The F (EF) rating for tornadoes

The F rating, also known as the Fujita scale or the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, is a system used to measure the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. It was developed by Dr. Theodore Fujita in 1971 and later updated in collaboration with Allen Pearson. The scale ranges from EF0 to EF5, with EF0 being the weakest and EF5 being the most severe. The F rating of a tornado is determined by surveying the damage it leaves behind after it has passed.

Here's a breakdown of the different F ratings:

1. EF0 (65-85 mph): Tornadoes in this category cause light damage. They can break branches off trees, damage weak structures, and push over poorly anchored signs.

2. EF1 (86-110 mph): EF1 tornadoes cause moderate damage. They can peel off roofs, snap large tree branches, and overturn mobile homes.

3. EF2 (111-135 mph): Tornadoes in this category cause considerable damage. They can demolish mobile homes, tear roofs off frame houses, and uproot large trees.

4. EF3 (136-165 mph): EF3 tornadoes cause severe damage. They can destroy well-built houses, strip roofs off industrial buildings, and uproot or snap large trees.

5. EF4 (166-200 mph): Tornadoes in this category cause devastating damage. They can level well-constructed houses, debark trees, and obliterate large structures.

6. EF5 (Over 200 mph): EF5 tornadoes cause incredible damage. They can sweep away entire houses and debark trees, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

It's important to note that the Enhanced Fujita scale takes into account different types of structures and vegetation to determine the tornado's intensity. This means that the same tornado may receive different F ratings based on the types of buildings and trees it encounters during its path.

The EF scale has largely replaced the original Fujita scale due to its more accurate assessment of tornado damage. By using the EF scale, meteorologists can provide more detailed information about a tornado's intensity and potential impact on communities, helping people better prepare for severe weather events.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model