What is Tornado Rating?

Tornado rating is a system used to categorize tornadoes according to their wind speed, damage potential, and overall impact on structures and the environment. The most widely recognized rating system in the United States is the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, which replaced the original Fujita Scale (F-Scale) in 2007. This scale assigns a rating from EF0 to EF5, with EF5 being the most severe.

The EF Scale estimates wind speeds based on the level of damage to various structures and vegetation. Here’s a general breakdown:

• EF0 (65-85 mph) – Minor damage to roofs, broken tree branches.
• EF1 (86-110 mph) – More significant roof damage, mobile homes overturned.
• EF2 (111-135 mph) – Roofs torn off houses, large trees uprooted.
• EF3 (136-165 mph) – Severe damage to buildings, entire roofs removed.
• EF4 (166-200 mph) – Houses leveled, cars thrown, devastating destruction.
• EF5 (Over 200 mph) – Total destruction, well-built homes swept away.

Tornado ratings help meteorologists, emergency responders, and the public understand the severity of a storm and prepare accordingly. Safe rooms and storm shelters are designed to withstand tornadoes, particularly in high-risk areas where EF4 and EF5 storms are more likely.

The TORRO Scale is another tornado rating system used primarily in Europe, while the Beaufort Scale can sometimes be referenced for wind-related assessments. However, in the U.S., the EF Scale remains the gold standard for tornado classification and preparedness planning.