Enhanced Fujita Scale

meteorology

Also known as: EF-Scale

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July 19, 2026

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The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) is a system used in meteorology to classify the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause to structures and vegetation. It is an updated version of the original Fujita Scale, developed by T. Theodore Fujita. The EF-Scale was adopted in the United States in 2007 and Canada in 2013.

The scale ranges from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest) and assigns wind speed estimates based on damage indicators. These estimates are not direct wind measurements but are derived from the observed damage to 28 specific indicators, such as buildings and trees, and the degree of destruction. The EF-Scale provides more precise intensity values, especially for stronger tornadoes, compared to its predecessor.12

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  Tornado intensity
  …tornadoes specific values on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF-Scale, of tornado intensity. The notion of developing such a scale for use in comparing events and in research was proposed in 1971 by the Japanese American meteorologist T. Theodore Fujita.
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  …tornadoes specific values on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF-Scale, of tornado intensity. The notion of developing such a scale for use in comparing events and in research was proposed in 1971 by the Japanese American meteorologist T. Theodore Fujita.
  Read More