Will it ever be possible to have an EF-6 tornado, or one with wind speeds in excess of 318 mph or 399 mph?

Answer 1

With the new fujita scale, it is mathematically possible to have an EF-6 but they have it any tornado with winds over 200 mph is an EF-5. The strongest tornado ever recorded was by the doppler on wheels is 318 mph on May 3,1999 in Moore, OK. Remember that the fujita scale is based on how much damage occurs from the tornado. There will probably never be a tornado with winds over 320mph.

Answer 2

The only way to get as close as possible accurate measurements of wind speeds within a tornado would be to have a doppler radar nearby to gather the data.
Dr. Josh Wurman used his "Doppler on Wheels" to measure the fastest wind speed ever recorded on Earth at 318 mph in Moore, Oklahoma on May 3, 1999 from an F-5 tornado.
You have to be in the right place and the right time along with a portable doppler radar standing by in order to measure a tornado's wind speeds.

It is conceivable to have a tornado with winds greater than 318 mph only under the perfect conditions. If it does indeed occur, it will probably be the first and last time it occurs.

Answer 3

It is very difficult for extreme wind speeds to be reached at the surface of the earth because of the viscosity of air. Friction reduces wind speed the closer you get to the earth's surface. It is more likely for those wind speeds to be achieved higher up in the tornado.

Note added later: The Greensburg, Kansas tornado was an EF-5 tornado, not an "EF-6." This is on the Dodge City, KS NWS website http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=ddc&storyid=8608&source=0

Another note: there is a difference between wind speeds recorded by Doppler radar and those measured by standard anemometers. Official surface wind speeds are measured at '"anemometer height" and Doppler radars sample volumes of air located above the surface of the earth. Radar wind speeds are not accepted for surface wind speed records and so it is incorrect to compare the Mt. Washington wind speeds with Doppler-derived wind speeds. Doppler wind speeds necessarily translate to much lower wind speeds at anemometer height.

Answer 4

Only on giant Planets with varied Gaseous Atmosperes.

Answer 5

Apparently the highest windspeed record on earth stands at 231 miles per hour at present (see source), so it's not probable. Physically is a possibility? I don't see why not, but ick- talk about a 'perfect' storm!

Answer 6

yes , greensburg , kansas EF-6 tornado

first tornado to top the scale in usa.....
big suprise for sciensts at NOAA and NWS

Answer 7

Yes, historically already has occured.