Which Is Worse: Hurricanes or Tornadoes?

Sept. 17, 2004 -- -- Hurricanes can pack a double punch as they roar through a region. Not only do they lash out with winds and rain, some also spin out deadly tornadoes. Hurricanes may produce tornadoes, but, as far as storms go, the two are very different kinds of creatures.

Tornadoes, as defined by the National Weather Service, are "a violently rotating column of air with the ground and pendant from a thunderstorm," that can host winds with an estimated speed of up to 200-300 mph.

Hurricanes, on the other hand, are powerful tropical storms that develop in a circular pattern over tropical or subtropical waters. Hurricane winds reach 74 mph or faster.

So, which is worse? Meteorologists say the call depends on what you're comparing. While tornadoes may be more intense storms, hurricanes tend to stick around much longer, cover more ground and cause more damage.

Here's a look at both kinds of storms, as assessed with information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Intensity

Winds from the strongest tornadoes far outblow those from the strongest hurricanes. The strongest tornadoes — those in categories 4 and 5 — have estimated winds of 207 mph and higher, while the strongest hurricanes — those of 4 and 5 rating — have winds of 131 mph and higher.

Size and Scope

A tornado's width is generally measured on the scale of hundreds of meters and the twisters are produced from a single storm, such as a thunderstorm.

The breadth of a tropical cyclone is measured on the scale of hundreds of miles and is made up of several to dozens of convective storms.

Formation

Tornadoes generally form over land as heat from the land surface causes air to rise. The rising humid air eventually cools and condenses into huge clouds, forming thunderstorms. The air rising into the storm clouds is called an updraft, and this is where tornadoes form.