On February 1, 2007, the Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the original Fujita scale. The wind estimates are based on damages to 28 structures and not recorded wind speeds. Each link below is given by structure number, abbreviation, and description. A full graph of the levels of damage are indicated for each structure. Meteorologists use the damages to these 28 structures to estimate wind speeds and assign an EF-scale rating.
28 Structures on the EF-Scale
- SBO Small barns
- FR12 One- and two-family residences
- MHSW Single-wide mobile homes
- MHDW Double-wide mobile homes
- ACT 3 story or less apartments and condos
- M Motels
- MAM Masonry apartments or motels
- SRB Small retail buildings such as fast food stores
- SPB Small professional buildings such as a doctor office or bank
- SM Strip mall
- LSM Large shopping mall
- LIRB Large isolated retail buildings
- ASR Automobile showrooms
- ASB Automotive service buildings
- ES 1-story elementary schools
- JHSH Jr. and Sr. high schools
- LRB Low-rise 1 to 4 story buildings
- MRB Mid-rise 5 to 20 story buildings
- HRB High-rise buildings over 20 stories
- IB Industrial buildings such as hospitals or universities
- MBS Metal building systems
- SSC Service station caopies
- WHB Warehouse buildings
- TLT Transmission line towers
- FST Free standing towers
- FSP Free standing poles such as light poles and flags
- TH Hardwood trees
- TS Softwood trees
