More than 1,200 tornadoes occur across the United States every year. Out of that total, Kansas averages 55 each year, while Missouri averages 28 each year. Tornado intensity is now measured using the EF Scale, or the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The original Fujita Scale to measure tornado intensity was developed in the early 1970s by Allan Pearson and the late Ted Fujita. Beginning in 2007 the new EF scale was put into use to rate tornado intensity. The new scale is designed to rate tornadoes more accurately across a wide range of intensities and damage.

The EF scale determines tornado intensity by factoring damage to 28 different indicators, including mobile homes and trees. The EF scale ranges from 0 to 5, with a rating of 5 being the most destructive tornado possible. The devastating Greensburg, Kan. tornado of May 4, 2007, was rated an EF5, with winds over 200 mph!

Only days after the New Year began, a major severe weather outbreak occurred over the Missouri Ozarks on Jan. 7-8. This tornado outbreak produced at least 33 confirmed tornadoes. The two strongest were rated EF-3, with winds up to 165 mph! This total already puts the state of Missouri ahead of its yearly tornado average.

Hail seldom causes loss of human life. It can destroy crops, roofs, cars, lawn furniture and has been known to kill farm animals. Each year about $1.5 billion in crop losses are due to hail. Hail 1 inch or more in diameter is considered severe.

You’ve often heard hail described as softball or marble size. But did you know those descriptions aren’t just ballpark figures? There are very specific measurements to go along with each.