Final answer:
The statement is true; EF5 tornadoes typically only reach peak wind speeds over a small area and for a brief time relative to their entire path, despite being capable of extreme destruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tornadoes are one of nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena, capable of producing extreme wind speeds. In particular, EF5 tornadoes represent the highest level of intensity on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. The statement that EF5 tornadoes typically exhibit EF5 winds only briefly in their lifetime and only over a small area relative to the entire damage path of the tornado is true. Although tornadoes can reach incredibly high wind speeds of up to 500 km/h (approximately 300 miles/h), these maxima are not sustained throughout the entire lifespan or over the entire path of the tornado.
The most intense winds tend to occur in the narrowest part of the funnel, where the rate of rotation increases due to the conservation of angular momentum. This is similar to how an ice skater spins faster when they pull their arms in close to their body. However, the size of the area and the duration over which these extreme winds occur can be limited due to factors such as changes in atmospheric conditions, interaction with the ground, and the tornado's lifecycle.
Despite the relatively small area and short duration of peak wind speeds, EF5 tornadoes have the power to cause incredible destruction, ripping apart well-built homes and even launching objects like cars through the air. The sheer intensity of these winds can indeed blow houses away as if they were made of paper and, as noted, have been known to drive straws into tree trunks - a testament to the raw destructive power of tornadoes.
Understanding tornado mechanics is essential for tornado prediction and preparing communities for potential disasters. Meteorologists use measurements of atmospheric rotation to forecast the likelihood of tornado formation, which is a key aspect of severe weather warnings and disaster preparedness processes. Therefore, the fleeting presence of EF5-level winds does not diminish the importance of accurately predicting and communicating risks associated with all levels of tornadoes.