The Fujita scale is a scale of rating tornadoes based on the severity of the damage they cause. Below are the Fujita scale categories with corresponding wind estimates, followed by adjusted winds estimates for the Enhanced Fujita scale and typical damage.
The winds for the categories are only estimates associated with each degree of damage. In 2007 the Fujita scale was replaced by the Enhanced Fujita sclae in the U.S. Wind estimates were adjusted to what scientists believe are more accurate that the original estimates made in 1971.
- F0: 40-72 mph (EF0 65-85 mph), light damage, some shallow rooted trees toppled, tree branches snapped, some roof surface from houses (<20% ) removed.
- F1: 73-112 mph (EF1 86-110 mph), moderate damage, significant loss of roof surface (>20%), Windows broken, trailers heavily damaged.
- F2: 113-157 mph (EF2 111-135 mph), significant damage, roofs torn from frame homes but most walls remain intact, cars tossed, trains derailed, trailers demolished.
- F3: 158-206 mph (EF3 136-165 mph), severe damage, roof and walls torn from frame homes, trains thrown, most trees uprooted.
- F4: 207-260 mph (EF4 166-200 mph), devastating damage, strong frame homes leveled to the ground, trees debarked
- F5: 261-318 mph (EF5 over 200 mph), incredible damage, strong frame homes disintegrate with foundations swept clean, car and even house sized objects thrown hundreds of yards.
