What Is the Fujita Classification System of Tornadoes?

Tornadoes are some of the most destructive phenomena on earth. These violent windstorms can wreak havoc on everything in their path, from buildings to vehicles to trees. This is why scientists have various systems to classify tornadoes based on their strength and severity. One such system is the Fujita classification system. Here, we’ll discuss what the Fujita classification system of tornadoes is, its history, and how it works.

History of the Fujita Tornado Classification System

Meteorologist Dr. Tetsuya Fujita first introduced the Fujita tornado classification system in the 1970s. An expert in the field of severe storms and tornadoes, Dr. Fujita was looking for a way to categorize the severity and damage these storms could cause. The initial version of the Fujita classification system had six categories, ranging from F1 to F6. However, after further research, Dr. Fujita revised the system in the early 1990s to better reflect specific wind speeds. This Enhanced Fujita Scale also has six categories, ranging from EF0 to EF5. This is still the model we use today to rank storms when assessing damage after the fact.

How Does Fujita Classification Work?

The Enhanced Fujita classification system ranks tornadoes based on the damage they cause, which is a result of the intensity and speed of the winds they generate. The system ranges from EF0 to EF5, with EF0 tornadoes being the weakest and EF5 tornadoes the most severe. The classification also considers the type of structures the tornado damages, including trees and other vegetation. For example, an EF0 tornado may cause minor damage to trees and shrubs, while an EF5 tornado can completely wipe out entire buildings and vegetation.

Enhanced Fujita Scale Categories

Now that we’ve discussed what the Fujita classification system of tornadoes is, it’s time to break it down more specifically by category. For you to best understand this scale, you need to know what each rating means and how it could affect you.

• EF0: Wind speeds between 65 and 85 miles per hour, which may cause some damage to chimneys, siding, and gutters
• EF1: Wind speeds between 86 and 110 miles per hour, which can cause moderate damage to roofs, windows, and garages
• EF2: Wind speeds between 111 and 135 miles per hour, which can severely damage roofs as well as uproot trees, move cars, and cause low-quality buildings to collapse
• EF3: Wind speeds between 136 and 165 miles per hour, potentially causing extensive damage to buildings, trees, roads, and bridges
• EF4: Wind speeds from 166 to 200 miles per hour, resulting in thrown cars and leveled homes
• EF5: Wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, which can cause devastating damage to everything in the tornado’s path, including well-built high-rise buildings

The Fujita tornado classification system is a crucial tool for meteorologists, emergency responders, and storm preppers, all of whom need to know what to expect from a storm. Understanding the Fujita scale categories and setting up a strong bunker that can handle these threats can help people better prepare and ensure they’re protected in a crisis. Swisher storm shelters undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the force of EF5 winds. As such, they’re superior solutions for keeping you and your family safe.