Fujita Tornado Scale Being Replaced

According to the Associated Press via KOTV, a new scale is being developed for rating tornadoes.

The new scale will try to account for different types of homes and buildings, tree damage, and also mitigate structural and engineering changes implemented since the Fujita scale was created in 1971. Since the Fujita scale was based on a well-built home, the new scale will be more liberal in assigning wind readings. For example the article says that the threshold for an F-5 will be lowered from 261 to 200 mph.

Dr. Tetsuya "Ted" Fujita was the world's most famous severe storm investigator. If you are interested, read more information about his life and publications.

Tetsuya Fujita, a University of Chicago meteorologist shown with his tornado simulator in this handout photo, date unknown, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998, after a lengthy illness. He was 78. Fujita, known as "Mr. Tornado" after developing the international standard for measuring tornado severity, also discovered microbursts - sudden, severe downdrafts that can result in 150 mph winds on or near the ground - after studying the starburst patterns of trees uprooted by tornados. (AP Photo/University of Chicago)