Can a Tornado Pick Up a Car? And Why Do Tornadoes Have a Sweet Tooth for Metal?

Can a Tornado Pick Up a Car? And Why Do Tornadoes Have a Sweet Tooth for Metal?

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most awe-inspiring and terrifying phenomena. With wind speeds that can exceed 300 miles per hour, these swirling vortexes of destruction have the power to uproot trees, demolish buildings, and, yes, even pick up cars. But how exactly does a tornado manage to lift a vehicle weighing several thousand pounds? And why does it seem to have a peculiar fascination with metal objects? Let’s dive into the science, myths, and oddities surrounding tornadoes and their relationship with cars.


The Physics of Tornadoes and Cars

At the heart of a tornado’s ability to pick up a car lies the concept of lift force. Tornadoes generate incredibly strong updrafts, which are columns of rapidly rising air. When these updrafts interact with objects on the ground, they create a pressure differential. The low pressure inside the tornado combined with the high-speed winds can generate enough lift to overcome the weight of a car.

Cars, being relatively flat and broad, are particularly susceptible to these forces. The wind can get underneath the vehicle, creating an upward pressure that can lift it off the ground. Once airborne, the car becomes a projectile, subject to the whims of the tornado’s chaotic winds.


The Role of Wind Speed

The strength of a tornado is measured on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, which ranges from EF0 (weak) to EF5 (catastrophic). An EF0 tornado, with wind speeds of 65-85 mph, might only cause minor damage to cars, such as broken windows or dented panels. However, an EF5 tornado, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph, can easily lift cars and hurl them hundreds of feet through the air.

Interestingly, the shape and weight distribution of a car play a significant role in whether it gets picked up. A lightweight, boxy vehicle like a compact car is more likely to be lifted than a heavy, aerodynamic sedan. SUVs and trucks, despite their weight, can also be vulnerable due to their larger surface area.


Why Metal? The Tornado’s Sweet Tooth

One of the most curious aspects of tornadoes is their apparent affinity for metal objects. From cars to trailers to entire roofs, tornadoes seem to have a knack for targeting metal. This phenomenon can be explained by a combination of factors:

  1. Conductivity and Heat: Metal objects conduct heat more efficiently than other materials. In the intense environment of a tornado, where friction and pressure changes generate heat, metal objects may become more susceptible to being lifted due to thermal expansion.

  2. Aerodynamic Properties: Metal surfaces are often smooth and flat, making them ideal for wind to get underneath and create lift. A car’s metal body, for example, acts like a wing when exposed to high-speed winds.

  3. Magnetic Myths: Some people speculate that tornadoes have a magnetic attraction to metal, but this is purely a myth. Tornadoes are driven by atmospheric forces, not magnetism.


The Aftermath: Cars as Projectiles

When a tornado picks up a car, the consequences can be devastating. The vehicle becomes a high-speed projectile, capable of causing significant damage to anything in its path. In some cases, cars have been found embedded in buildings or wrapped around trees after being tossed by a tornado.

The danger isn’t just limited to the car itself. Debris from the vehicle, such as shattered glass and metal fragments, can become deadly shrapnel. This is why experts advise seeking shelter in a sturdy, windowless room during a tornado, rather than attempting to outrun it in a car.


Tornado Safety: What to Do If You’re in a Car

If you find yourself driving when a tornado strikes, your options are limited. Here are some tips to increase your chances of survival:

  1. Seek Shelter Immediately: If you’re near a sturdy building, go inside and take cover in a basement or interior room.
  2. Avoid Overpasses: Contrary to popular belief, hiding under an overpass is extremely dangerous. The structure can act as a wind tunnel, increasing the speed of the tornado’s winds.
  3. Stay Low: If you’re caught in the open, abandon your car and lie flat in a ditch or depression. Cover your head and neck to protect against flying debris.

The Curious Case of Tornadoes and Cars

Tornadoes and cars have a strange, almost cinematic relationship. From the iconic image of a car spinning in the air to the bizarre stories of vehicles being carried miles away, the interaction between these two forces is both fascinating and terrifying.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the unpredictability. Why does one car get lifted while another, parked just a few feet away, remains untouched? The answer lies in the chaotic nature of tornadoes, where small differences in wind speed, pressure, and object orientation can lead to vastly different outcomes.


FAQs

Q: Can a tornado pick up a tank?
A: While it’s highly unlikely, an EF5 tornado with wind speeds over 200 mph could theoretically lift lighter military vehicles. However, a main battle tank, weighing over 60 tons, would be far too heavy.

Q: Why do tornadoes seem to target mobile homes?
A: Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable due to their lightweight construction and lack of a solid foundation. They offer little resistance to the powerful winds of a tornado.

Q: Can a tornado pick up a car with people inside?
A: Yes, tornadoes can lift cars with passengers inside. This is why it’s crucial to avoid driving during a tornado warning and to seek shelter immediately.

Q: Do tornadoes prefer certain colors of cars?
A: No, tornadoes are not influenced by the color of a car. The likelihood of a car being picked up depends on its weight, shape, and the tornado’s strength.

Q: Can a tornado pick up a car and drop it gently?
A: While it’s theoretically possible for a car to be set down relatively intact, the violent nature of tornadoes usually results in significant damage upon impact.