Does size matter in a tornado? In other words, do the biggesttornadoes produce the strongest winds and thus the most damage? Oneprominent tornado researcher says "yes, bigger equals stronger". Butonly as a general rule, when you study a large number oftornadoes. Experts will tell you, however, you can't determine fromlooking at the size of a tornado whether it will be weak or strong.
Thereare exceptions to any rule. No doubt large "wedge" or "stove pipe"tornadoes can produce damage on a wider scale, since their paths covermore ground side-to-side. But not all large tornadoes produce topwinds. Experienced storm chasers say even tornadoes that appear as"ropes" can still pack quite a punch. There's a correlation here withfigure skaters, who can spin faster when they bring their arms closerto their body.
Keep in mind that all tornadoes are classifiedby the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which estimates a tornado's wind speed bythe damage left behind. Even a much-stronger tornado can leave behindonly F0 or F1 (minor) damage depending on where the damage occurredrelative to the strongest circulation.
