A Bursticane is the rapid collapse of a thunderstorm onto itself, which creates a rapid outflow downburst (ROD), generating localized extremely high winds lasting only a few minutes. It is a more intense version of the closely related microburst, which does not exceed Hurricane force.

The Bursticane typically occurs so rapidly that there are few if any predictors.

The first officially recognized Bursticane took place in midtown Tulsa, OK on 6/5/2006. It was a Class 1 Bursticane (evidenced by wind speeds in the 80-85 mph range).

Reussorian Scale of Bursticane Classifications:

Bursticane Class 1 : 74 - 95 mph : Light to moderate damage to buildings. Damage to unanchored mobile homes, poorly constructed signs. Broken tree limbs. Some small trees uprooted/blown down.

Bursticane Class 2 : 96 - 110 mph : Some damage to building roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to mobile homes. Scattered areas of trees uprooted/blown down.

Bursticane Class 3 : 111 - 130 mph : Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings. Large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly built signs destroyed.

Bursticane Class 4 : 131 - 155 mph : More extensive structural failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. May also spawn small Tornados and/or Gustnados.

Bursticane Class 5 : 156 mph & over : Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures. Massive devastation to trees.