People who find themselves in a twister's path may not have time for subtle distinctions as they run and duck for cover. Carrying winds as light as 40 mph and topping out at 72 miles per hour, it can break tree branches, damage signs or maybe wrench a brick or two from a chimney. It can peel off roofs, push mobile homes off their foundations or blow vehicles off the road. With winds as high as 157 mph, mobile homes can be demolished and large trees snapped.
Small objects can become airborne missiles.
Winds can reach 206 mph. A devastating tornado, or F-4, has wind speeds that can reach 260 mph. It will level well-constructed houses and even pick up structures with weak foundations and blow them some distance. Cars are thrown, and large objects become missiles. If hit by an F-5, even strong frame houses will be lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances.