The Enhanced Fujita Scale assigns tornadoes corresponding numbers from EF0 , with gusts from 65 to 85 mph , to the mightiest EF5 , with gusts over 200 mph . It 's not yet official , but forecasters suspect tornadoes caused 16 tornadoes Sunday . The United States has the highest number of tornadoes in the world -- 1,200 per year . The strongest tornadoes are rated EF5 , with gusts over 200 mph , and called ` ` incredible '' Only 59 EF5 tornadoes have hit the U.S. since 1950 ; Arkansas has been spared so far .
It 's not yet official , but forecasters suspect tornadoes caused 16 tornadoes Sunday . The United States has the highest number of tornadoes in the world -- 1,200 per year . The strongest tornadoes are rated EF5 , with gusts over 200 mph , and called ` ` incredible '' Only 59 EF5 tornadoes have hit the U.S. since 1950 ; Arkansas has been spared so far .