Iowa Sets New Record For Widest Tornado, But Only As An EF1
1.78 miles. 3130 yards. More than 31 football fields.
That's how wide the twister was as it ripped through nearly 20 miles of southwestern Iowa as an EF1 tornado with winds up to 110 mph.
The Essex tornado's width surpassed what is now the second widest tornado in width by nearly five football fields.
(MORE: Iowa Sees Rare Firenado)
The previous record holder touched down in Pocahontas County, Iowa, in April 2011 and raked across the county for more than 17 miles. At its peak, it was 2640 yards wide (or 1.5 miles wide) and at peak intensity, it was an EF3.
The largest measured tornado anywhere in the country was 2013's El Reno tornado, which extended more than 4,500 yards or 2.6 miles across.
(MORE: Further beef up your forecast with our detailed, hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 8 days – only available on our Premium Pro experience.)
The damage the Essex area tornado did was over a wide extent, but thankfully, it didn't produce a ton of damage or any severe damage. Most of the damage found in the National Weather Service tornado survey was to power poles, outbuildings and trees.
This may have limited the intensity rating of the tornado since the Enhanced Fujita scale is built on damage markers rather than actual wind speeds.
There have been well over 3000 tornadoes within Iowa's borders since 1950.
Wedge tornadoes have to be strong. There is no correlation between tornado strength and width. Width often depends on how much moisture is available to work with and how low the clouds condense. A more moist environment will generally produce wider tornadoes. Lower-moisture environments tend to produce narrower tornadoes and smaller supercells.
The true intensity of a tornado is always known. Since we don't have measurements in front of every tornado, we don't have the actual intensity of most tornadoes. Meteorologists and engineers most always take an educated guess about a tornado's intensity. It is thought that most tornadoes are stronger than their EF rating because of this and because the EF scale depends on structures being hit for a rating. If only trees are hit by a tornado, the rating will be lower even if wind speeds were substantially higher.
Large tornadoes cause the most damage. "Some small 'rope' tornadoes still can cause violent damage of EF4 or EF5; and some very large tornadoes over a quarter-mile wide have produced only weak damage equivalent to EF0 to EF1," NOAA's Storm Prediction Center says.
You can find more tornado myths here.
(MORE: For even more granular weather data tracking in your area, view your 15-minute details forecast in our Premium Pro experience.)
Jonathan Belles has been a graphics meteorologist and writer for weather.com for nearly 9 years and also assists in the production of videos for The Weather Channel en español. His favorite weather is tropical weather, but also enjoys covering high-impact weather and news stories and winter storms. He's a two-time graduate of Florida State University and a proud graduate of St. Petersburg College.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
39 minutes ago
- New York Times
Live Updates: Frantic Search for the Missing After At Least 13 Killed in Texas Flood
Nearly half of all flash flood deaths are vehicle-related, experts say, which is why you should never drive into a flooded street. When heavy rainfall occurs in a short period of time, rushing water can deluge homes and basement apartments, overtake cars and knock people off their feet. Flash floods can develop quickly, within hours or even minutes; and they often catch people off guard, killing an average of 88 people in the United States each year. 'Flash floods occur when there's just too much water coming in too fast,' said Bonnie Schneider, a meteorologist and author of 'Extreme Weather.' And climate change is compounding the risks: Warmer air holds more moisture, Ms. Schneider said, which can lead to heavier, more intense rainfall. Though flash floods are scary, experts say you can increase your odds of survival by staying informed and having a plan. Here's what to do in advance — and in the moment — to get through a flash flood safely. Understand the difference between the various alerts. The National Weather Service currently issues severe weather alerts in English and Spanish. If there's a 'flash flood watch,' according to the service, flooding is not guaranteed, but conditions are favorable enough for it to be possible, so be prepared to change your plans. A 'flash flood warning' means a flash flood is imminent or already occurring, and you should immediately move to higher ground if you're outside or in a basement apartment. The most dire alert is a 'flash flood emergency,' which indicates that not only is flooding occurring, but it's posing a severe threat to human life. In 2021, New York City received its first notification of this type during heavy rainfall caused by Hurricane Ida. Before a flood Make a plan Long before rain is on the radar, the first step is to figure out how your family will communicate, meet and evacuate if there's a flash flood emergency. How will you escape from your home if needed? Who will be responsible for your children? Where will you meet if your family becomes separated? The American Red Cross has printable templates to help guide your conversation. You'll also want to evaluate the flood risks to your home, work and school, as well as the routes between them. The flood maps developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are a good place to start. (If you live in a flood zone, you might also want to consider purchasing flood insurance.) Prepare a 'go bag' now If you need to leave your home in a hurry, it's crucial to have an easily accessible emergency kit packed with supplies. Consider adding shelf-stable food; water or a portable filtration system; a change of clothing; a headlamp or flashlight with batteries; a phone charger; cash; and a first-aid kit. If you have pets, don't forget food, leashes and portable bowls for them, too. also advises creating 'password-protected digital copies' of important paperwork, like birth certificates, identification cards, insurance policies, wills, deeds and titles. If this seems like overkill, it's not, said Dr. David Markenson, chief medical officer at American Red Cross Training Services. 'The human nature side is obviously not to worry,' he said. And many people think, ''It's not going to happen to me.'' But having a plan can help you make better choices in an emergency, said Sabine Marx, a senior trainer at Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness. As she described it, she wouldn't want to 'have to come up with this decision on the spot when I'm also possibly fearing for my life.' During a flood Stay alert If a storm is in the forecast or underway, pay attention to local weather alerts via your phone, radio or TV. In the case of a power outage, a battery-operated radio can come in handy. Be prepared to evacuate If there's a chance you may have to leave your home, gather essential items that are not already in your 'go bag' — driver's licenses, credit cards, medications and key documents — and seal them in a waterproof pouch. (A plastic freezer bag works just fine.) Make sure your phone is charged and, if you have time, unplug small appliances so they won't get fried by electrical surges. Move valuables to a higher floor (if you have one). If you live in a basement apartment, be extra vigilant when it comes to monitoring rainstorms, said Julie Munger, founder of Sierra Rescue International, an organization that has trained swift-water rescuers for 35 years. If you believe you may be in danger, she recommended immediately moving to a higher floor or evacuating to another location. (To find an emergency shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362.) FEMA warns against climbing into a closed attic, as you could become trapped by rising floodwaters. If necessary, climb onto the roof. If you find yourself in the worst-case scenario, with water rushing into your apartment, you need to act fast, Ms. Munger said. 'Don't wait, don't grab anything, just exit,' because if you can't get out, she added, your only option is to 'hope that the water doesn't fill up the apartment completely.' According to Dr. Markenson, it's essential to follow updates closely, since conditions can change rapidly. If you're told to evacuate, do it. Check road closures on your state's department of transportation website before heading out if there's time, and take an alternate route if you encounter a flooded road. The biggest issue with flash floods, Dr. Markenson said, is that people don't always evacuate when they're told to do so. But by trying to ride it out, he warned, you'll endanger yourself and rescuers. Avoid floodwaters when possible The best thing to do is avoid all floodwaters if you can — or, as the National Weather Service's grim catchphrase urges: 'Turn Around Don't Drown.' It takes just six inches of fast-moving water to knock you off your feet, so unless you're ordered to evacuate, staying where you are is usually the safest choice. (Flash floods generally pass quickly.) The most immediate risk of entering floodwaters is drowning, but you may also get exposed to various harms floating around the water, like human, animal and industrial waste; physical objects like cars, lumber and other debris; stray animals like rodents and snakes; and downed power lines. If you're caught in your car Sometimes flash flooding happens when you're out and about, and you may suddenly find yourself in a life-threatening situation. Nearly half of all flash flood deaths are vehicle-related, which is why you should never ignore barriers. 'Don't drive into a flooded street, period,' Ms. Munger said. 'There really is no better advice.' Not only is it difficult to gauge water depth and road conditions, but just 12 inches of water can float your car and 18 inches can carry off your SUV or pickup truck. 'Everybody tends to underestimate the force of the water,' Ms. Munger said. 'It takes very little current to wreak havoc.' That said, if your car does get taken by floodwaters, first, roll down your windows, said Lynn Burttschell, an emergency medical worker, rescue swimmer and founder of Wimberley Rescue Training. If they won't budge, he recommended breaking the glass with an escape tool (like the one in this Wirecutter guide, which you can store in your glove compartment) or using the metal pole of your headrest as a ram. It's important to open the windows, Mr. Burttschell said, because 'if the water continues to rise, then that car fills up and becomes more of a rock instead of a bobber floating downstream.' Then, unbuckle your seatbelt and grip it as you climb onto the roof and call 911, Mr. Burttschell advised. Do your best to remain with the car until help arrives. Lie down on the roof to keep yourself stable, and don't tie yourself to the car, in case it rolls. During his 32-year career, Mr. Burttschell has found that people who stay with their cars survive at much higher rates than those who abandon them, simply because it's easier for emergency services to spot a vehicle than a person. 'I really don't ever recommend leaving the vehicle,' he said. To make yourself more noticeable, you can also turn on your hazard lights, activate your car's alarm with your key fob and, if possible, honk the horn. If you're walking, hiking or camping If you happen to get caught in a flash flood while on foot, run perpendicular to the water and 'get to the highest point possible,' Ms. Munger said — whether that means heading into the nearest building and racing up the stairs, climbing a tree or clambering onto a truck. The bigger and heavier the object, the better, she said, since it will be less likely to float away. If you do get swept away, don't attempt to stand up, as you risk trapping your foot in a drain, fence or other object. Instead, Ms. Munger advised swimming perpendicular to the current, as you would with a rip tide, until you get to safety. Since you'll be fighting against drainages, debris and the current, she warned this is extremely difficult, even for strong swimmers. 'People need to realize that most people who lose their footing in a flash flood don't get out,' she said. As for camping or hiking, Ms. Munger advised researching the region's weather patterns and forecast before setting out. If there might be a rainstorm upstream of your destination, she suggested camping above any rivers, rather than beside them. If water starts to rise where you are, head immediately to higher ground. If you're on an underground train or subway The subway is 'the last place you want to be' during a flash flood, Ms. Munger said. 'Because eventually, if the storm drains are overwhelmed, there's no other place for the water to go.' Your best defense, in other words, is to avoid it altogether. If you do find yourself underground during a flood, Ms. Munger urged exiting the station as swiftly as possible — even if that means forcing your way up flooded stairs. If you're on a train that is stuck, don't leave it until you're instructed to do so, said Eugene Resnick, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York. Take flash floods seriously While some of these steps may sound inconvenient, the reality is that following them could save your life. 'You never want to be in a position where you're looking back, or others are looking back, and saying: 'Why didn't you just heed simple advice?'' Dr. Markenson said. Or, as Ms. Munger put it: 'It's going to be much more of a hassle and much more tragic when you don't make it home.' Susan Shain is a freelance journalist and future New York Times fellow based in Madison, Wis.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
At least 6 dead in Kerrville floods; kids missing from Camp Mystic in Texas. What we know
Multiple people were confirmed dead and frantic water rescues and searches were underway Friday in the Kerrville area of Central Texas as a "catastrophic" flooding emergency unfolded, caused by heavy rains that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River. The area was under a flash flood warning overnight, and between 5 and 11 inches of rain had already fallen by about 9 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Another 1 to 2 inches is expected to fall before the rain dissipates this afternoon. Authorities haven't yet confirmed the official number of fatalities in Kerr County, according to USA TODAY. But the San Antonio Express-News reported at least six people have been confirmed dead and several children reported missing who were attending the river-front Camp Mystic. By late Friday morning, dozens of swift-water rescues had already been performed, and rescue operations were still underway well into the afternoon in Kerrville, a city of 25,000 people about 100 miles west of Austin. Just hours before hitting Kerrville, the same storm sent a home in San Angelo — about 164 miles northwest — floating down the road in floodwaters. The storm system wreaked havoc as Texas experiences a wetter-than-normal summer, despite early forecasts predicting below-average rainfall and warmer-than-usual temperatures. Several other deadly flash flooding events have hit Austin and San Antonio since late May. According to the Climate Prediction Center, Texas should continue to expect above-normal chances for precipitation through at least next week. All Kerr County residents who live near the Guadalupe River have been asked to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground. Other area residents are encouraged to shelter in place and avoid travel, according to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office. Gov. Greg Abbott addressed the "devastating flooding," saying the state is "surging all available resources to respond.' 'That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety," Abbott said in a statement. "The immediate priority is saving lives.' Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick cautioned residents in his own statement. 'I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials," Patrick said. A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding, according to the National Weather Service. It doesn't guarantee flooding will occur, but it means flooding is possible. A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already happening, USA TODAY reported. If you're in a flood-prone area during a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately. Flash floods can even occur in areas that aren't receiving rain, the National Weather Service warns. The NWS says flooding is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, with flash floods accounting for a significant portion of these deaths . This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas flooding turns deadly, several kids missing from Camp Mystic
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Officials confirm deaths after flash floods in central Texas
(Reuters) -Several people were missing and an unconfirmed number of people had died after torrential rains caused flash floods in central Texas on Friday, according to local authorities. The U.S. National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency advisory for the Llano River in Mason County, about 120 miles (193 km) north of San Antonio, Texas. The Llano River had risen very rapidly and the weather service warned those living near the river of "a life threatening situation!" In Kerr County, about 90 miles south of Mason County, the Sheriff's Office reported "catastrophic flooding" in the area, resulting in several people missing and "confirmed loss of life." The Kerr County authorities did not provide more details on the deaths, but local media reported that at least six people had died. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said he was coordinating with the state's emergency response team on the flooding. "Additional rain is forecast in those areas. Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas. There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas," Patrick said in a post on social media platform X.
