What the Tornado EF Scale Means

The Enhanced Fujita Scale estimates tornado strength by analyzing damage.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:23pm

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The Enhanced Fujita or EF Scale is the system meteorologists use to estimate tornado strength by examining the damage it leaves behind. The new scale, which replaced the original Fujita Scale in 2007, is more accurate in terms of how winds impact newer structures. Meteorologists look at the damage, using on or more of 28 key indicators to determine how strong the tornado likely was when it hit.

Why it matters

The EF Scale ratings are important for public safety, insurance claims, and updating building codes. The information is also used by meteorologists to better understand tornado behavior and improve future forecasts and warnings.

The details

The EF Scale ranks tornadoes from EF0 to EF5, with higher numbers indicating stronger winds and more destructive damage. EF0 tornadoes cause minor damage, while EF5 tornadoes can completely sweep away well-constructed buildings. Following a tornado, teams from the National Weather Service survey different types of buildings and vegetation, then compare what they see to degrees of damage to estimate the tornado's three-second wind gusts.

  • The Enhanced Fujita Scale replaced the original Fujita Scale in 2007.

The players

National Weather Service

The government agency that conducts damage surveys and assigns EF ratings to tornadoes.

Dr. Ted Fujita

The meteorologist who developed the original Fujita Scale in 1971.

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The takeaway

The EF Scale provides a standardized way to measure and communicate the strength of tornadoes, which is crucial for public safety, insurance, and building codes. The ratings also help meteorologists better understand tornado behavior and improve future forecasts and warnings.