Living in the Lowcountry means having to provide extra protection throughout our several seasons of storms. While the Fall is known as hurricane season – between the months of March, April, and May we have to be prepared for tornadoes at any moment. Tornados, unlike hurricanes, have far less warning time resulting in less time to prepare. With recent tornado activity charging through South Carolina and our surrounding areas, we want to continue in our mission to help protect you and your family from any storm, big or small.
Within the past month, 16 tornadoes have touched down in South Carolina, and we’re expecting even more within the next few weeks. The danger of these natural disasters should not be taken lightly. These storms are classified on a scale using the abbreviation “EF”, which stands for “Enhanced Fujita.” A numerical term is then added to the abbreviation to categorize the tornados determining wind speed and strength.
The Enhanced Fujita scale is explained below:
EF0
Minor damage. Wind speed: 65-85 MPH.
EF1
Moderate damage. Wind speed: 86-110 MPH.
EF2
Considerable damage. Wind speed: 178-217 MPH.
EF3
Severe damage. Wind speed: 218-266 MPH.
EF4
Devastating damage. Wind speed: 267-322 MPH.
EF5
Incredible damage. Wind speed: greater than 322 MPH.
Within the categories of EF3 to EF5 and greater, it can be devastating to homes and buildings regardless of the original strength of their foundation. It’s important that structures are equipped with storm shutters and shields to stand up to the enormous wind strength of these tornados if they are going to stand the test of the storm.
Learn more about the recent tornadic activity in the southern United States by clicking here.
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