What scale is used to measure tornado damage?

The Fujita Scale is the correct measure for assessing tornado damage. This scale, developed by Dr. Tetsuya Fujita in 1971, categorizes tornadoes from F0 to F5 based on the damage they cause to buildings and vegetation. Each level of the Fujita Scale corresponds to specific types of damage, which helps officials and scientists estimate the intensity of a tornado based on the destruction observed. For instance, an F0 tornado represents light damage, while an F5 tornado signifies incredible damage, including complete destruction of well-built houses.

The Beaufort Scale evaluates wind speed based on observed conditions at sea or on land, making it more appropriate for assessing wind forces rather than tornadoes specifically. The Saffir-Simpson Scale is used for categorizing hurricanes based on sustained wind speeds and their potential for damage to structures, again not applicable for tornadoes. The Richter Scale quantifies the magnitude of earthquakes, thus having no relation to tornado assessment. Each of these scales is designed for different natural phenomena, reinforcing the specialized purpose of the Fujita Scale for tornadoes.