Tornado wind speeds vary significantly, ranging from moderate to catastrophic, and are classified based on their intensity and the damage they cause. There isn't one single wind speed for a tornado, as their power can differ immensely from one event to another.
Understanding Tornado Intensity
Tornadoes do not possess a single, fixed wind speed; instead, their intensity is measured using scales that correlate estimated wind speed with observed damage. The Fujita Scale was historically used to classify tornadoes based on the severity of the damage they inflict.
Tornado Wind Speed Examples (Fujita Scale)
The following table illustrates examples of tornado wind speeds based on the Fujita Scale, highlighting different intensity levels:
| 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 |
The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale
While the Fujita Scale provides a foundational understanding, the United States now primarily uses the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale for more accurate post-storm analysis of tornado intensity. Introduced in 2007, the EF Scale is an updated version that considers a wider range of damage indicators and their corresponding degrees of damage, providing a more precise and consistent rating system for tornado strength.
Impact of Wind Speed on Tornado Damage
The estimated wind speed of a tornado directly determines the extent of destruction it can cause. Even lower-end tornadoes can inflict significant damage, while higher-end tornadoes are capable of causing widespread devastation.
- F1/EF1 (73-112 mph): Can cause moderate damage. This includes peeling surface material off roofs, overturning mobile homes, pushing cars off roads, and snapping small trees.
- F2/EF2 (113-157 mph): Results in significant damage. Homes can have roofs torn off, mobile homes are often demolished, and large trees can be snapped or uprooted.
- F3/EF3 (158-206 mph): Capable of severe damage. Well-built houses may have their entire stories leveled, trains can be derailed, and cars thrown.
For more information on weather phenomena, you can visit the National Weather Service.
Variability Within a Tornado
It's important to note that a single tornado can exhibit varying wind speeds along its path. Some areas within the tornado's track might experience greater intensity than others, depending on the swirling dynamics of the vortex. Official tornado ratings, whether F-Scale or EF-Scale, are typically assigned based on the highest estimated intensity observed along the entire path of the storm.
