An F12 tornado does not exist. The Fujita Scale (F-Scale), which was used to measure tornado intensity from 1971 to 2007, only ranged from F0 to F5. The F-Scale was replaced by the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale), which also ranges from EF0 to EF5.
The F-Scale and EF-Scale are used to categorize tornadoes based on the damage they cause. Here's a brief overview of the scales:
Fujita Scale (F-Scale)
- F0 (Weak): Light damage; some damage to chimneys, tree branches, and signs.
- F1 (Moderate): Moderate damage; roofs damaged, mobile homes overturned, trees uprooted.
- F2 (Significant): Considerable damage; roofs torn off, mobile homes destroyed, large trees uprooted.
- F3 (Severe): Severe damage; entire houses destroyed, cars lifted off the ground, trees snapped or uprooted.
- F4 (Devastating): Devastating damage; houses leveled, cars thrown considerable distances, trees debarked.
- F5 (Incredible): Incredible damage; houses completely destroyed, cars thrown long distances, heavy objects lifted and thrown.
Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale)
The EF-Scale is similar to the F-Scale, but it uses more precise wind speed estimates and considers a wider range of damage indicators.
- EF0 (Weak): Wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph.
- EF1 (Moderate): Wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph.
- EF2 (Significant): Wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph.
- EF3 (Severe): Wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph.
- EF4 (Devastating): Wind speeds of 166 to 200 mph.
- EF5 (Incredible): Wind speeds greater than 200 mph.
