in extreme events. When winds of this magnitude strike a populated area, they can cause vast destruction and great loss of life, mainly through injuries from flying debris and collapsing structures.
How fast are tornado winds?
How long do tornadoes last?
The lifetime of a tornado is directly related to its intensity. The strong, intense tornadoes tend to last longer. Most tornadoes are weak, lasting only about two to three minutes on average. A typical lifetime for strong tornadoes is about eight minutes, while violent ones last about 25 minutes. In exceptional cases, violent events can last more than three hours.
