Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

Question:  Have there ever been any tornadoes in the bay area?
How strong is a tornado?
 jh

Answer 1:  Which bay area?
 jade hawk

Answer 2:
If you are talking about the SF bay area, then probably not.  The
cold currents off the coast do not generally support the amount
of lift required for rapid thunderstorm or other convective activity.
That is not to say that it couldn't happen, though....
No.2:  Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes, from those that
are relatively minor (knock down a few trees or a couple of branches),
to those that are so massive, that they have no comparison in any
of natures other storms (such as the one 2-1/2 years ago here in
northern Illinois that wiped out a whole town, or in southern Wisconsin
that eliminated the whole town of Barneveldt).
There is a video that has been produced by WGN-TV (out of Chicago)
called "It sounded like a freight train".  It may be available at your
library or from WGN in Chicago.  That will give you a good idea about
how these storms are created and how powerful they can be.
Hope this helps
-- dipper