May 27, 2011
By Annie Vaughan
5/26/11
Survivors of the series of deadly tornadoes that have swept the U.S. in the past week have had first-hand experience with their shocking and intense power.
Indeed, tornadoes are so rapid and forceful the body may not have time to adjust to the pressure drop, experts told FoxNews.com. Within their vortex, a vacuum effect occurs -- and the negative pressure and upward winds can literally suck the air right out of people's lungs.
“It would be impossible for the person to draw in breath -- and if this lasts longer than three minutes it could prove fatal,” pulmonary specialist Dr. Len Horovitz told FoxNews.com.
Other dramatic tales of death and survival bear witness to the tornado's powerful might. Read More
