An F1 tornado possesses wind speeds ranging from 73 to 112 miles per hour (mph). This places it within the "Moderate tornado" category on the original Fujita Scale, indicating its potential for significant damage.
Understanding F1 Tornadoes
The intensity of tornadoes is classified using scales that categorize their wind speeds and the associated damage they inflict. The original Fujita Scale, developed by Dr. T. Theodore Fujita, was widely used to estimate tornado strength based on observed destruction.
The Fujita Scale Classification
The Fujita Scale assigns a number from F0 to F5, with F0 being the weakest and F5 the strongest. Each level corresponds to a specific range of wind speeds and a descriptive intensity phrase, helping to provide a standardized measure of a tornado's power. For an F1 tornado, the classification is as follows:
| F-Scale Number | Intensity Phrase | Wind Speed |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Moderate tornado | 73-112 mph |
| F2 | Significant tornado | 113-157 mph |
| F3 | Severe tornado | 158-206 mph |
An F1 tornado, while considered moderate, is capable of causing considerable damage. This can include peeling surface off roofs, pushing mobile homes off their foundations or overturning them, and knocking cars off roads. Understanding these classifications is crucial for assessing potential hazards, issuing warnings, and for post-storm analysis to evaluate the impact of such powerful weather phenomena.
For more detailed information on the Fujita Scale and tornado intensity, you can refer to resources from the National Weather Service.
