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The Fujita Scale
Tornado Strength Classification
The Fujita Scale is used to categorize the amount of damage that can be expected from tornadoes of varying strengths. Destruction increases as numbers advance from F0 through F5.

F0 Tornado Damage
F0 Light
Chimneys are damaged, tree branches are broken, shallow-rooted trees are toppled.
F1 Tornado Damage
F1 Moderate
Roof surfaces are peeled off, windows are broken, some tree trunks are snapped, unanchored mobile homes are overturned, attached garages may be destroyed.
F2 Tornado Damage
F2 Considerable
Roof structures are damaged, mobile homes are destroyed, debris becomes airborne, large trees are snapped or uprooted.
F3 Tornado Damage
F3 Severe
Roofs and some walls are torn from structures, some small buildings are destroyed, non-reinforced masonry buildings are destroyed, most trees in forest are uprooted.
F4 Tornado Damage
F4 Devastating
Well-constructed houses are destroyed, some structures are lifted from foundations and blown some distance, cars are blown some distance, large debris becomes airborne.
F5 Tornado Damage F5 Incredible
Strong frame houses are lifted from foundations, reinforced concrete structures are damaged, automobile-sized missiles become airborne, trees are completely debarked.

Saffir Simpson Scale, Photos of Hurricane Damage

Back to Safe Room Basics

Photos & Definitions
Courtesy of FEMA

F0, F1 & F2 Photos by Andrew Devanas
F3, F4 & F5 Photos by NOAA

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