The Fujita Scale:
The Fujita scale is a standard way to gauge the severity of tornado damage in a given region.
A Category F0 is considered “light winds” and may cause damage to chimneys, antennas, roof shingles, trees, signs and windows with wind speeds between 40 and 72 mph. 28% of all tornadoes are measured as Category F0.
This scale most often detects a Category F1 tornado, it is likely to have winds of 73-112 miles per hour and can overturn automobiles, destroy carports, and uproot trees. F1 tornadoes are the most common and are reported 39% of the time.
“Significant winds” are categorized as a F2 on the Fujita Scale. These winds can range between 113 and 157 mph and may fully remove a home’s roof, demolish sheds and outbuildings, and overturn mobile homes. 24% of tornadoes are categorized as such.
F3 Tornadoes are considered “severe” with winds measuring between 158-206 mph. This level of destruction may result in complete flattening of forests and farmlands, and collapsed metal buildings. 6% of tornado damage is caused by Category F3 storms.
The Fujita Scale’s F4 Category describes “devastating winds” as winds with speeds of 207-260 mph. These storms often leave few walls standing in well-built homes, and can hurl large concrete and steel objects long distances. Category F4 storms account for about 2% of all tornadoes.
Only about 1% of tornadoes are classified as F5, causing "incredible damage." With wind speeds above 261 mph, these tornadoes are capable of lifting houses off their foundations and hurling them considerable distances.
