Meteorologists Call Out Trump For Falsely Claiming Tennessee ‘Tornadoes Were Of Record Size & Velocity’

Meteorologists on Wednesday were quick to fact-check a false claim made by President Trump on Twitter after he incorrectly claimed that the deadly tornadoes that ravaged portions of Tennessee on Tuesday “were of record size & velocity.”

“I will be going to the Great State of Tennessee on Friday,” Trump tweeted. “The USA stands with the people of Tennessee 100%, whatever they need! The tornadoes were of record size & velocity.”

“God bless your loved ones & all of the families affected! Thanks to @GovBillLee & @MarshaBlackburn,” he added.

I will be going to the Great State of Tennessee on Friday. The USA stands with the people of Tennessee 100%, whatever they need! The tornadoes were of record size & velocity. God bless your loved ones & all of the families affected! Thanks to @GovBillLee & @MarshaBlackburn

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2020

Atmospheric scientist Matthew Cappucci responded to the false claim on Twitter, writing: “The tornadoes in Tennessee were devastating and tragic, but they did not break size or velocity records. Velocity record: 301 mph. May 3, 1999 near Moore, Oklahoma.”

“Size record: 2.6 miles in diameter. May 31, 2013,” he added. “Facts are integral in the field of science and record-keeping.”

The tornadoes in Tennessee were devastating and tragic, but they did not break size or velocity records.

Velocity record: 301 mph. May 3, 1999 near Moore, Oklahoma.

Size record: 2.6 miles in diameter. May 31, 2013.

Facts are integral in the field of science and record-keeping. pic.twitter.com/pVCE1BDfe1

— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) March 4, 2020

Tennessee tornadoes were bad, no doubt about it, but they were NOT of record size and velocity for the state. There was a F5 in 1998… and it's looking likely that none of tornadoes this week was of that strength. #TNwx https://t.co/Xs4JonGVJp

— Kyle Noël (@KyleNoel15) March 4, 2020

I am not sure they were of "record size and velocity", but they were damaging because of the populated area these storms hit. https://t.co/r0WvsLT9A7

— Nick Kraynok (@Nick_Weather) March 4, 2020

Though obviously the result was still tragic, the tornadoes were neither of record size nor record velocity. It was a horrible mix of strong tornadoes moving through densely populated areas in the middle of the night. https://t.co/hWK4lmK3g2

— Phil DeCastro (@PhilDWx) March 4, 2020

Rescue workers on Wednesday combed through some shattered middle Tennessee neighborhoods after tornadoes ripped through the region, killing at least 24, some of whom have been identified.

The storm left destruction in its wake as it leveled homes and businesses, snapped trees and utility poles and scattered debris and shattered glass. Thousands remain without power.