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.
About The Author
Catherine Boeckmann
Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.
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