In terms of damage severity that title would probably go to the Jarrell, Texas tornado of May 27, 1997. This F5 tornado essentially erased a portion of the Double Creek Estates subdivsion. The tornado destroyed everything; houses, trees, grass, streets, and driveways were all blown away and pulverized, leaving a field of mud. In some areas the tornado removed up to 18 inches of topsoil. The only indicator that there had been anything there were the concrete slabs that ones supported houses, and the discolored earth where roads once were. Of the 27 people in this area of complete destruction only one survived and an additional death occurred just outside of Jarrell. Although an F5 tornado can be expected the remove a houses from their foundations, no other tornado has been known to cause destruction this complete. See the related link below for pictures and more information.
Since the tornado did not hit a large population center, the actual amount of damage was limited, only a few dozen buildings were destroyed, though most of those that were got completely obliterated. Other tornadoes that were less intense, but still very violent,have hit larger developed areas and destroyed thousands of buildings amounting to a greater total cost.
See the related question for a list of the costliest U.S. tornadoes.
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The intensity of a tornado is rated based on damage done on the ground.
The most destructive part of a tornado is typically the vortex, which is the rotating column of air that extends from the base of the tornado to the ground. The strongest winds and most intense damage occur within this rotating column.
The effect of the 1979 Red River tornado outbreak included widespread destruction and 58 deaths. The worst damage was done by the F4 tornado that hit Wichita Falls, Texas destroying a large part of the city and killing 42 people.
The most destructive tornado in Ohio history was the Xenia tornado of April 3, 1974. This F5 tornado killed 34 people and caused $439 million in property damage (in 2011 U.S. dollars).
Typical damage from a tornado costs a few hundred thousand dollars. Costs in the millions are less common but tend to attract more attention.
A tornado case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific tornado event, including its characteristics, impacts, and aftermath. These studies are typically used to understand the behavior and effects of tornadoes, improve warning systems, and enhance emergency response strategies. Researchers may examine factors such as the tornado's path, intensity, duration, and damage patterns to draw insights and lessons for future tornado events.
The is no Fajita scale. The Fujita scale provides basic standards by which to assess the damage done by a tornado. Based on the severity of the damage a tornado is assigned a rating, which can range from F0 for the weakest tornadoes to F5 for the strongest.
The most recent tornado caused severe damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure in the affected area. It resulted in downed power lines, uprooted trees, and structural damage to properties. Several people were injured and there may have been fatalities as well.
The Fujita scale uses the damage done by tornadoes to estimate their intensity.
Meteorologists and engineers examine the damage done by a tornado a rate if from EF0 to EF5 based on how severe the damage is. EF0 and EF1 (light to moderate damage) tornadoes are considered weak. EF2 and EF3 tornadoes are classified as strong. EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are classified as violent.
Engeineers and meteorologist examine the damage done by a tornado to estimate its peak wind speed. The tornado is then assigned a rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest) based on that information.