Weather Tidbits: The Enhanced Fujita Scale

This edition of Weather Tidbits will be discussing the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF scale). The EF scale is a classification system used to rate the strength of a tornado based on damage surveys done by the National Weather Service (NWS) after a tornadic event. The NWS will rate the tornado’s strength based on the magnitude of the damage. The EF scale uses set increments of estimated wind speeds on a scale from EF0 to EF5. The wind speeds are purely estimations and not measurements.

The EF0 rating features winds between 65-85 mph. This can minorly damage tree branches and roof shingles, as well as cause power outages. The EF1 rating features winds between 86-110 mph. This can topple powerlines, uproot trees, and cause significant roof damage. The EF2 rating features winds between 111-135 mph. This can flip over cars and blow away roofs. The EF3 rating features winds between 136-165 mph. This can debark trees, displace vehicles, and destroy home floors. The EF4 rating features winds between 166-200 mph. This can strip landscapes, destroy entire homes, and lift cars airborne. The EF5 rating features winds over 200 mph. At this point, grass and some concrete are ripped completely from the ground, and homes are swept away.