When/Where was the most dangerous Tornado recorded in human history?
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Tri-State Tornado - March 18, 1925
One of the most well documented tornadoes that hit the United States plowed through the Tri-State region of Missouri, southern Illinois and parts of southwest Indiana. The 219-mile path of destruction that the tornado left behind killed 695 people and injured an incredible 2,771 people, while causing a massive loss in property. The tornado probably a F5 is the next to the most destructive category of tornado with a sustained wind speed of 261 mph to 318 mph and has the power to destroy strong wood framed houses and cause noticeable damage to steel-reinforced concrete buildings in its path.
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The average wind speeds in most tornadoes are about 112 mph (180 km/h) or less. Winds in the most extreme tornadoes can be over 300 mph (500 km/h).
F-5 tornadoes are the most dangerous type (and the rarest type).
F-5 tornado -261-318 mph, Violent damage, homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, autos thrown as far as 100 meters.
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The only classification higher (on the old Fujita scale) than an F5 is an F6 - and that is what is classified as an "inconceivable tornado." In other words, a tornado that can't happen. No tornado has ever been classified as an F6.
One of the reasons for the new "enhanced" Fujita (EF) scale to measure tornado power is that it is very difficult to determine the difference between an F4 and an F5 tornado using the scale of damage afterwards. The only sure way is to have a Doppler radar nearby (mobile) and have that determine the wind speeds in the vortex.
As to the most powerful tornado ever - no one knows that for sure, but the most destructive was indeed the Tri-State Tornado that devastated portions of three states. It still holds records for most deaths overall, most deaths in one school and distance travelled. It is also one of the fastest in terms of ground speed (70+ mph at one point.) Arguments over whether it was a single tornado or a family of tornadoes will continue forever as no one will ever really know.