Tornado VS. Hurricane: Know the Difference

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Knowing the difference between a tornado and a hurricane could be crucial to your safety.

Natural disasters occur often and are almost completely out of our control. While some areas are more prone to certain forces of nature, we are all impacted in some way or another. When it comes to fires and floods, you can sometimes prepare for it, prevent it, and even control it at times. This is not the case in regards to the windy variety of natural disasters. Both hurricanes and tornadoes alike can be destructive and devastating. But, what are the main differences between the two?

While both of these phenomena are alike in that they both produce powerful and destructive swirling winds, they still have their differences. One of the biggest differentiation between the two is the size and time length. While tornadoes are usually no more than a few hundred feet wide, hurricanes can span up to hundreds of miles (in diameter). Additionally, while occasionally tornadoes can form over water (water spouts), they are mostly land prominent - unlike hurricanes. The energy that creates a hurricane comes from warm ocean waters, as opposed to tornadoes that form from powerful updrafts of wind that eventually twist as they rise. 

Depending on what part of the country you live in, one might be of more concern than another. However, oftentimes a hurricane will impact hundreds of miles away (even other states). Both of these natural disasters can wreak havoc on homes and businesses alike. From debris caught in the wind to mass amounts of rain. Structures become susceptible to fire, storm damage, water problems, and more. If you find that a tornado or hurricane has impacted your home or business, give us a call, we can help you get back to normal in no time.