An EF5 tornado is generally more dangerous than a wide EF3 tornado. While width is an important factor in determining the overall scope of impact—a wider tornado can affect a larger area and potentially lead to more widespread destruction or fatalities if it strikes a populated region—the EF rating is primarily a measure of intensity based on estimated maximum wind speeds and the severity of damage caused.
EF5 tornadoes have winds exceeding 200 mph, capable of completely leveling well-constructed homes, sweeping away debris, debarking trees, and causing near-total destruction in their path. This level of intensity makes survival extremely difficult even in sturdy structures, and EF4–EF5 (violent) tornadoes account for a disproportionate share of tornado-related deaths despite being rare (only about 2% of all U.S. tornadoes). In contrast, EF3 tornadoes have winds of 136–165 mph, which can cause severe damage like removing roofs and exterior walls from homes or destroying mobile homes, but they leave more potential for survivability in interior rooms or basements.
That said, tornado danger always depends on factors like path through populated areas, time of day (nocturnal events are deadlier), and storm motion. A very wide EF3 (e.g., over 1–2 miles across, like the 2013 El Reno tornado) could theoretically cause more casualties than a narrow EF5 if it hits a dense urban area, simply due to the larger swath of strong winds. However, historical data shows that higher-intensity tornadoes (EF3 and above) cause the vast majority (over 75%) of fatalities, with violent ones being the most lethal per event. Intensity tends to correlate with wider paths on average, but there's overlap, and damage-based ratings can sometimes underrate wide tornadoes that miss key structures.
The August study you mentioned highlights ongoing debates about EF5 thresholds, but it doesn't change the core comparison: an EF5's extreme winds make it inherently more destructive where it hits.
Source Grok
|
