Tornadoes

supercells

violent thunderstorms that can spawn tornadoes

Fujita Scale

A scale that tells how severe a tornado is based on wind speed and the damage being caused.

tornado

A rapidly whirling, funnel-shaped cloud that reaches down to touch Earth's surface.

funnel cloud

a rotating funnel-shaped cloud forming the core of a tornado or waterspout.

wind shear

a sudden change in wind speed or direction with distance

F0 tornado

40-72 mph. Minimal damage.

F1 tornado

73-112 mph. Light damage.

Peel off roofs, push mobile homes off foundations, blow vehicles off the road.

F2 tornado

113-157 mph. Moderate damage.

Tear roofs of frame houses, demolish mobile homes, overturn boxcars, snap/uproot large trees, lift cars off ground

F3 tornado

158-206 mph. Severe damage. Roof of well contructed houses can can be completely torn off. Trains can be overturned, tress can be uprooted and heavy cars can be lifted off the ground the thrown

F4 tornado

207-260 mph. Devastating damage. Large debris become flying missles. Structures with weak foundations will be blown away.

F5 tornado

261-318 mph. Incredible damage. Automobiles become flying missles that can be thrown over 110 yards. Trees will be compeltely debarked and strong framed houses will be completely severed from their foundation.