What does F5 mean on the Fujita scale?

F5 is the highest level on the Fujita scale, indicating an extremely violent tornado. A rating of F5 means that a tornado is strong enough to completely blow away well built houses, leaving nothing but a bare foundation. On the original Fujita scale F5 winds were estimated at 261-318 mph. However, newer data showed that these wind estimates were far too high. On the more accurate Enhanced Fujita scale a tornado with estimated winds over 200 mph is rated EF5, though the damage remains the same. Fortunately such tornadoes are extremely rare, accounting for one tornado in every 2000.