What Is An EF5 Tornado?
QUICK ANSWER
An EF5 tornado is the highest rating on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which has been used since 2007 to rate tornado intensity by damage. EF5 tornadoes have estimated wind speeds over 200 mph and cause near-total destruction even of well-built homes. Only a handful of EF5 tornadoes have been confirmed since the scale's introduction.
An EF5 tornado is the most violent type of tornado, producing damage so severe that even well-constructed buildings are leveled. Since the Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the original Fujita scale in 2007, only a few tornadoes have been rated EF5. Understanding what makes a tornado EF5 reveals how scientists rate tornado intensity and what kind of damage indicates the strongest possible winds.
What is the Enhanced Fujita scale?
The Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale rates tornadoes from EF0 to EF5 based on the damage they cause. Implemented in February 2007, it replaced the original Fujita scale by adding more refined damage indicators and adjusted wind speed estimates. The EF scale uses 28 different damage indicators (specific types of buildings and structures) and 8 degrees of damage to estimate the wind speeds. The scale produces consistent ratings worldwide. EF0 represents weak tornadoes (65-85 mph estimated winds); EF5 represents the strongest possible (over 200 mph).
How is an EF5 rating determined?
EF5 ratings are determined entirely by damage assessment after a tornado, not by direct wind measurements. The National Weather Service surveys damage along the tornado's path, looking for specific severe damage indicators. EF5-level damage includes: well-built brick or frame houses completely swept from foundations, steel-reinforced concrete structures collapsed, large trees debarked, and pavement scoured from roads. The damage must reach this level somewhere along the tornado's path for an EF5 rating. Even violent tornadoes that fall short of these specific indicators may rate EF4.
What does EF5 damage look like?
EF5 damage is uniquely catastrophic. Well-built homes are completely swept away, leaving only foundations. Steel-reinforced concrete structures collapse. Heavy vehicles can be thrown over a mile. Pavement is sometimes scoured off roads. Large trees are debarked completely. The 2011 Joplin Missouri tornado produced EF5 damage in parts of its path, killing 158 people. The 2013 Moore Oklahoma tornado was EF5 across much of its damage track. The 2008 Parkersburg Iowa tornado was rated EF5. The level of destruction goes far beyond what most people imagine possible from any natural phenomenon.
What are examples of EF5 tornadoes?
Since the EF scale's introduction in 2007, only a small number of tornadoes have been rated EF5. Examples include: the 2007 Greensburg Kansas tornado that destroyed most of the small town, the 2008 Parkersburg Iowa tornado, the 2011 Smithville Mississippi tornado during the April 2011 Super Outbreak, the 2011 Joplin Missouri tornado (158 deaths), the 2011 Phil Campbell Alabama tornado, the 2011 Hackleburg Alabama tornado, and the 2013 Moore Oklahoma tornado. Despite many destructive tornadoes since then, no EF5 has been confirmed by the NWS for several years.
What is the Enhanced Fujita scale?
The Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale rates tornadoes from EF0 to EF5 based on the damage they cause. Implemented in February 2007, it replaced the original Fujita scale by adding more refined damage indicators and adjusted wind speed estimates. The EF scale uses 28 different damage indicators (specific types of buildings and structures) and 8 degrees of damage to estimate the wind speeds. The scale produces consistent ratings worldwide. EF0 represents weak tornadoes (65-85 mph estimated winds); EF5 represents the strongest possible (over 200 mph).
How is an EF5 rating determined?
EF5 ratings are determined entirely by damage assessment after a tornado, not by direct wind measurements. The National Weather Service surveys damage along the tornado's path, looking for specific severe damage indicators. EF5-level damage includes: well-built brick or frame houses completely swept from foundations, steel-reinforced concrete structures collapsed, large trees debarked, and pavement scoured from roads. The damage must reach this level somewhere along the tornado's path for an EF5 rating. Even violent tornadoes that fall short of these specific indicators may rate EF4.
What does EF5 damage look like?
EF5 damage is uniquely catastrophic. Well-built homes are completely swept away, leaving only foundations. Steel-reinforced concrete structures collapse. Heavy vehicles can be thrown over a mile. Pavement is sometimes scoured off roads. Large trees are debarked completely. The 2011 Joplin Missouri tornado produced EF5 damage in parts of its path, killing 158 people. The 2013 Moore Oklahoma tornado was EF5 across much of its damage track. The 2008 Parkersburg Iowa tornado was rated EF5. The level of destruction goes far beyond what most people imagine possible from any natural phenomenon.
What are examples of EF5 tornadoes?
Since the EF scale's introduction in 2007, only a small number of tornadoes have been rated EF5. Examples include: the 2007 Greensburg Kansas tornado that destroyed most of the small town, the 2008 Parkersburg Iowa tornado, the 2011 Smithville Mississippi tornado during the April 2011 Super Outbreak, the 2011 Joplin Missouri tornado (158 deaths), the 2011 Phil Campbell Alabama tornado, the 2011 Hackleburg Alabama tornado, and the 2013 Moore Oklahoma tornado. Despite many destructive tornadoes since then, no EF5 has been confirmed by the NWS for several years.
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