THREE RIVERS, Mich -- The Enhanced Fujita Scale is used to rate the strength of tornadoes based on observed damage. The enhanced (EF) is an improvement of the older Fujita Scale (named after the scienced Dr. Ted Fujita from the University of Chicago who developed it) that goes beyond damage, but also strength of the structure. A woodshed is not built the same as a brick house.
EF Scale Overview (Wind Estimates)
| EF Rating | Wind Speed (mph) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EF0 | 65–85 | Light damage (shingles, tree branches) |
| EF1 | 86–110 | Moderate damage (mobile homes destroyed, roofs stripped) |
| EF2 | 111–135 | Considerable damage (well-built homes lose roofs, large trees snapped) |
| EF3 | 136–165 | Severe damage (entire stories destroyed, significant structural failures) |
| EF4 | 166–200 | Devastating damage (well-built homes leveled) |
| EF5 | >200 | Incredible damage (strong frame homes swept away, heavy objects thrown long distances) |
The tornadoes from March 6, gave a very good example of the damage from different tornadoes, from the same parent cell. This damage was evaluated by the National Weather Service to rate the tornadoes.
Photos of damage compiled by the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana