Tornado Intensity Scales Explorer
Explore more than three centuries of U.S. tornado data (1680–2025) 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.
Intensity Explorer
Click on any intensity rating below to explore detailed statistics, historical events, and characteristics specific to that category.
Light damage
Moderate damage
Significant damage
Severe damage
Devastating damage
Incredible damage
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Understanding Tornado Intensity Scales
Tornado intensity is measured on two scales:
| Rating | F Scale (1971–2007) | EF Scale (2007–Present) | Wind Speed Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EF0 | F0: 40–72 mph | EF0: 65–85 mph | EF0 has higher minimum speed (+25 mph) |
| EF1 | F1: 73–112 mph | EF1: 86–110 mph | EF1 has higher minimum (+13 mph), lower maximum (−2 mph) |
| EF2 | F2: 113–157 mph | EF2: 111–135 mph | EF2 has lower maximum speed (−22 mph) |
| EF3 | F3: 158–206 mph | EF3: 136–165 mph | EF3 has significantly lower speeds (−22 to −41 mph) |
| EF4 | F4: 207–260 mph | EF4: 166–200 mph | EF4 has drastically lower speeds (−41 to −60 mph) |
| EF5 | F5: 261–318 mph | EF5: >200 mph | EF5 has significantly lower threshold (−61 mph) |
EF0 has higher minimum speed (+25 mph)
EF1 has higher minimum (+13 mph), lower maximum (−2 mph)
EF2 has lower maximum speed (−22 mph)
EF3 has significantly lower speeds (−22 to −41 mph)
EF4 has drastically lower speeds (−41 to −60 mph)
EF5 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).
Data Sources: Records from 1950 onward come from the NOAA Storm Events Database. Earlier events (1680–1949) come from Thomas P. Grazulis's Significant Tornadoes collection, which primarily documents stronger (F2+) tornadoes — so weak-tornado counts before 1950 are incomplete.
