What damage do hurricanes and tornadoes cause?

Hurricanes cause damage in a variety of ways. The powerful winds of a hurricane can damage roofs and siding, bring down trees and power lines, and destroy some weak structures. These winds also drive seawater onto land, which causes major coastal flooding. The force of the waves and storm surge can wipe out coastal areas. Torrential rainfall from hurricanes can cause severe inland flooding.

Tornadoes have extremely intense rotating winds that can be much stronger than those in a hurricane. Unlike the vast majority of hurricanes, the winds of many tornadoes are strong enough to destroy well-built structures, sometimes completely obliterating them. Damage in a tornado can range from minor loss of singles and siding, to entire neighborhoods being blown away.