Lack of structures in predominately agricultural areas can pose special challenges to the operational assignment of F-scale ratings to tornado damage. In regions with relatively lower population densities and an associated lack of structures, F-scale definitions only provide vague guidance for damage assessment.

For the sake of consistency in operational F-scale assignment amongst geographic regions, the authors suggest the F-scale incorporate more non-structural types of damage. Specifically, to better account for tornadic damage in predominately agricultural areas, F-scale descriptions should be refined to incorporate such things as irrigation pivots, agricultural crops, and other types of vegetation.