The National Weather Service continued to survey several local sites Tuesday to determine if the damage from Sunday's severe weather was caused by tornadoes, and if so, how strong the tornadoes were.
The Enhanced Fujita Scale is used to rate a tornado one of six levels based on wind speeds and damage.
When damage is looked at, it is compared to a list of damage indicators and degrees of damage which help National Weather Service officials estimate the range of the wind gusts that the tornado likely caused.
The numbers you see on the chart here are 3-second gusts that are used to identify a tornado's rating.
EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes are classified as "weak". EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes are deemed "Strong". EF-4 and EF-5 tornadoes are called "violent".
The Leon and Grady county tornadoes from March 3 would both be considered strong tornadoes.
The Grady county tornado, which of course occurred in Cairo, had estimated wind speeds of 120 miles per hour, classifying it again as an E-F-2. The Leon County tornado which ventured into Jefferson county, had estimated wind gusts of 140 miles per hour, classifying that as an E-F-3.
No matter the future rating of a tornado, it is important to treat every tornado warning with respect and SEEK SAFETY, whether that be in a safety shelter or in an interior room on the lowest floor of a building away from windows.
