Just as earthquakes are rated on the Richter scale, tornadoes are rated on a scale from F-0 to F-5. F-0 and F-1 storms can collapse chimneys and toss mobile homes off their foundations. They have the strength to push cars off roads. F-2 and F-3 tornadoes can tear away roofs and lift and toss heavy cars. F-4 and F-5 tornadoes are so strong they can pick up and carry entire buildings a distance, toss steel beams, and crunch cars.
This has been the warmest decade since 1880. In 2010, global surface temperatures tied 2005 as the warmest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Scientists say that the earth could warm by an additional 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit during the 21st century if we fail to reduce emissions from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. This rise in average temperature will have far-reaching effects on the earth's climate patterns and on all living things. Many of these changes have already begun.
