How to Measure Tornadoes: The EF Scale
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Tornado outside of Erie Kansas
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The EF Scale is the standard way to measure tornadoes based on wind damage.
The original Fujita Scale (or F Scale) was developed by Dr. Theodore Fujita. All tornadoes, and other severe local windstorms, were assigned a number according to the most intense damage caused by the storm.
The Fujita Scale (F Scale) | Wind Speed | Wind Damage |
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F0 | 40-72 mph (64-116 km/h) | Light Damage |
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F1 | 73-112 mph (117-180 km/h) | Moderate Damage |
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F2 | 113-157 mpg (181-253 km/h) | Considerable Damage |
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F3 | 158-207 mph (254-332 km/h) | Severe Damage |
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F4 | 208-260 mph (333-419 km/h) | Devastating Damage |
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F5 | 261-318 mph (420-512 km/h) | Incredible Damage |
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The enhanced F Scale (EF Scale) was implemented in the United States on February 1, 2007. The EF scale uses three-second wind gust estimates based on a more detailed system for assessing damage, taking into account different building materials.
EF Scale | Wind Speed | Wind Damage |
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EF0 | 65-85 mph (105-137 km/h) | Light Damage |
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EF1 | 86-110 mph (138-178 km/h) | Moderate Damage |
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EF2 | 111-135 mpg (179-218 km/h) | Considerable Damage |
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EF3 | 136-165 mph (219-266 km/h) | Severe Damage |
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EF4 | 166-200 mph (267-322 km/h) | Devastating Damage |
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EF5 | over 200 mph (over 322 km/h) | Incredible Damage |
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See how to predict a tornado.
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