What caused the Super Outbreak of 2011?
The outbreak was caused by a vigorous upper-level trough that moved into the Southern Plains states on April 25. An extratropical cyclone developed ahead of this upper-level trough between northeastern Oklahoma and western Missouri, and moved northeastward.
How many tornadoes were produced during the massive outbreak 2011?
It was the largest outbreak of tornadoes ever recorded; preliminary estimates suggested that more than 300 tornadoes occurred across 15 states. The number of deaths caused by the outbreak was, according to initial estimates, at least 340.
Was Tuscaloosa an EF5?
The National Weather Service determined the path length of this violent tornado to be 80.68 miles (129.84 km) with a maximum damage path width of 1.5 miles (2.4 km), or 2,600 yards (2,400 m). The final rating of this tornado was a source of controversy, as some survey teams concluded EF5 damage, while others did not.
How many tornadoes occurred on April 27th 2011?
In total, there were about 360 tornadoes that touched down across 26 states — marking a new record for a continuous outbreak. Nearly 25% of the 360 were strong to violent on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The tornadoes that tore across Alabama alone carved a total path length of about 1,200 miles.
Can you breathe inside a tornado?
Researchers estimate that the density of the air would be 20% lower than what’s found at high altitudes. To put this in perspective, breathing in a tornado would be equivalent to breathing at an altitude of 8,000 m (26,246.72 ft). At that level, you generally need assistance to be able to breathe.
What circumstances led to all the tornadoes in April 2011?
A strong upper level low pressure system moved across the northern Plains and the associated cold front tapped into a very moist and unstable atmosphere, producing an extraordinary tornado outbreak across the southeastern United States.
How many died in Alabama tornado?
At least six people were killed in tornadoes that knocked out power lines, downed trees and damaged homes in Alabama and Georgia, officials said Friday. Authorities in Newnan, Georgia, said the city of around 39,000 “experienced heavy damage in and around the historic downtown area.”
Why was 2011 so unusual for strong tornadoes?
“The jet stream, which is that powerful river of air aloft over the country, turned out to be very strong this year. It had very high wind speeds in it. And it was moving over tornado alley, where we tend to get cold, dry air from Canada colliding with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.