Prepare for the Cadet Competition Written Exam. Dive into challenging multiple-choice questions with comprehensive hints and explanations. Ace your cadet test with confidence and excel in your journey to becoming a top cadet!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the peak wind speed typically associated with a tornado?

  1. 80 mph

  2. 110 mph

  3. 130 mph

  4. 200 mph

The correct answer is: 200 mph

The peak wind speed typically associated with a tornado can reach extremely high values, with some of the strongest tornadoes exhibiting wind speeds that can exceed 200 mph. These intense winds are responsible for the significant destruction caused by tornadoes as they can uproot trees, demolish buildings, and produce debris that can act like projectiles. It's important to acknowledge that while tornadoes can have wind speeds that fluctuate, the most severe categories (like EF4 and EF5 tornadoes, based on the Enhanced Fujita scale) are characterized by such high wind speeds, often exceeding 200 mph. This level of wind energy is rare and significantly contributes to the classification of tornado strength and impacts. Comparatively, the other options signify lower wind speeds that do not capture the maximum potential of tornadoes. Wind speeds of 80 mph, 110 mph, and 130 mph are certainly strong but do not encompass the full extent of what the strongest tornadoes can achieve.