Rating Tornadoes ((full))

Rating tornadoes is the scientific process of determining a storm's intensity by analyzing the damage it leaves behind. Because direct wind measurements are rarely captured within a tornado’s core, meteorologists use standardized scales to estimate wind speeds based on the "Degree of Damage" (DoD) to various "Damage Indicators" (DIs) like homes, trees, and power lines. The Evolution of Tornado Rating Scales

Rating tornadoes is essential for several reasons: rating tornadoes

For active storms, this feature provides an estimated rating based on remote sensing data. Rating tornadoes is the scientific process of determining

A visualization tool for viewing tornado data over a specific region or time period. A visualization tool for viewing tornado data over

Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale to rate tornado intensity. It replaced the original F-Scale (1971) to better align wind speeds with specific types of structural damage. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory +1 Rating Wind Speed (mph) Damage Severity Typical Indicators EF0 65–85 Light Broken branches; some roof shingles peeled off. EF1 86–110 Moderate Mobile homes overturned; moving cars pushed off roads. EF2 111–135 Considerable Roofs torn off frame houses; large trees uprooted. EF3 136–165 Severe Entire stories of well-built houses destroyed. EF4 166–200 Devastating Houses completely leveled; cars thrown as large missiles. EF5 >200 Incredible Strong frame houses swept away; steel-reinforced concrete damaged. The Forensic Rating Process To assign an official rating, NWS survey teams analyze two primary factors: Damage Indicators (DIs): There are