A tornado can be considered a(n) _______________.

A tornado is classified as a threat because it represents a potential cause of harm or adverse impact to assets within a given environment. In the context of risk management, a threat is anything—natural or human-made—that can exploit a vulnerability and adversely affect an asset. Tornadoes can lead to significant damage, impacting infrastructure, property, and safety, which makes them a clear example of a threat.

In a risk analysis framework, understanding threats such as tornadoes is crucial for evaluating potential risks. By identifying tornadoes as threats, organizations can better prepare by implementing mitigation strategies, such as emergency response plans, insurance, and physical protections for critical assets.

Assets refer to resources that need protection, risks are the likelihood of loss or damage, and vulnerabilities identify weaknesses that can be exploited by threats. In this case, while tornadoes create a risk environment, they themselves are best identified as threats in the context of risk management.