Tornadoes are not rare in the Centennial State. This is why many residents make doubly sure that such damage is covered by their insurance Colorado policy. How high are the odds of you experiencing damage during a tornado? The amount of destruction left in the wake of a cyclone depends greatly on its strength. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there are three basic categories of tornadoes.

•The majority of tornados are considered “weak” – an estimated 69 percent fit into this group. They typically last 10 minutes or less and have a wind speed of no more than 109 MPH. Such tornadoes are deemed responsible for the least amount of tornado-related deaths, at less than 5 percent.
•“Strong” tornados make up about 29 percent of the total number of tornadoes that form. Almost 30 percent of all deaths related to tornados occur during these storms’ lifespan, which is usually 20 minutes or longer. Winds may reach a maximum of 205 MPH.
•Only an estimated 2 percent of all twisters are considered “violent”. The majority of tornado deaths, around 70 percent, are caused by these severe windstorms. With wind speeds over 205 MPH, such tornados could cause destruction for over an hour.

It is important to note that these classes of tornados differ from the classification scale under the Enhanced Fujita scale, and that a “weak” tornado can still have the potential to cause significant damage. You should follow recommended procedures or immediately seek shelter in the event of a tornado, regardless of its classification. Only once the danger has passed should you begin to document the damage and contact your insurance Colorado agent.

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