Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

Author:     sirwin
Text:       Has there ever been a weather situation where a tall building such 
as a skyscraper has been in the path of a tornado?  If so, would the building 
be affected in any way?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      Jim Allsopp
Text:        Two downtown tornadoes come to mind. May 11, 1970, a tornado 
struck Lubbock, Texas.  There was an article on it in the August 1970 issue of 
Weatherwise.  You may be able to find it at a library.  Another tornado went 
right through the center of Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 13, 1980.  In general, 
high rise buildings will sustain severe window damage.  Once the wind gets 
inside, there can be severe damage to offices and apartments near the windows.  
Interior hallways, closets, bathrooms and stairwells should be relatively 
safe.  Most tall buildings are engineered with strong enough foundations and 
steel framing to withstand tornado force winds.