Europe’s most recent IF4, South Moravia, was a great example of how strong European construction is. The contextual evidence (grass scouring, cobblestone scoured from the ground, massive concrete slabs shifted, extreme tree and vehicle damage) made it clear that it was a high-end violent event, but very few homes along the path were fully leveled. Also I have to say, Catania is not only one of the most violent European tornadoes I have ever looked into, but honestly some of the most violent damage I’ve heard of in general. Montville also seems like it could have been extremely violent, but I don’t have as much info on that one. Overall, I don’t think it’s common knowledge here in the states just how incredibly well thick masonry construction holds up in violent tornadoes (which is also why Mayfield needs an upgrade based on that church).
By the way, does anyone remember a potential IF5 candidate from coastal Spain (or maybe Portugal?) that occurred centuries ago? I can’t remember the exact year or location, but recall that it formed over the ocean, moved inland, and leveled very large masonry buildings like monasteries, root balled and lofted large trees through the air, and hurled huge chunks of masonry walls long distances. I also recall eyewitnesses saying the tornado was massive and accompanied by an all consuming nighttime-like darkness, just like Joplin. Does that ring a bell for anyone?
