The Fujita-Pearson scale or more popularly known as the F scale, is used to measure the intensity of a tornado based on the amount of damage done by a passing tornado over an area. The scale was introduced in 1971 and is named for Ted Fujita who was a professor at the University of Chicago.
The F scale rates a tornado from F0 all the way to F5 with a F5 tornado having the fastest wind speeds and causing the most damage.
An F0 Tornado
- Have wind speeds between 40-72 mph
- Causes light damage.
- Branches breaks off of trees and pushes over smaller trees.
An F1 Tornado
- Have wind speeds between 73-112 mph
- Causes moderate damage.
- Tiles breaks off of roofs. Cars and trailers gets pushed
An F2 Tornado
- Have wind speeds between 113-157 mph
- Causes considerable damage.
- Roofs gets torned off. Big trees get toppled. Mobile homes are destroyed. Heavy cars are lifted and thrown.
An F3 Tornado
- Have wind speeds between 158–206 mph
- Causes Severe Damage.
- Roofs torned off even on the most well constructed structures. Trains are overturned.
An F4 Tornado
- Have wind speeds between 207-260 mph
- Causes Catostrophic Damage
- Well constructed structures are leveled. Structures with weak foundations are blown away.
An F5 Tornado
- Have wind speeds between 261–318 mph
- Causes Total Damage
- Few if any structures are left standing. Cars become missles flying in the air.
