Twisters: Is an EF5 Tornado Stronger Than F5? Difference Explained

Glenn Powell’s Twisters is currently making rounds in the world, having amassed massive box office numbers so far. The Lee Isaac Chung-directed feature has received majorly positive reviews from the audience, resulting in its immense success. Consequently, fans are curious about the tornados showcased in Twisters, including the EF5 terminology attached to their classification. But what are EF5 tornadoes, and are they different from their F5 counterparts?

Here are all the available details regarding the nomenclature of the chaotic natural phenomena.

What is the difference between EF5 and F5 tornados from Twisters?

Simply put, the EF5 tornadoes featured in Twisters and the F5 ones differ on the scale they are categorized on.

The Fujita scale, introduced by meteorologist Dr. Tetsuya Theodore Fujita in the 1970s, was the first basis on which experts identified the nature of tornadoes. This scale contained six categories, where F0 denoted the weakest, while F6 was used to label the strongest tornado. By analyzing damage caused to artificial structures and vegetation, the measurement bar intended to determine the wind speeds of the tornadoes in question.

However, the rapid advancement of technology soon uncovered multiple limitations of the Fujita scale. For instance, the notation assigned according to this scale was highly subjective since it depended heavily upon visual assessment of the damage caused by the tornado and witness testimonies. The scale also failed to take the size of the whirlwinds into consideration, resulting in inconsistent readings. Moreover, the characteristics of the damaged structure being studied were also omitted while calculating the results.

Consequently, the National Weather Service introduced a new scale in 2007. Labeled the Enhanced Fujita scale, the updated version followed a similar approach to its predecessor while assessing the tornadoes’ intensity. However, the range of wind speeds attached to the windstorms was updated this time. Furthermore, new research on wind speeds and damage patterns was also taken into account during the evaluation. The EF5 tornadoes displayed in Twisters represent whirlwinds that can cause the most damage among their peers.

Therefore, both scales follow a similar approach while determining tornado intensities, as per Survive-A-Storm. However, the Enhanced Fujita scale has a more intricate mechanism and is also designed to leverage the latest research on the topic.

Is an EF5 tornado stronger than F5?

Due to the arbitrary nature of estimation in both scales, it cannot be claimed with absolute certainty that Twisters’ EF5 tornadoes are stronger than their F5 counterparts.

The two scales still have many unaccounted factors that directly influence the nature of the tornadoes being evaluated. Nevertheless, the EF scale provides a better understanding of how dangerous a tornado is. It also gives a clearer and more precise look into the damages that a particular tornado can inflict.

Apoorv Rastogi

Apoorv is an SEO Contributing Writer for ComingSoon. A dedicated cinephile inside and out, Apoorv's passion for content creation motivated him to ditch the software sector in favour of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, with football topping his favorites list.