Does Size Really Matter???

Early Monday morning, some 3 miles east of Eminence KY in Henry county, an EF-3 tornado destroyed a couple of homes, knocking over at least 15 power poles, and causing some minor injuries. I have posted a sample photo highlighting the destructive power of nature's fury.

As you consider the link below about the NWS survey of this storm, notice the path width of the tornado: 150 yds.
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/?n=feb28_2011_tornadoes#henry
True, it's larger than one and a half football fields but smaller than what some imagine an EF-3 tornado as being, somewhere in the neighborhood of a half-mile or so in width.

It always tickles me when I hear storm chasers or other spotters describe a tornado on the ground as being a certain EF number, basing much of their guess on the size of the tornado. However, one should remember that the EF number is NOT measured by a tornado's width or length on the ground but the damage caused to specific structures and other objects.

Also, the EF number only provides an estimate of the wind speed based on a series of timed  gusts near the damage point. Below I have provided a link that provides a very detailed description of the Enhanced Fujita Scale. It certainly is a reference worth saving.
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ef-scale.html

That is all for now. Have a good day.
MS