What distinction can be made between devastating & incredible [see details]?

This is a subjective and somewhat arbitrary ratings spectrum, compiled by people at a news station who are not necessarily English majors more for broadcast effect than linguistic correctness To me, “devastating” means massive destruction, while “Incredible” is means little more than massively big.

The new scale goes from EF1 to EF5. It’s all about wind speeds. The words are an apparent attempt to give some meaning to rather abstract wind speed numbers.

I would replace the word “incredible” with “annihilating” to convey the meaning of an F5 and EF5 in a better way.

Yeah, this is why I asked, the use of the word incredible comes across as twee & sensationalistic.

We experienced an F5 tornado in central Texas a few years ago, and it lifted the asphalt from the ground, in addition to its routine work of destroying humans, animals and property. While the wind’s ability to suck up the pavement is an incredible feat, the term “annihilating” seems far more descriptive.

I am really surprised that the word “incredible” is used in a scientific description. A thing is credible by its mere existence. This description is of no use as such. I find the official use of it incredible.

I think the storm that hit Moore, OK will likely be reclassified as an F5.

F4 Winds from 207–260 mph. “Devastating damage.

Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown away some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated.”

F5 Winds above 261 mph. “Incredible damage.

Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances to disintegrate; automobile sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 m (109 yd); trees debarked; steel reinforced concrete structures badly damaged.”

Source

Yep, ‘incredible’ is one of those words like ‘tragedy’ and ‘awesome’ that has been diluted by the media and popular culture so as to have almost no specific meaning.
Another vote for annihilating, I suppose…