06/22/2026
With the recent tornadoes near our area, many people have been hearing terms like EF0, EF1, EF2, and even stronger ratings. We wanted to provide a brief overview of what those ratings mean and, more importantly, how you can stay safe when severe weather threatens.
The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is used by the National Weather Service to rate tornadoes based on the damage they cause. Tornadoes are rated from EF0 to EF5, with higher ratings indicating more intense damage and stronger estimated wind speeds.
While tornado ratings are often discussed after a storm has occurred, it’s important to remember that even a lower-rated tornado can cause injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Every tornado warning should be taken seriously, regardless of the eventual EF rating.
🛡️ TORNADO SAFETY TIPS
✅ Have Multiple Ways to Receive Warnings
Do not rely on a single source for weather alerts. Use a NOAA Weather Radio, Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, local media, and trusted weather apps.
✅ Know Your Safe Place Before Severe Weather Strikes
The safest location is a basement or storm shelter. If one is not available, move to a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
✅ Mobile Homes Are Not Safe During Tornadoes
If you live in a manufactured or mobile home, identify a sturdy shelter ahead of time and move there when a Tornado Warning is issued.
✅ Protect Your Head
Use a helmet, bicycle helmet, mattress, heavy blankets, or your arms to protect your head and neck from flying debris.
✅ Have a Family Plan
Know where family members will go, how you will communicate, and where you will meet if separated.
✅ Stay Weather Aware
When severe weather is possible, pay attention to forecasts and outlooks from the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.
🚗 IF YOU ARE IN A VEHICLE
• Do not try to outrun a tornado if it is close.
• Seek shelter in a sturdy building if one is available.
• Never shelter under an overpass or bridge.
• If no shelter is available and evacuation is impossible, protect yourself from flying debris and seek the lowest area possible while remaining aware of potential flooding hazards.
⚠️ REMEMBER
🟡 Tornado Watch
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Stay weather aware, review your safety plan, and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.
🔴 Tornado Warning
A tornado has been detected by radar or observed by trained spotters. Take shelter immediately in the safest location available.
🟣 Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Warning
A rare type of Tornado Warning issued when there is high confidence that a strong to violent tornado is occurring or imminent. Catastrophic damage is possible. Immediate shelter is critical.
🚨 Tornado Emergency
The highest level of tornado warning. A Tornado Emergency is issued when a large, destructive tornado is confirmed and is expected to impact a populated area. This is a life-threatening situation. If you are in the warned area, seek shelter immediately and remain there until the threat has passed.
Preparedness before the storm arrives can make all the difference when seconds count.
Source: National Weather Service
Courtesy of: Adams County, Ohio EMA
