The EF-Scale

1. The EF-Scale Daniel McCarthy MIC, Indianapolis, IN The BAD The UGLY The GOOD 1950 - 2009 1980-2009 The bed of the SUV is here After Before The steering column and dash is here How do you rate THIS? EF-Scale not sufficient for trees and vehicles! This Chevy Blazer (?) took a 2-mile ride! 2007-2009 Greensburg, KS The 28 Damage Indicators and the Degrees of Damage for each DI allow us to “ENHANCE” storm survey details of tornado damage. Tim Marshall’s training enables us to evaluate how structures are built to assess the damage rating or THIS? 2 miles of cottonwood trees? DI? DOD? The Effects on Storm Data & Other Issues • It takes very severe, total demolition for data to be rated EF5 • Estimated winds over 200 mph • Questions were raised in Greensburg, KS and Parkersburg, IA! • Surveys are challenged by EM and Insurance sectors • Claims need FEMA declaration • How many NWS Meteorologists are trained • Structural Engineering • Plant Biology • Degrees of Damage Overlap • Procedures & Partnerships to perform Aerial Surveys non-consistent • GPS tools also non-consistent from WFO to WFO • Meteorologists and Engineers want two different ways to conduct surveys • Resource problem The BPAT study after the 1999 Oklahoma City tornado clearly shown how homes breakdown during a tornado. • Challenges with Outbreaks • When the worst damage occurs • Numerous sites to survey • Before the bulldozers arrive • Finding enough staff to perform surveys • Finding the time worthy to survey the really big events • Enhances the database