Tornadoes can range in intensity. Wind speeds are measured on the Fujita scale:
- F0 = 40 – 72 mph winds
- F1 = 73 – 112 mph winds
- F2 = 113 – 157 mph winds
- F3 = 158 – 206 mph winds
- F4 = 207 – 260 mph winds
- F5 = 261 – 318 mph winds
Tetsuya Theodore "Ted" Fujita (1920-1998) developed the Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale. It’s used to measure the strength of a tornado based on the damage it creates.
Fujita was born in Japan. He developed his scale in 1971 at the University of Chicago. The Fujita Scale (also known as the F-Scale).
The size of a tornado is not necessarily a measure of its intensity. Larger tornadoes can be weaker and less violent than smaller tornadoes that have more intense winds.
Weaker tornadoes are much more likely to develop than stronger ones. But all tornadoes can be deadly. Following these tips could literally save your life.
1. Have a plan in place:
- Know in advance exactly what to do when a tornado nears.
- Know where to take shelter in seconds.
- Practice home tornado drills with your entire family.
- Have your kids draw a picture of their home with their “safe place”.
2. The best shelter is in an interior room like a closet or bathroom on the lowest level of your home, away from glass or windows.
- Have a flashlight and a battery operated radio to take into your shelter with you.
- You may even turn your television volume up loud so that you can hear severe weather warnings from the FOX 16 Severe Weather Team.
2. If you live in a mobile home:
- Get out!
- Find the nearest shelter like a neighbor’s house.
- Even if your mobile home is tied down it is not a safe place during a tornado.
3. If you’re in your car:
- Get out!
- Find shelter in a sturdy building. If you don’t see one, find a ditch away from trees and other cars.
- Lie down in the ditch with your hands covering your head.
- If there’s no ditch find an open area of land away from trees and cars. Lie flat on the ground and cover your head with your hands.
Printable PDF version
