Tornado Intensity Scales Explorer

Explore tornado data organized by intensity rating. From the common but minor EF0 tornadoes to the rare but catastrophic EF5 events, discover patterns and statistics across the entire spectrum.

EF0

Light damage (65-85 mph)

33,000+ tornadoes recorded
EF1

Moderate damage (86-110 mph)

26,000+ tornadoes recorded
EF2

Significant damage (111-135 mph)

14,500+ tornadoes recorded
EF3

Severe damage (136-165 mph)

5,000+ tornadoes recorded
EF4

Devastating damage (166-200 mph)

1,400+ tornadoes recorded
EF5

Incredible damage (>200 mph)

60+ tornadoes recorded

Understanding Tornado Intensity Scales

Tornado intensity is measured on two scales:

RatingF Scale (1971-2007)EF Scale (2007-Present)Wind Speed Difference
0F0: 40-72 mphEF0: 65-85 mphEF0 has higher minimum speed (+25 mph)
1F1: 73-112 mphEF1: 86-110 mphEF1 has higher minimum (+13 mph), lower maximum (-2 mph)
2F2: 113-157 mphEF2: 111-135 mphEF2 has lower maximum speed (-22 mph)
3F3: 158-206 mphEF3: 136-165 mphEF3 has significantly lower speeds (-22 to -41 mph)
4F4: 207-260 mphEF4: 166-200 mphEF4 has drastically lower speeds (-41 to -60 mph)
5F5: 261-318 mphEF5: >200 mphEF5 has significantly lower threshold (-61 mph)

Why the Wind Speed Differences? Research showed the original F-Scale overestimated wind speeds needed to cause specific damage.

Key Improvements in the EF Scale:

  • Uses 28 damage indicators (buildings, structures, vegetation) instead of just general damage
  • Each indicator has specific degrees of damage (DoD) with estimated wind speed ranges
  • Accounts for construction quality, which was missing in the F Scale
  • More accurately correlates actual damage with realistic wind speeds
  • Provides more consistent ratings between different survey teams

For historical consistency, this website groups equivalent ratings together (e.g., both F3 and EF3 tornadoes are considered in the same intensity category despite their significant wind speed differences).