Classification of Tornadoes

Tornadoes are classified in the United States on a scale called the Fujita-Pearson Scale, named after Professor Fujita of the University of Chicago and Dr. Allen Pearson, director of the National Severe Storm Forcast Center. There are seven levels on the fujita scale, from zero to six (six being the strongest). Remember that the size of the tornado does not necessarily show how destructive it is. Small tornadoes can be more destructive than large ones.

F Number	Wind Speeds (mph)	Intensity Description	Type of Damage Capable
0	40 - 72	Gale Tornado	Minor structural damage. Tree branches break off, and small trees are uprooted. Damages large signs also
1	73 - 112	Moderate Tornado	Hurricane wind speed. Roof surface ripped off houses, and moble homes are overturned. Cars are pushed off the road and attached garages might be destroyed.
2	113-157	Significant Tornado	Extensive damage. Roofs torn off frame houses. Moblile homes destroyed. Trains's box cars turned over. Large trees torn from the ground and snapped. Light objects become deadly missles.
3	158 - 206	Severe Tornado	Roofs of well built houses are ripped off. Numerous trees ripped out of the earth. Trains are overturned.
4	207 - 260	Devestating Tornado	Well build houses are totally destroyed. Newly build houses are thrown considerable distances. Cars thrown and other large objects become missles.
5	261 - 318	Incredible Tornado	Well built houses are torn out of the ground and thrown great distances. Trees become debarked, and car size missles fly up to one hundred meters. Steel reenforced concrete structures are badly damaged.
6	319 - 379	Inconceivable Tornado	Winds at these speeds are highly unlikely, but if a tornado this big did occur, the wreakage would be so great it would be unidentifiable. Everything would be destroyed.