The Fujita Scale, created by Dr. Ted Fujita in 1971, is used to measure the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. The scale ranges from EF0 to EF5, with EF5 being the most intense, indicating winds over 200 mph. So, why isn’t there an EF6?
One reason is that the EF Scale was designed based on observed damage and winds associated with tornadoes. The damage necessary to classify an EF6 would likely surpass what has been documented in real-world tornadoes. This lack of observed damage at higher intensity levels suggests that it’s unlikely for tornadoes to exceed an EF5 classification.
Additionally, the scale is meant to provide a practical framework for understanding tornado severity. Creating an EF6 category could lead to confusion and miscommunication about what that intensity level would actually entail since it is already at the upper extreme of observable phenomena. The existing scale effectively communicates the potential for destruction and helps classify storms that can be accurately assessed.
In summary, the absence of an EF6 on the Fujita Scale is due to a combination of the limits of documented tornado destruction and the scale’s design focus on practical application rather than theoretical extremes.