The Fujita Tornado Scale is a method used to measure the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. Developed by Dr. Tetsuya Fujita in 1971, the scale ranges from F0 (light damage) to F5 (incredible damage). The scale takes into account the severity of the damage to structures, vegetation, and other environmental features. The Fujita scale is used by meteorologists and researchers to classify tornadoes and understand their impact on communities.
Understanding the Fujita Tornado Scale
The Fujita scale is based on the idea that the damage caused by a tornado is directly related to its wind speed. The scale is divided into six categories, each representing a different level of damage. The categories are: F0 (wind speeds of 40-72 mph), F1 (wind speeds of 73-112 mph), F2 (wind speeds of 113-157 mph), F3 (wind speeds of 158-206 mph), F4 (wind speeds of 207-268 mph), and F5 (wind speeds of 269-322 mph). Each category is characterized by specific types of damage, such as roof loss, wall collapse, and debris scattering.
Categories of the Fujita Tornado Scale
The Fujita scale is divided into the following categories:
| Category | Wind Speed | Damage Description |
|---|---|---|
| F0 | 40-72 mph | Light damage: chimneys damaged, gutters peeled off, and tree branches broken |
| F1 | 73-112 mph | Moderate damage: roofs peeled off, mobile homes overturned, and large trees snapped |
| F2 | 113-157 mph | Significant damage: roofs torn off, mobile homes demolished, and large trees debarked |
| F3 | 158-206 mph | Severe damage: buildings collapsed, heavy debris scattered, and trees debarked |
| F4 | 207-268 mph | Devastating damage: well-built homes leveled, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and heavy vehicles tossed |
| F5 | 269-322 mph | Incredible damage: homes swept away, entire communities obliterated, and large buildings crumbled |
The Fujita scale has been widely used for decades, but it has some limitations. One of the main limitations is that it is based on a subjective assessment of damage, which can be influenced by various factors such as the type of construction, the age of the buildings, and the presence of debris. Additionally, the scale does not take into account the size of the tornado or the area affected.
Enhanced Fujita Scale
In 2007, the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale) was introduced, which improved upon the original Fujita scale by taking into account more variables, such as the size of the tornado, the area affected, and the type of construction. The EF Scale also uses more precise wind speed estimates, which are based on the damage caused by the tornado. The EF Scale is divided into six categories, similar to the Fujita scale, but with more detailed descriptions of the damage.
Categories of the Enhanced Fujita Scale
The EF Scale is divided into the following categories:
| Category | Wind Speed | Damage Description |
|---|---|---|
| EF0 | 65-85 mph | Light damage: gutters peeled off, shingles stripped, and tree branches broken |
| EF1 | 86-110 mph | Moderate damage: roofs peeled off, mobile homes overturned, and large trees snapped |
| EF2 | 111-135 mph | Significant damage: roofs torn off, mobile homes demolished, and large trees debarked |
| EF3 | 136-165 mph | Severe damage: buildings collapsed, heavy debris scattered, and trees debarked |
| EF4 | 166-200 mph | Devastating damage: well-built homes leveled, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and heavy vehicles tossed |
| EF5 | 201-268 mph | Incredible damage: homes swept away, entire communities obliterated, and large buildings crumbled |
The EF Scale has been widely adopted by meteorologists and researchers, and it has improved the accuracy of tornado classification. However, it is still a subjective method, and it requires careful assessment of the damage caused by a tornado.
What is the Fujita Tornado Scale?
+The Fujita Tornado Scale is a method used to measure the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. It ranges from F0 (light damage) to F5 (incredible damage).
What are the categories of the Enhanced Fujita Scale?
+The Enhanced Fujita Scale is divided into six categories: EF0 (light damage), EF1 (moderate damage), EF2 (significant damage), EF3 (severe damage), EF4 (devastating damage), and EF5 (incredible damage).
How is the Fujita Tornado Scale used?
+The Fujita Tornado Scale is used by meteorologists and researchers to classify tornadoes and understand their impact on communities. It is also used to provide critical information to emergency management officials and the public.
