Do tornadoes hit mobile home parks more often?

It’s common to hear, or see on the news, that tornadoes seem to strike mobile home parks more frequently. As if the residents of these homes don't already face enough stereotypes – with negative media portrayals and the eerie suggestion that nature is targeting these structures, trailer parks are often unfairly stigmatized.

Let’s start by dispelling the myth: mobile homes do not ‘attract’ tornadoes. (Other common but untrue tornado myths include the belief that opening windows during a storm helps equalize pressure and prevent structural damage, or that a large body of water can stop a tornado.) Tornadoes strike indiscriminately – they don’t target trailer parks more than any other structures. The key fact is that tornadoes cause destruction, period.

Why does it seem like tornadoes specifically cause more damage to trailer parks, as if they're being picked on by Mother Nature? Mobile homes, lacking sturdy foundations and built with lighter materials, tend to endure significant damage during storms [source: MacMath]. Heavier and more secure structures are far more resilient when facing extreme weather. It's clear that mobile homes are more vulnerable compared to robust concrete buildings during a tornado.

Sadly, this means residents of mobile homes are 10 to 20 times more likely to be killed by a tornado compared to those living in non-mobile homes [source: Wolfson]. Mobile homes are far more vulnerable to even weaker tornadoes; while sturdier buildings may withstand a 100 mph (161 kph) tornado, a lightweight mobile home could be overturned by winds as low as 55 mph (89 kph) [source: MacMath].

Another factor? The media often fixates on more dramatic images of destruction, and the wreckage of trailer parks makes for more sensational headlines. We see more coverage of devastated trailer parks in the news.

However, an interesting study sheds light on why tornadoes seem to hit trailer parks more often. A Purdue University research team discovered that tornadoes often strike in "transition zones," areas where urban spaces meet rural land or where forests give way to farmland. These sudden shifts in landscape can trigger extreme weather [source: van Hoose]. Trailer parks are commonly located on the outskirts of cities, often placing them in geographic areas more prone to tornado activity.

Remember, the safest course of action – no matter where you live – is to seek a secure, designated shelter when a tornado is near. It’s clear that those in manufactured homes face a higher risk of damage. Be extra cautious and allow yourself enough time to evacuate if necessary.