What is the tornado rating scale?

Credit: Daniel Susco

Local News
By
Feb 28, 2023
X

Tornadoes can range in intensity, and are rated using six damage categories.

Wind speeds are measured on the Enhanced Fujita scale, implemented in February 2007, according to the National Weather Service.

ajc.com

icon to expand image

EF-0

  • Estimated wind speeds: 65 to 85 mph
  • Observations: Minor damage. Winds will pull siding or gutters off homes, broken tree branches and shallow-rooted trees pushed over.

EF-1

  • Estimated wind speeds: 86 to 110 mph
  • Observations: Moderate damage. Roofs stripped of shingles. Mobile homes overturned or damaged. Broken glass to windows or other glass.

EF-2

  • Estimated wind speeds: 111 to 135
  • Observations: Considerable damage. Roofs torn off well-constructed homes. Mobile homes completely destroyed. Large trees snapped or uprooted. Cars lifted off ground.

EF-3

  • Estimated wind speeds: 136 to 165 mph
  • Observations: Severe damage. Well-constructed homes destroyed. Severe damage to large buildings like shopping malls. Heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown. Trains overturned.

EF-4

  • Estimated wind speeds: 166 to 200 mph
  • Observations: Devastating damage. Whole frames of well-constructed homes completely leveled. Cars thrown and small missiles generated

EF-5

  • Estimated wind speeds: Over 200 mph
  • Observations: Incredible damage. Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away. Car-sized missiles fly through the air over 100 yards. High-rise buildings have significant deformation.
In Other News
1
Shearer’s Foods preps Moraine ‘Center of Excellence’ to drive small-bag...
2
Who’s paying to influence D.C.? What local governments and companies...
3
Development boom continues in two busy Huber Heights corridors
4
Local races, tax issues results could change as ballots trickle in at...
5
Ohio Senate votes to shorten mail-in ballot return window

About the Author

Follow Jen Balduf on facebookFollow Jen Balduf on twitter

Jen Roppel Balduf covers the communities of Kettering, Oakwood and northern Warren County, including Springboro and Franklin. She earned a bachelor of science in journalism degree from Ohio University.