***Enhanced Fujita Scale***

[kg4ojj]

Dr. Ted Fujita's (1971) tornado scale has been revamped.

With input of hundreds of experts in wind engineering, damage assessment, and meteorology, an "enhanced" Fujita scale (eF scale) has been developed and is implemented today, February 1st, 2007.

For all the details and a nice "guidebook," go to http://www.spc.noaa.gov/efscale/

 

[rdale]

...and if you're really interested, you can take training online at http://www.wdtb.noaa.gov/courses/EF-scale/index.html

 

[kg4ojj]

....if you think you're smart, take a seat....in the Hot Seat.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/HotSeat/index.shtml

You can be the meteorologist and issue warnings!!!

 

[kg4ojj]

Looks like some of the Central Florida tornado will come out as EF-3.......but I will defer to the experts, from the NWS Storm Prediction Center and FEMA, for the final ruling.

 

[rdale]

FEMA and SPC do not make those determinations... A local office comes up with the EF number, but if they suspect EF4 or higher -- or if it's a major event -- they call in a QRT (quick response team) made up of meteorologists from across the country primarily in the NWS.

 

[kg4ojj]

According to other forums, I think Dan McCarthy (SPC's WCM) and others are enroute/there for this event. Maybe not a QRT, but help with the new scale???

So, rdale....you listen to scanners and watch RADAR (aren't you on Gibson Ridge forum)??

 

[rdale]

The QRT is there today and they have made some determinations - I think EF3 was the highest.

That's me at GR -- I'm a meteorologist so that's my day job, scanners are on the side...

 

[kg4ojj]

Thanks for the clarification. I've done some F0-F1 damage assessments for NWS TLH, but nothing on this scale or F2+ (maybe there was a low-end F2).....and, nothing with the EF-scale yet (although I understand it and have completed the available training modules).

Amateur Radio Operator????

 

[rdale]

Of course ;> N8GSK

 

[kg4ojj]

Have you seen a "cheatsheet" (one-sheet, laminated) for the EF-scale???

I understand there is a Palm OS application for it.........is it freely available???

73 de KG4OJJ

 

[rdale]

Not seen a cheatsheet - the PDA version is still in testing but shouldn't be much longer before it's available. Right now you can download a regular Windows version, I've got it on my laptop.

 

[kg4ojj]

Me too....just wondering how to use it in the field.

Have camera, notepad, GPS, laptop (in truck).......need some portable version of EFKit...whether on Palm (my Treo has a camera) or portable document (I'm thinking laminated, double-sided).

I may produce something for my own use.....have been thinking of what/how would I do it if in-the-field (since the FL tornadoes). I'll share it for your comments.

 

[ecarland]

Enhanced Fujita scale

here is the new wind speeds for the ef scale.

 

[kg4ojj]

Thanks....looking for all 28 DI's and DOD tables on a page.

Something to laminate and take on Damage Assessments.