How Strong Does A Tornado Have To Be To Throw A Car?

?Have you ever wondered how strong a tornado must be to pick up a car and toss it like a toy?

How Strong Does A Tornado Have To Be To Throw A Car?

You will read clear, simple facts about wind, cars, and damage. You will find steps to protect your home and your claim. You will see how a public adjuster helps you get money from your insurer.

What a tornado does to things

A tornado makes very fast wind. The wind pushes and lifts things. The wind can push things along the ground. The wind can lift things into the air. Cars can move in both ways. The wind can hit a car and make it roll. The wind can lift a car and carry it away.

Why you should care

You own things that cost money. You may own a car. You may own a house. A tornado can damage both. You want your insurance to pay what you deserve. You need help to make your claim clear. A public adjuster helps you with that claim. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you in Florida. They inspect damage for free. They only get paid when you get paid.

The tornado strength scale: EF scale

The EF scale ranks tornadoes by wind speed. The wind speed tells you how strong the tornado is. The scale runs from EF0 to EF5. Higher numbers mean stronger winds. Stronger winds mean more damage.

EF scale and what it means for things

You will read a short list of EF ratings and what they often do to vehicles and homes. Each line uses simple language. Each line links wind speed to likely results.

EF Rating	Wind speed (mph)	What can happen to cars and homes
EF0	65–85	Small damage. Light objects move. Cars stay on the ground.
EF1	86–110	Moderate damage. Cars may roll or slide on slick roads.
EF2	111–135	Large damage. Cars may be pushed, flipped, or moved short distances.
EF3	136–165	Severe damage. Cars can be lifted, flipped, and thrown tens of feet.
EF4	166–200	Devastating damage. Cars often become airborne and fly long distances.
EF5	>200	Incredible damage. Cars can be thrown hundreds of feet and crushed.

You will see that higher EF means more risk to your car. You will also see overlap. Wind speed alone does not always tell the full story.

How wind moves a car: simple physics

Wind pushes on the surface of a car. The push depends on wind speed, car size, and car shape. The wind also creates lift. Lift can pull a car upward. If the lift plus push beat gravity and friction, the car moves.

How weight and shape matter

Your car weight acts down. The wind force acts sideways and up. A light car needs less force to move. A heavy truck needs more force. A boxy car faces more wind than a sleek car. A car with a roof rack catches more wind.

How the ground matters

Friction between the car tires and the road holds the car in place. Wet roads reduce friction. Loose gravel reduces friction. If the road is wet or slippery, the wind can slide your car more easily. If your tires are flat, the car will move easier.

Approximate wind speeds to move or lift cars

You will find simple ranges that match real-life reports. These numbers are estimates. The actual wind needed depends on many things. Use these numbers as a basic guide.

• To slide or roll a small car: about 70–110 mph.
• To flip a small car: about 90–130 mph.
• To lift a small car off the ground: about 120–150 mph.
• To lift an SUV or heavy car: about 140–180 mph.
• To lift and throw a pickup truck: often over 160 mph.
• To throw a very heavy vehicle many feet: often over 180–200+ mph.

These ranges match the EF scale. EF2 and EF3 winds can move many cars. EF4 and EF5 winds can throw cars far.

Real tornado examples that moved cars

You will read a few real examples. These examples show what happens to cars in strong tornadoes.

• Joplin, Missouri 2011 (EF5): The tornado destroyed whole neighborhoods. The tornado threw cars into trees and across large yards. Cars became fuel for fires later. Many cars were moved long distances.
• Moore, Oklahoma 2013 (EF5): The tornado tossed cars and trucks. Vehicles landed far from roads. The tornado crushed cars under debris.
• Many EF3 and EF4 tornadoes: These storms often flip and toss cars. You will see videos that show cars flying in these winds.

You will not find many reliable reports of EF1 or EF0 tornadoes throwing cars. Those storms usually push cars a little or slide them.

Why some cars fly and some do not

You will learn why one car might fly and the next car stay put. The answer uses simple factors.

• Wind speed near the car. If the wind hits the car directly, the force is stronger.
• Wind direction. Crosswinds hit a car differently than headwinds.
• Car orientation. A car sideways to the wind behaves like a sail. A car facing the wind has lower lift.
• Road slope. A car on a hill may roll downhill when wind pushes.
• Debris hits. Debris can break windows and weaken the car. A broken window can let wind lift the car more.
• Water or flood. High water can float a car. The wind can push a floating car more easily.

How debris and collisions increase danger

You will see that the wind itself is not the only threat. Flying debris can hit cars. Debris can cut tires, break windows, and dent frames. A large piece of wood or metal can lift or flip a car if it hits the roof. A car struck by debris can become a projectile itself.

Why debris matters for insurance

You will want to list debris damage in your claim. Your insurer will pay for damage that your policy covers. You must document debris and how it hit your car. A public adjuster will collect photos and proof. This step helps you get the full value of your loss.

Hurricanes vs tornadoes in Florida

You live in Florida, or you know someone who does. Florida has many strong storms but most local tornadoes are smaller than midwest tornadoes. Hurricanes can create tornadoes and very strong sustained winds. Hurricanes also bring water that moves cars by flooding.

What to expect in Florida

You will see more wind and water damage from hurricanes. You will sometimes see tornadoes that spin off from storms. These tornadoes can still flip or move cars. Hurricane winds often last longer. Long wind durations can increase damage.

What to do if your car is thrown or damaged

You will get a step-by-step guide for what to do after damage. Keep your actions simple and calm.

1. Ensure safety first. If you are hurt, get help. Call 911 in an emergency. Do not move if you are badly hurt.
2. Move to a safe place. Go somewhere away from downed lines and broken glass.
3. Take photos. Photograph your car from many angles. Photograph the scene. Photograph debris and nearby damage.
4. Call your insurer. Tell them what happened. Ask about towing and safety.
5. Call a public adjuster. The adjuster inspects damage and helps with your claim. A public adjuster acts for you, not the insurance company.
6. Keep records. Save receipts, tow bills, and repair estimates. Save written notes of calls.
7. Avoid quick repairs that hide damage. Save major repairs until the claim is settled unless emergency repairs are needed to prevent more loss. Take pictures before repairs.

You will see that a careful paper trail helps your claim.

Why call a public adjuster in Florida

You will read the simple reason to call a public adjuster. A public adjuster speaks for you. The adjuster documents the damage. The adjuster prepares the full claim. The adjuster negotiates with the insurer. The adjuster helps you get a fair settlement.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can do this for you in Florida. Otero inspects your property for free. Otero only gets paid when you receive payment. Otero works with homeowners after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wind storms.

Contact information:
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/

How a public adjuster documents car and home damage

You will find a plain list of what a public adjuster looks for. The list helps you see the value of the work.

• Photos from many angles of cars and damage.
• Photos of nearby structures and trees that show wind direction.
• Video of the scene and sound if possible.
• A written inventory of damaged items.
• Estimates from contractors and mechanics.
• Police and tow truck reports.
• Receipts for temporary repairs and storage.
• Statements from witnesses if available.

These things make a claim stronger. You should collect these items before the insurer inspects if you can do so safely.

How insurance pays for a car after tornado damage

You will learn how standard auto and homeowners policies work in simple terms.

• Auto insurance covers damage to your car if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive covers wind, falling objects, and flood if flood is listed in your policy.
• Auto collision covers damage from a crash, not wind by itself.
• Homeowner insurance can cover your detached structures and some vehicles on property, depending on your policy. Some policies cover items inside a garage.
• Flood damage often needs a separate flood policy. Flood is not the same as wind. If your car is moved by high water, flood rules may apply.

You will need to read your specific policy. A public adjuster explains which parts of your loss the insurer should pay. Otero helps with this in Florida.

Common problems in claims and how an adjuster solves them

You will read a list of common claim problems and how a public adjuster fixes them.

• Underpayment: The insurer pays less than the real cost. A public adjuster provides documentation and argues for full value.
• Delayed payment: The insurer takes too long. Your adjuster tracks the claim and pushes for action.
• Denial for unclear cause: The insurer may say the damage came from another cause. The adjuster shows evidence and expert opinions.
• Disputed values: The insurer may use low repair numbers. The adjuster gets contractor estimates and appraisal reports.

You will find that calling an adjuster early helps prevent these problems.

Example claim timeline with a public adjuster

You will see a simple timeline for a typical claim in Florida after a tornado or hurricane.

Step	Timeframe	What happens
Call for help	Day 0	You call a public adjuster and insurer. You secure the scene.
Initial inspection	Day 1–3	The adjuster inspects damage and collects proof. Otero offers free inspection.
Document assembly	Day 2–7	The adjuster gathers estimates, receipts, photos, and reports.
Claim submission	Day 3–10	The adjuster files the claim packet with the insurer.
Negotiation	Day 7–30	The adjuster negotiates with the insurer for a fair payout.
Settlement	Day 10–60	The insurer pays the agreed amount or the case moves to more steps.
Repairs and close	Day 30–90+	Repairs begin after payment. The claim closes when work finishes.

This timeline can change with storm severity and insurer backlog. Florida storms can slow everything during hurricane season.

How to make decisions about repairs and totaled cars

You will get clear advice on repair vs total decisions.

• If repair cost is less than the car value, you usually repair.
• If repair cost is close to or above the car value, the insurer may total the car.
• You will see the actual value in the market and not just the repair bill.
• A public adjuster helps make the value clear to the insurer.

You will want to keep receipts and estimates. You will want to keep the damaged car until the insurer inspects it, unless it is unsafe.

Tips to reduce damage before a storm

You will find simple actions you can take before a storm hits.

• Park your car in a garage if you have one.
• Move your car away from trees and fences.
• Remove loose items from around your yard.
• Fill your gas tank. You avoid running out if you must leave.
• Take photos of your car and property now. These photos help claims later.

These steps do not stop a strong tornado. They can reduce the chance that wind or debris will hit your car.

Myths and facts about cars and tornadoes

You will read clear myths and factual corrections.

• Myth: Only EF5 tornadoes can throw cars.
  Fact: EF3 and EF4 tornadoes can and do throw cars.
• Myth: A big truck cannot move.
  Fact: Strong tornadoes can move almost any vehicle.
• Myth: If the car is in the driveway it is safe.
  Fact: Driveways are often unprotected. Cars in driveways can still be hit or lifted.
• Myth: Insurance always pays full replacement fast.
  Fact: Insurers often dispute value and need negotiation. A public adjuster can help.

Questions your insurer may ask

You will prepare for the questions an insurance company will ask. Have answers ready.

• When did the damage happen? Give date and time.
• Where was the car at the time? Describe location.
• Do you have photos from before and after the event? Send them.
• Do you have repair estimates or tow bills? Save them.
• Did you report to the police? Provide a copy of the report if you did.

A public adjuster can answer these for you or collect the documents.

How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps Florida homeowners

You will learn what Otero does for you after a tornado or hurricane in Florida.

• Otero inspects your property for free. Otero documents damage to houses, outbuildings, and cars.
• Otero prepares a full claim package that shows the true value of your loss.
• Otero negotiates with your insurer. Otero works to get what your policy allows.
• Otero serves homeowners across Florida. Otero knows Florida rules and common storm damage.
• Otero only gets paid when you receive a payment. This fee structure aligns Otero with your goals.

Contact Otero:
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/

How to choose a public adjuster

You will find simple checks before you hire someone.

• Check their license. Florida requires a public adjuster license.
• Ask for references. Talk with other homeowners who used them.
• Ask how they charge. Many adjusters take a percentage of the settlement. Otero only gets paid when you get paid.
• Ask what services they provide. Look for inspections, documentation, and negotiation.
• Ask how they communicate. You want clear and fast answers.

These steps help you pick the right help after a storm.

Common questions homeowners ask

You will find short answers to common questions.

• Will my car be covered? If you have comprehensive auto coverage, your car may be covered. Flood may need a separate policy.
• Can I tow the car? You can tow if it is unsafe, but document first if possible. Keep receipts.
• What if the insurer denies the claim? A public adjuster can appeal and supply more evidence.
• How long will the claim take? Time varies based on damage severity and insurer backlog. Hurricanes slow claims.
• Do I need an attorney? Most cases resolve with a public adjuster. You may need an attorney for unusual disputes.

Simple checklist for after a tornado

You will get a short checklist to follow.

• Ensure safety and call emergency services if needed.
• Take photos of cars, home, and scene.
• Call your insurer to report the claim.
• Call a public adjuster for a free inspection. Consider Otero in Florida.
• Save all receipts and bills.
• Do not sign quick settlement offers without support.
• Get repair estimates from licensed contractors.
• Keep all documents in one folder or box.

Final words and next steps

You will now know how strong a tornado must be to throw a car in simple terms. You will know how to act after the event. You will know how a public adjuster helps you get a fair settlement. You will have clear steps to protect your rights.

If a tornado or hurricane damages your car or home in Florida, call for help. Call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for a free inspection. Let a public adjuster work for you while you focus on safety. Otero has experience with wind, hurricane, water, and fire damage across Florida. Otero only gets paid when you get paid.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/

You can call Otero to start your free inspection. You can ask questions. You can let them handle the claim while you care for your family and your home.