How do Mobile Homes Typically Fare in Tornadoes?

Though only about 7 percent of homes in the United States are mobile homes, more than 40 percent of all tornado deaths in the U.S. involve mobile home residents. In fact, studies show that people are almost 10 times more likely to die in a tornado if they are in a mobile home rather than a permanent home.

More facts about mobile homes and tornadoes:

• The state with the highest percentage of housing units that are mobiles homes is South Carolina, where almost one-fifth of all homes are mobile homes.


• Even mobile homes with tornado "tie downs" are not safe during a tornado — winds from even a F0 tornado, the lowest classification, can do serious damage.


• Mobile home parks are particularly dangerous during tornadoes because of the way the homes are often placed close together, making more debris to fly around in a smaller area when the houses get hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mobile homes typically fare in tornadoes compared to traditional homes?

Mobile homes are significantly more vulnerable to tornadoes than traditional homes. According to the National Weather Service, mobile homes can be completely destroyed by tornadoes, even those with lower EF ratings. Traditional homes may sustain damage but often remain partially intact, especially if built with tornado-resistant features.

What factors contribute to the vulnerability of mobile homes in tornadoes?

The construction and anchoring systems of mobile homes contribute to their vulnerability. They are often not anchored to a permanent foundation, and their lighter frame construction can't withstand the intense wind forces of a tornado as well as site-built homes, making them more prone to overturning or being swept away.

Are there safety measures that can improve a mobile home's resistance to tornadoes?

While no mobile home can be made completely tornado-proof, certain safety measures can improve resistance. Installing a proper anchoring system, using a reinforced shelter or safe room, and following guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for strengthening ties and foundation can all help reduce risk during a tornado.

What should residents of mobile homes do when a tornado warning is issued?

Residents of mobile homes should evacuate to a more secure building or a storm shelter immediately upon a tornado warning. FEMA advises that even with tie-downs, mobile homes are not safe in tornadoes. Seeking shelter in a nearby permanent structure is the best course of action for personal safety.

How do building codes and standards affect the safety of mobile homes in tornado-prone areas?

Building codes and standards play a crucial role in the safety of mobile homes. Stricter codes, such as those enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since 1976, have improved the wind resistance of mobile homes, but they still fall short of the safety provided by permanent homes built to local codes in tornado-prone areas.

What is the statistical likelihood of a mobile home being hit by a tornado?

The statistical likelihood of a mobile home being hit by a tornado is not significantly higher than that of a traditional home; however, the impact is often more severe. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, mobile homes make up a disproportionate number of the structures destroyed by tornadoes due to their vulnerability.