The Enhanced Fujita Scale or EF Scale, which became operational on February 1, 2007, is used to assign a tornado a 'rating' based on estimated wind speeds and related damage.

Moderate tornado 73-112 mph The lower limit is the beginning of hurricane wind speed; peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving autos pushed off the roads; attached garages may be destroyed.

Given recent severe weather with both damaging straight-line winds and a few weak tornadoes across the local area, we decided to share a little "science" to explain the difference and common misconceptions!

Even though 80% of Wisconsin's tornadoes have been rated weak in intensity, Wisconsin has experienced 3 tornadoes with winds speeds in excess of 260 mph since 1950. One of these violent tornadoes occurred as recently as 1996, peaking in strength east of the village of Oakfield in Fond du Lac county.

An Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, developed by a forum of nationally renowned meteorologists and wind engineers, makes improvements to the original F scale. This EF Scale has replaced the original F scale, which has been used to assign tornado ratings since 1971.

Aug 29, 2024 · Wind: There was extensive wind damage that occurred. There were a number of downbursts, with some of the most significant downburst damage in Champlin, Anoka, Cottage Grove, and many other areas. Some of the downburst winds ranged from 75 to 85 mph.

While June was quieter, the month still brought 14 tornadoes, including several on June 25th when central Iowa saw dozens of funnel clouds (at times 2-3 visible in a single picture!).

Winds of a tornado may reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Strong downburst (straight-line) winds may also occur due to the same thunderstom.

An EF-0 tornado with peak winds around 85 mph started near N Sacramento Boulevard and W Grand Avenue and continued east-southeastward for about 1.4 miles before ending near W Huron Street and N Damen Avenue.

May 21, 2024 · Multiple rounds of thunderstorms brought torrential rainfall, damaging winds, hail and destructive tornadoes to the state. These thunderstorms were the result of a low pressure system which lifted north into the area on the night of May 20th, 2024, producing slow moving storms that dropped 2 to 4 inches of rainfall.