Category: Tornadoes and Supercells

Tornado EF ratings estimate wind speeds from observed damage. Learn what EF0 through EF5 mean, why ratings are assigned after surveys, and what the scale misses.

Supercell thunderstorms create the most dangerous tornadoes when a rotating updraft, strong low-level shear, and favorable inflow tighten rotation near the ground.

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air connected to a thunderstorm and the ground. Learn how wind shear, rising air, and storm structure create one.