Tornado categories and the enhanced fujita scale

By Allstate

Last updated: November 2023

Have you ever wondered how meteorologists measure tornado intensity? They rank tornadoes using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, an updated version of the original Fujita Tornado Scale developed by Tetsuya T. Fujita in 1971, according to the National Weather Service.

Watch this video to learn about the six categories of the EF tornado scale, from EF0 to EF5, and the damage that may occur at each level.

Living in an area prone to tornadoes can be scary.

So it’s good to understand their different severities and be prepared for them.

And that’s exactly what the Enhanced Fujita or EF Scale does.

Let’s go over the scale’s various ratings.

At the low end, there’s an EF0 tornado with winds of 65 to 85 miles per hour.

Which could leave a home with minor damage, like small cracks in a chimney or missing shingles.

While, an EF1 tornado has winds from 86 to 110 miles per hour causing a roof’s edges or corners to be torn off.

Next on the scale is an EF2 tornado, with winds from 111 to 135 miles per hour—strong enough to take an entire roof off.

But there’s even stronger winds at 136 to 165 miles per hour from an EF3.

Resulting in levels of a home being blown off and first-floor walls toppling down.

It could also toss a detached garage and car through the air.

As we continue up the scale a tornado rated at EF4 has winds from 166 to 200 miles per hour, leaving homes removed from their foundation and completely destroyed.

And at the very top is an EF5.

With wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour— this one can destroy entire neighborhoods.

We know this information can be a lot to take in but it's just one way to help you prepare.

For more helpful tips and resources, visit allstate.com.

The EF Scale ranks how extreme a tornado was after its impact has been determined, says Weather.com. The scale was developed to help rate tornado intensity because tornadoes have the potential to destroy nearly any weather instrument placed in their path making it difficult to obtain an active tornado's exact wind measurements.

Each category in the EF Scale has been assigned an estimated wind speed and damage impact. The categories range from EF0 (lowest intensity) to EF5 (highest intensity), says the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The experts who created the scale used their knowledge of how wind speeds could cause certain types of damage to help develop the estimates, says Weather.com. For example, the scale says a category 1 tornado has estimated wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph and can cause moderate damage, such as the loss of exterior home doors and windows, or a severely stripped roof.

Want to learn more about tornadoes and how you can help keep your family safe? Keep reading to learn how to prepare for tornado season, how to pick a storm shelter in your home and see tips for inspecting your home after a tornado strikes.

Tornado categories and the enhanced fujita scale

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