The Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale is a system used by meteorologists to classify tornado intensity based on observed wind speeds and damage indicators. The scale ranges from EF0, representing winds of 65 to 85 miles per hour, to EF5, indicating catastrophic winds exceeding 200 miles per hour. While no scale can capture every nuance of a tornado’s destructive power, the EF categories provide a standardized way to communicate severity to the public. Damage surveys after a tornado use structural clues to approximate wind speeds, which then determine the official EF rating.
This calculator lets you enter an estimated maximum wind speed in miles per hour. The script then matches that speed to the corresponding EF category. For example, winds between 111 and 135 mph would be classified as EF2. Because tornado strength can vary along its path, the scale is a simplification, but it helps emergency managers and researchers gauge how destructive a storm may have been.
The estimator uses a series of conditional checks to map the wind speed to one of six categories. Mathematically, it’s akin to:
For clarity, the boundaries are:
Knowing a tornado’s estimated intensity helps officials plan building codes, issue appropriate warnings, and design safe rooms and shelters. Higher-rated tornadoes cause exponentially more damage and pose greater risks to life and property. By understanding the EF scale, residents of tornado-prone regions can better appreciate the importance of preparedness when severe weather threatens.
Actual tornado classification relies on damage surveys, which consider building materials, terrain, and other factors. A pure wind-speed approach may not capture those nuances. Nevertheless, a quick estimate based on wind speed can still offer valuable context during weather briefings or storm-spotter reports.
If your instruments or visual cues suggest winds of 140 mph, the calculator will report an EF3 rating. In real-world situations, meteorologists would survey the damage path to confirm. Still, this conversion provides a useful ballpark for understanding potential severity.
No matter the EF rating, all tornadoes are dangerous. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, preferably in a basement or interior room away from windows. Have a plan in place, including a way to receive weather alerts, so you can respond quickly when warnings are issued.
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