Today marks the anniversary of a significant Palm Sunday tornado outbreak, but perhaps not the one you may think. On March 28, 1920, at least 7 tornadoes touched down in Indiana as part of a major tornado outbreak.
The first tornado touched down west of Leroy in Lake county around 3 PM before passing into Porter county and ending near Beatrice. One person was killed and another was injured.
Around 3:15 PM, a second tornado touched down south of Mishawaka and passed northwest of Elkhart before heading into Michigan. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred in this storm but several people were injured.
The third tornado touched down at 4:30 PM in Steuben county near the town of Orland, unroofing businesses and homes there. The tornado moved NNE into Michigan.
A new tornado touched down at 5:15 PM in Wells county near Uniondale. Many farms and other buildings were leveled along the path across Wells and Allen counties. The tornado then crossed into Ohio. In all, 23 people were killed with 13 of the deaths occurring in Indiana.
Around 6 PM, another tornado touched down NNW of Portland in Jay county. Extreme damage (possibly F5) occurred near the towns of Geneva and Ceylon before the tornado passed into Ohio. 17 people died with 14 of them occurring in Indiana.
A sixth tornado touched down at 7:30 PM south of Union City in Randolph county before moving into Ohio. 5 people were killed but it appears that all of the deaths occurred in Ohio.
The final tornado reached the ground in Wayne county at 8:00 PM. This tornado originated near Fountain City and moved through Wayne and Randolph counties before passing into Ohio. No deaths occurred in Indiana.
Source:
Thomas P. Grazulis, Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991 (Environmental Films, 1993).
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Tornadoes In Each Month So Far This Year
This year, tornadoes have occurred in January, February and March. Since 1950, the only other year that this has happened is 1976. For what it's worth, no tornadoes were recorded here in April 1976.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
NWS Confirms Tornado In Switzerland County
The National Weather Service in Wilmington, OH has confirmed an EF0 tornado in Switzerland county on March 23. Although no damage occurred, it appears this tornado will be counted in the official statistics.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON OH
424 PM EDT SAT MAR 24 2012
...TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR CENTER SQUARE IN SWITZERLAND COUNTY
INDIANA...
LOCATION...CENTER SQUARE IN SWITZERLAND COUNTY INDIANA
DATE...03/23/12
ESTIMATED TIME...430 PM EDT
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF0
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...UNKNOWN
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...UNKNOWN
PATH LENGTH...UNKNOWN
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.83 / 85.05W
ENDING LAT/LON...38.83 / 85.05W
* FATALITIES...0
* INJURIES...0
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN NWS
STORM DATA.
..SUMMARY
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON OH HAS CONFIRMED A
TORNADO NEAR CENTER SQUARE IN SWITZERLAND COUNTY INDIANA ON
03/23/12.
THERE WAS A PUBLIC REPORT OF A BRIEF TORNADO TOUCHDOWN ABOUT 1.5
MILES WEST OF CENTER SQUARE. BASED ON RADAR...THIS APPEARS TO HAVE
OCCURRED AROUND 430 PM EDT. A SHERIFF DEPUTY REPORTED A TORNADO A
SHORT TIME LATER IN THE VICINITY OF CENTER SQUARE. NO REPORTS OF
DAMAGE HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON OH
424 PM EDT SAT MAR 24 2012
...TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR CENTER SQUARE IN SWITZERLAND COUNTY
INDIANA...
LOCATION...CENTER SQUARE IN SWITZERLAND COUNTY INDIANA
DATE...03/23/12
ESTIMATED TIME...430 PM EDT
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF0
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...UNKNOWN
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...UNKNOWN
PATH LENGTH...UNKNOWN
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.83 / 85.05W
ENDING LAT/LON...38.83 / 85.05W
* FATALITIES...0
* INJURIES...0
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN NWS
STORM DATA.
..SUMMARY
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON OH HAS CONFIRMED A
TORNADO NEAR CENTER SQUARE IN SWITZERLAND COUNTY INDIANA ON
03/23/12.
THERE WAS A PUBLIC REPORT OF A BRIEF TORNADO TOUCHDOWN ABOUT 1.5
MILES WEST OF CENTER SQUARE. BASED ON RADAR...THIS APPEARS TO HAVE
OCCURRED AROUND 430 PM EDT. A SHERIFF DEPUTY REPORTED A TORNADO A
SHORT TIME LATER IN THE VICINITY OF CENTER SQUARE. NO REPORTS OF
DAMAGE HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
Friday, March 23, 2012
March 23, 1917 Tornadoes
On this date in 1917, at least 7 tornadoes struck parts of central and southern Indiana. A brief summary of each tornado is provided below.
The first tornado touched down during the early afternoon in Illinois before crossing into Sullivan county. This tornado damaged dozens of farm buildings. No fatalities occurred on the Indiana side, but 1 man was killed in Illinois.
The second tornado touched down in Hendricks county. Tracking northeast, it passed near Pittsboro and damaged numerous homes.
The third tornado touched down in Grant county north of Swayzee, unroofing a home and destroying a barn.
The fourth tornado touched down southwest of Preble in Adams county. This tornado damaged several homes and unroofed a school, injuring 7 students.
The fifth tornado was by far the worst of the day and remains one of the most significant tornadoes to ever strike Indiana. It touched down in Floyd county and moved ENE through New Albany. The tornado cut a wide swath through the northern part of the city, destroying 300 homes and many other buildings. Several deaths occurred at the Olden Street School and some children were killed on their way home from school. 45 people were killed in New Albany - one of the highest single town death tolls from a tornado in state history. The tornado then passed into Jefferson county Kentucky.
The sixth tornado touched down in Delaware county, destroying two barns and a house southeast of Desoto.
The seventh tornado touched down in Harrison county. It passed just north of Corydon, damaging many farms. There has been some speculation that this tornado may have been the same tornado that struck New Albany, but we may never know for sure.
Source:
Thomas P. Grazulis, Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991 (Environmental Films, 1993).
The first tornado touched down during the early afternoon in Illinois before crossing into Sullivan county. This tornado damaged dozens of farm buildings. No fatalities occurred on the Indiana side, but 1 man was killed in Illinois.
The second tornado touched down in Hendricks county. Tracking northeast, it passed near Pittsboro and damaged numerous homes.
The third tornado touched down in Grant county north of Swayzee, unroofing a home and destroying a barn.
The fourth tornado touched down southwest of Preble in Adams county. This tornado damaged several homes and unroofed a school, injuring 7 students.
The fifth tornado was by far the worst of the day and remains one of the most significant tornadoes to ever strike Indiana. It touched down in Floyd county and moved ENE through New Albany. The tornado cut a wide swath through the northern part of the city, destroying 300 homes and many other buildings. Several deaths occurred at the Olden Street School and some children were killed on their way home from school. 45 people were killed in New Albany - one of the highest single town death tolls from a tornado in state history. The tornado then passed into Jefferson county Kentucky.
The sixth tornado touched down in Delaware county, destroying two barns and a house southeast of Desoto.
The seventh tornado touched down in Harrison county. It passed just north of Corydon, damaging many farms. There has been some speculation that this tornado may have been the same tornado that struck New Albany, but we may never know for sure.
Source:
Thomas P. Grazulis, Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991 (Environmental Films, 1993).
Sunday, March 18, 2012
March 18, 1925 Tri-State Tornado
Today marks the 87th anniversary of the Tri-State tornado which blasted across parts of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. This was an exceptional tornado in many ways. A list of some of the records held by this tornado is provided below.
-at least 695 fatalities, the most by a single tornado in the United States
-219 to 234 mile path length
-3 1/2 hours on the ground
-613 fatalities in Illinois, the most on record for a single state
-234 fatalities in Murphysboro, Illinois, the most on record for a single town
-69 deaths in schools, including 33 deaths at one Illinois school
The most infamous tornado in U.S. history was born in a field in southern Missouri in the early afternoon on March 18, 1925. The tornado moved rapidly northeastward, killing 11 in Missouri before moving into Illinois. The tornado took its first lives in Illinois at Gorham, where 34 were killed. Over the course of just 40 minutes, 541 people died and more than 1,500 were injured. After wreaking terrible havoc in Illinois, the tornado crossed the Wabash River in northwest Posey county Indiana and caused heavy damage in Griffin, where 25 died. It then proceeded northeastward through rural farmland between Griffin and Princeton, destroying dozens of farms. The tornado struck a direct hit on Princeton, killing at least 45. The tornado finally dissipated southwest of Petersburg.
In Indiana, at least 71 people were killed, making it the deadliest tornado in state history. The death toll at Princeton is among the highest for a single Indiana town, only rivaled by the 1917 New Albany tornado (more on that tornado in an upcoming post).
In all, at least 695 people were killed and over 2,000 were injured. Approximately 15,000 homes were destroyed with total damage estimated at over $16 million. When adjusted to modern day values, this tornado is among the costliest of all-time.
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Although the Tri-State tornado was by far the most significant event of the day, it was not the only tornado to occur in Indiana. A tornado touched down in Harrison county near Mauckport and passed near Laconia and Elizabeth, killing 4. The tornado then proceeded into Kentucky.
Source:
Thomas P. Grazulis, Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991 (Environmental Films, 1993).
-at least 695 fatalities, the most by a single tornado in the United States
-219 to 234 mile path length
-3 1/2 hours on the ground
-613 fatalities in Illinois, the most on record for a single state
-234 fatalities in Murphysboro, Illinois, the most on record for a single town
-69 deaths in schools, including 33 deaths at one Illinois school
The most infamous tornado in U.S. history was born in a field in southern Missouri in the early afternoon on March 18, 1925. The tornado moved rapidly northeastward, killing 11 in Missouri before moving into Illinois. The tornado took its first lives in Illinois at Gorham, where 34 were killed. Over the course of just 40 minutes, 541 people died and more than 1,500 were injured. After wreaking terrible havoc in Illinois, the tornado crossed the Wabash River in northwest Posey county Indiana and caused heavy damage in Griffin, where 25 died. It then proceeded northeastward through rural farmland between Griffin and Princeton, destroying dozens of farms. The tornado struck a direct hit on Princeton, killing at least 45. The tornado finally dissipated southwest of Petersburg.
In Indiana, at least 71 people were killed, making it the deadliest tornado in state history. The death toll at Princeton is among the highest for a single Indiana town, only rivaled by the 1917 New Albany tornado (more on that tornado in an upcoming post).
In all, at least 695 people were killed and over 2,000 were injured. Approximately 15,000 homes were destroyed with total damage estimated at over $16 million. When adjusted to modern day values, this tornado is among the costliest of all-time.
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Although the Tri-State tornado was by far the most significant event of the day, it was not the only tornado to occur in Indiana. A tornado touched down in Harrison county near Mauckport and passed near Laconia and Elizabeth, killing 4. The tornado then proceeded into Kentucky.
Source:
Thomas P. Grazulis, Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991 (Environmental Films, 1993).
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Updated Information On Holton Tornado
There is some new information regarding the March 2 tornado that struck the Holton area. Here is the updated storm survey.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON OH
347 PM EST FRI MAR 9 2012
...UPDATED INFORMATION ON TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY
COUNTY INDIANA...
LOCATION...HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA
DATE...MARCH 2 2012
ESTIMATED TIME...353 PM EST
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF3
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...145 MPH
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...350 YARDS
PATH LENGTH...9 MILES
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.0667N / -85.4070W
ENDING LAT/LON...39.1127N / -85.2562W
* FATALITIES...2
* INJURIES...6
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN NWS
STORM DATA.
..SUMMARY
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON OH HAS CONFIRMED AN EF3
TORNADO NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA ON MARCH 2 2012.
THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN APPROXIMATELY 0.5 MILES SOUTHWEST OF
HOLTON AS AN EF0 TORNADO. THE TORNADO QUICKLY INTENSIFIED AS IT
APPROACHED THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF HOLTON REACHING EF1 TO EF2
INTENSITY. THE PATH OF THE TORNADO MOVED NEARLY PARALLEL TO THE
NORTH SIDE OF US50 AS IT MOVED THROUGH HOLTON. MANY OF THE HOMES
AND BUSINESSES EAST OF MARION STREET WERE DAMAGED BY EF2 INTENSITY
WINDS. THE TORNADO STRENGTHENED TO LOW-END EF3 INTENSITY AS IT
MOVED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF US 50 AND VERSAILLES STREET. AT
THIS POINT TWO FATALITIES OCCURRED IN A MOBILE HOME. SIX INJURIES
WERE ALSO REPORTED IN THE TOWN OF HOLTON.
THIS TORNADO CONTINUED TO THE NORTHEAST FROM THIS POINT...AT
EF2/EF3 INTENSITY DAMAGING HOMES ON SLEEPY ROAD AND OLD MICHIGAN
ROAD. THE TORNADO BEGAN TO DECREASE IN INTENSITY EAST OF OLD
MICHIGAN ROAD AND MAINTAINED EF1 INTENSITY UNTIL IT DISSIPATED
APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE SOUTHEAST OF OSGOOD ON FINKS ROAD. SEVERAL
HOMES AND FARMS HAD MINOR DAMAGE ALONG THE TRACK BETWEEN OLD
MICHIGAN ROAD AND THE END OF THE TORNADO.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON OH
347 PM EST FRI MAR 9 2012
...UPDATED INFORMATION ON TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY
COUNTY INDIANA...
LOCATION...HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA
DATE...MARCH 2 2012
ESTIMATED TIME...353 PM EST
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF3
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...145 MPH
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...350 YARDS
PATH LENGTH...9 MILES
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.0667N / -85.4070W
ENDING LAT/LON...39.1127N / -85.2562W
* FATALITIES...2
* INJURIES...6
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN NWS
STORM DATA.
..SUMMARY
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON OH HAS CONFIRMED AN EF3
TORNADO NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA ON MARCH 2 2012.
THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN APPROXIMATELY 0.5 MILES SOUTHWEST OF
HOLTON AS AN EF0 TORNADO. THE TORNADO QUICKLY INTENSIFIED AS IT
APPROACHED THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF HOLTON REACHING EF1 TO EF2
INTENSITY. THE PATH OF THE TORNADO MOVED NEARLY PARALLEL TO THE
NORTH SIDE OF US50 AS IT MOVED THROUGH HOLTON. MANY OF THE HOMES
AND BUSINESSES EAST OF MARION STREET WERE DAMAGED BY EF2 INTENSITY
WINDS. THE TORNADO STRENGTHENED TO LOW-END EF3 INTENSITY AS IT
MOVED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF US 50 AND VERSAILLES STREET. AT
THIS POINT TWO FATALITIES OCCURRED IN A MOBILE HOME. SIX INJURIES
WERE ALSO REPORTED IN THE TOWN OF HOLTON.
THIS TORNADO CONTINUED TO THE NORTHEAST FROM THIS POINT...AT
EF2/EF3 INTENSITY DAMAGING HOMES ON SLEEPY ROAD AND OLD MICHIGAN
ROAD. THE TORNADO BEGAN TO DECREASE IN INTENSITY EAST OF OLD
MICHIGAN ROAD AND MAINTAINED EF1 INTENSITY UNTIL IT DISSIPATED
APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE SOUTHEAST OF OSGOOD ON FINKS ROAD. SEVERAL
HOMES AND FARMS HAD MINOR DAMAGE ALONG THE TRACK BETWEEN OLD
MICHIGAN ROAD AND THE END OF THE TORNADO.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Second Henryville Tornado Confirmed
The NWS in Louisville has confirmed a second tornado - albeit much weaker - struck Henryville shortly after the EF4. Here are the results of the storm survey.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
558 PM EST MON MAR 05 2012
...A SECOND TORNADO WITH EF-1 DAMAGE CONFIRMED JUST SOUTH OF THE
SOUTHERN INDIANA EF-4...
DAMAGE TYPE: TORNADO EF-1
DATE: MAR 02 2012
BEGIN TIME: 3:30 PM EST
END TIME: 3:36 PM EST
BEGIN POINT: 6 WSW HENRYVILLE
END POINT: 0.5 E HENRYVILLE
WIND SPEED: MAXIMUM 110 MPH
INJURIES: 0
FATALITIES: 0
NARRATIVE:
PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING A CIVIL AIR PATROL FLIGHT CORROBORATE
INTERVIEWS WITH RESIDENTS ALONG THE DAMAGE PATH INDICATE THAT THERE
WERE INTERMITTENT TOUCHDOWNS OF A WEAKER TORNADO WITH THE SECOND
SUPERCELL TO PASS OVER THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
THE SECOND STORM, WHICH PUMMELED THE RECENTLY DEVASTATED AREA WITH
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF SOFTBALLS, FOLLOWED NEARLY THE SAME PATH AS
THE FIRST SUPERCELL. AT LEAST THREE LOCATIONS ALONG THE PATH OF THIS
STORM SUPPORT THE OCCURRENCE OF A TORNADO OF EF-1 INTENSITY, WITH
MAXIMUM WINDS APPROACHING 110 MPH, AN INTERMITTENT PATH LENGTH OF
6.5 MILES, AND A DAMAGE PATH WIDTH OF 60 YARDS.
THE FIRST OBSERVED DAMAGE WAS NEAR ROUND KNOB IN THE CLARK STATE
FOREST. DAMAGE WAS AGAIN OBSERVED ALONG AND WEST OF SPEITH ROAD, 1/4
OF A MILE NORTH OF HENRYVILLE-BLUE LICK ROAD JUST SOUTHWEST OF
HENRYVILLE. FINALLY, THE TORNADO LIFTED AFTER DOING DAMAGE FROM THE
SOUTH SIDE OF HENRYVILLE NEAR ROBYN AVENUE TO THE EAST SIDE OF
HENRYVILLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 60 AND HADDOX ROAD.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
558 PM EST MON MAR 05 2012
...A SECOND TORNADO WITH EF-1 DAMAGE CONFIRMED JUST SOUTH OF THE
SOUTHERN INDIANA EF-4...
DAMAGE TYPE: TORNADO EF-1
DATE: MAR 02 2012
BEGIN TIME: 3:30 PM EST
END TIME: 3:36 PM EST
BEGIN POINT: 6 WSW HENRYVILLE
END POINT: 0.5 E HENRYVILLE
WIND SPEED: MAXIMUM 110 MPH
INJURIES: 0
FATALITIES: 0
NARRATIVE:
PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING A CIVIL AIR PATROL FLIGHT CORROBORATE
INTERVIEWS WITH RESIDENTS ALONG THE DAMAGE PATH INDICATE THAT THERE
WERE INTERMITTENT TOUCHDOWNS OF A WEAKER TORNADO WITH THE SECOND
SUPERCELL TO PASS OVER THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
THE SECOND STORM, WHICH PUMMELED THE RECENTLY DEVASTATED AREA WITH
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF SOFTBALLS, FOLLOWED NEARLY THE SAME PATH AS
THE FIRST SUPERCELL. AT LEAST THREE LOCATIONS ALONG THE PATH OF THIS
STORM SUPPORT THE OCCURRENCE OF A TORNADO OF EF-1 INTENSITY, WITH
MAXIMUM WINDS APPROACHING 110 MPH, AN INTERMITTENT PATH LENGTH OF
6.5 MILES, AND A DAMAGE PATH WIDTH OF 60 YARDS.
THE FIRST OBSERVED DAMAGE WAS NEAR ROUND KNOB IN THE CLARK STATE
FOREST. DAMAGE WAS AGAIN OBSERVED ALONG AND WEST OF SPEITH ROAD, 1/4
OF A MILE NORTH OF HENRYVILLE-BLUE LICK ROAD JUST SOUTHWEST OF
HENRYVILLE. FINALLY, THE TORNADO LIFTED AFTER DOING DAMAGE FROM THE
SOUTH SIDE OF HENRYVILLE NEAR ROBYN AVENUE TO THE EAST SIDE OF
HENRYVILLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 60 AND HADDOX ROAD.
March 2 Southern Indiana EF4 Storm Survey
The NWS in Louisville has posted their findings on the long-track EF4 tornado that struck parts of Washington, Clark, Scott, Jefferson, and Trimble county Kentucky on Friday. Here is the survey in its entirety.
Begin Time: 2:50 PM EST
End Time: 3:39 PM EST
EF Scale: EF-4
Maximum wind Speed: 175 mph
Begin Point: South side of Fredericksburg
End Point: 3 miles NW of Bedford, Kentucky
Path Length: Approximately 49 miles
Path Width: One-third to one-half mile maximum (diameter of damage)
Injuries: Unknown
Fatalities: 11
Narrative:
The tornado first touched down on the south side of Fredericksburg
just south of U.S. 150 where several trees were snapped off. In this
area, winds were estimated to be 90 mph (EF1) with a damage width of
30 yards along the south fork of the Blue Lick River.
Additional tree damage was observed as the tornado moved east-
northeast across farmland. Near the intersection of Horners Chapel
Road and Fredericksburg Road, a high tension metal power structure
was toppled along with numerous trees uprooted and snapped. Here,
damage was estimated as EF2 with 130 mph winds. Along Palmyra Road
near Strickland Road, several trees were snapped with EF1 damage
50-100 yards wide and estimated winds of 100-110 mph. High tension
wires were down and trees snapped along West End Road just north of
Shanks Hill Road.
The tornado then traveled over a ridge and intensified as it hit
State Route 135 at Dutch Creek Road. Here, large chunks of 3-inch
thick asphalt from an approximately 4-by-4-yard section of roadway
was blown 10 to 30 yards into the adjacent grass next to the road.
Just east of Route 135, tremendous tree damage was observed. At this
location, the tornado was estimated to be of EF3 strength with 150
mph winds. The width of the damage path also began to widen,
increasing to 200 yards.
Tree and structural damage was widespread northeast of Route 135 as
the tornado crossed Trainer Lane and then State Road 335 to Robbs
Lane. The width of observable damage increased to one-quarter to
one-third of a mile. Countless trees were snapped and uprooted. The
degree of damage suggested a mix of EF2 and EF3 damage in this area,
with estimated winds of 120-150 mph.
The tornado crossed U.S. 60 just south of New Pekin. Immediately
east of the highway, tremendous structural damage was observed. A
well-constructed and large factory building (Airgo Industries) was
cleared to its foundation slab with numerous anchoring bolts bent in
the direction of the storm. Debris from this building was observed
one-half to three-quarters of a mile downwind. Large power poles
were snapped. Another metal out building on the right periphery of
the damage path had sheeting pulled off the back of the building
apparently from the force of the inbound winds into the tornado.
This was the area where 5 people were tragically killed in a mobile
home. In this location just east of U.S. 60, damage suggested an
EF4 tornado with 170 mph estimated winds, and a width of observed
damage from 0.3-0.4 mile.
Damage continued to the east along and south of Hurst Road in
extreme southeast Washington County. The tornado crossed into
extreme northwest Clark County along and near Daisy Hill Road. In
this area, a well-constructed one-story brick house at the top of a
small ridge was completely destroyed with no walls standing. People
onsite reported that cows were missing and could not be located.
They also stated that the tornado looked like a black wall as it
approached. A heavy trailer cab was blown from this house to another
demolished brick home about one-quarter mile away. Damage here
suggested EF4 damage with 170 mph winds.
As the tornado re-entered Washington County near the intersection of
Daisy Hill Road and Williams Knob Road, widespread damage occurred.
This included a home which was totally leveled as well as a couple
of anchored down double wide trailers. A car was destroyed and
tossed about 100 yards in the direction of storm motion from its
origin at the home. At one of the destroyed trailers, a Dodge Ram
pickup truck was tossed onto its side and destroyed in the opposite
direction from the car (i.e., on the left side of the tornado
track). Here, EF3-EF4 damage was estimated with winds of 150-170
mph. There were also snapped trees and structural damage along
Whiskey Run Road. The width of the observed damage straddling the
Washington-Clark County line was estimated to be one-third to
one-half mile wide, although the width of the most concentrated
damage was narrower. The last observed damage in Washington County
was near S. Flatwood Road in a wooded area before the tornado
entered Clark County.
Across Washington County, particularly east of U.S. 135, thousands
of trees were uprooted and snapped.
The tornado continued east-northeast in far northwest Clark County
on Dan Gray Road where the twister leveled many well-built homes and
caused extensive tree damage. The tornado here was rated EF4 with
estimated wind speeds of 170 mph and a damage width of one-third
mile.
The tornado moved into far southeast Washington County before
reappearing in Clark County. In Clark, the damage width narrowed to
one-quarter mile as the tornado crossed Pixley Knob Road and
decreased in intensity to EF2 with wind speeds of 115-120 mph.
Farther east, the tornado intensified again as it destroyed two
double wide homes on Speith Road. One family residence on the west
side of the road was severely damage reflecting EF3 damage with 150
mph winds.
The tornado crossed Interstate 65 damaging several vehicles and
semis, and closing the interstate for several hours. Several people
were trapped in these vehicles, but were later rescued.
The tornado continued to strengthen just east of Exit 19 of
Interstate 65 in a heavily industrialized area. Here, buildings
containing several businesses were severely damaged. A home was
destroyed on the east side of North Fraucke Road. The violent
tornado also seriously damaged several homes on the north side of
State Highway 160. Here, EF4 damage was apparent with 175 mph
estimated winds.
The tornado then struck the south buildings of the Henryville middle
and high school complex, with severe damage and 170 mph winds (EF4).
The middle school experienced the worst damage. The cafeteria was
completely destroyed. Two school buses were ripped off their
chassis.
There was also extensive structural damage on the east side of
Henryville on North Front Street and Pennsylvania Street. A high
tension tower and other homes were damaged on Pine Drive. Incredible
tree damage also occurred just west of Pine Drive as the tornado
traveled up a ridge. In this region, the tornado was an EF3 with 150
mph winds.
On Brownstown Road, many homes were severely damaged especially on
the north side of the tornado track with estimated speeds of 150 mph
(EF3). Farther east, there was massive deforestation on the east
side of a ridge just west of and along Henryville Otisco Road.
Several more homes were severely damaged along this road. One of
these homes reflected EF4 damage and 170 mph winds.
The tornado rapidly narrowed to a rope-like structure and ended as
an EF1 with 90-95 mph winds and an 80 yard wide path. This occurred
near the intersection of Blackberry Trail and State Highway 3.
Simultaneously, a new tornado vortex rapidly formed near Mahan Road
and Old State Road 3 immediately southwest of the first tornado. The
second tornado began as an EF1 and damaged a church. The vortex
quickly intensified to EF3 strength as it crossed the south part of
the town on Marysville, severely damaging several homes.
A Civil Air Patrol flight on Sunday, March 4 revealed extensive
ground scouring in farmers` fields east of Marysville all the way to
the Jefferson-Scott County line. This scouring was evidence of a
multi-vortex tornado, which was confirmed by multiple videos and
photographs.
Several homes were severely damaged near and south of the
intersection of Nabb New Washington Road and Marysville Nabb Road
(EF3, 150 mph winds, one-third mile damage path width).
The tornado continued north of Barnes Road damaging several clusters
of trees in open country. The tornado intensified east of the
intersection of Kettle Bottom and State Highway 362.
In Scott County, immediately north of Highway 362 molished and thrown downwind several hundred yards, within which
there were 3 fatalities. The garage of this house was destroyed with
one vehicle thrown 30 yards and another tossed 75 yards. A piece of
farm equipment was thrown 200 yards as well. A third well-built
brick home had its roof completely lifted and thrown over 300 yards
downwind. Also, an above ground pool half filled with water was
missing. Wind speeds in the area were estimated at 170-175 mph (EF4)
with a damage width of one-quarter mile.
The tornado tracked to the north of Paynesville and south of Lee
Bottom extensively damaging forests in southern Jefferson County
before crossing the Ohio River into Trimble County, Kentucky. The
damage width narrowed in this area to only a couple hundred
yards.
[KENTUCKY PORTION BELOW]
The tornado crossed the Ohio River from Jefferson
County Indiana and narrowed to about 200 yards wide; however, we are
hopeful to receive an aerial survey to refine this later this week.
The tornado damaged a home on Rogers Road as well as two barns. The
barns were overturned and several trees were knocked down and/or
twisted. This is consistent with high-end EF-1 damage of 105-110 mph
winds.
The tornado then went through a heavily wooded area near the
intersection of Hwy 625 and Hwy 1838 where one more barn was damaged
along with a garage roof with shingle damage. Three single-wide
mobile homes near the intersection of Joyce Mill and Highway 625
(Corn Creek Rd) were destroyed along with extensive tree damage
and downed power lines and poles. This is consistent with high-end
EF-1 damage of 100-105 mph with a path width of 75 yards.
No evidence of damage was observed until Rawlett Lane, where some
trees were snapped or downed. There could have been damage in
between; however, the survey team was unable to access this area.
The tornado once again struck two homes and a single-wide mobile
home on New Hope Ridge Road about two miles west of Hwy 421 on Hwy
2870. This is consistent with low-end EF-1 damage of 90 mph with a
path width of 50 yards.
Begin Time: 2:50 PM EST
End Time: 3:39 PM EST
EF Scale: EF-4
Maximum wind Speed: 175 mph
Begin Point: South side of Fredericksburg
End Point: 3 miles NW of Bedford, Kentucky
Path Length: Approximately 49 miles
Path Width: One-third to one-half mile maximum (diameter of damage)
Injuries: Unknown
Fatalities: 11
Narrative:
The tornado first touched down on the south side of Fredericksburg
just south of U.S. 150 where several trees were snapped off. In this
area, winds were estimated to be 90 mph (EF1) with a damage width of
30 yards along the south fork of the Blue Lick River.
Additional tree damage was observed as the tornado moved east-
northeast across farmland. Near the intersection of Horners Chapel
Road and Fredericksburg Road, a high tension metal power structure
was toppled along with numerous trees uprooted and snapped. Here,
damage was estimated as EF2 with 130 mph winds. Along Palmyra Road
near Strickland Road, several trees were snapped with EF1 damage
50-100 yards wide and estimated winds of 100-110 mph. High tension
wires were down and trees snapped along West End Road just north of
Shanks Hill Road.
The tornado then traveled over a ridge and intensified as it hit
State Route 135 at Dutch Creek Road. Here, large chunks of 3-inch
thick asphalt from an approximately 4-by-4-yard section of roadway
was blown 10 to 30 yards into the adjacent grass next to the road.
Just east of Route 135, tremendous tree damage was observed. At this
location, the tornado was estimated to be of EF3 strength with 150
mph winds. The width of the damage path also began to widen,
increasing to 200 yards.
Tree and structural damage was widespread northeast of Route 135 as
the tornado crossed Trainer Lane and then State Road 335 to Robbs
Lane. The width of observable damage increased to one-quarter to
one-third of a mile. Countless trees were snapped and uprooted. The
degree of damage suggested a mix of EF2 and EF3 damage in this area,
with estimated winds of 120-150 mph.
The tornado crossed U.S. 60 just south of New Pekin. Immediately
east of the highway, tremendous structural damage was observed. A
well-constructed and large factory building (Airgo Industries) was
cleared to its foundation slab with numerous anchoring bolts bent in
the direction of the storm. Debris from this building was observed
one-half to three-quarters of a mile downwind. Large power poles
were snapped. Another metal out building on the right periphery of
the damage path had sheeting pulled off the back of the building
apparently from the force of the inbound winds into the tornado.
This was the area where 5 people were tragically killed in a mobile
home. In this location just east of U.S. 60, damage suggested an
EF4 tornado with 170 mph estimated winds, and a width of observed
damage from 0.3-0.4 mile.
Damage continued to the east along and south of Hurst Road in
extreme southeast Washington County. The tornado crossed into
extreme northwest Clark County along and near Daisy Hill Road. In
this area, a well-constructed one-story brick house at the top of a
small ridge was completely destroyed with no walls standing. People
onsite reported that cows were missing and could not be located.
They also stated that the tornado looked like a black wall as it
approached. A heavy trailer cab was blown from this house to another
demolished brick home about one-quarter mile away. Damage here
suggested EF4 damage with 170 mph winds.
As the tornado re-entered Washington County near the intersection of
Daisy Hill Road and Williams Knob Road, widespread damage occurred.
This included a home which was totally leveled as well as a couple
of anchored down double wide trailers. A car was destroyed and
tossed about 100 yards in the direction of storm motion from its
origin at the home. At one of the destroyed trailers, a Dodge Ram
pickup truck was tossed onto its side and destroyed in the opposite
direction from the car (i.e., on the left side of the tornado
track). Here, EF3-EF4 damage was estimated with winds of 150-170
mph. There were also snapped trees and structural damage along
Whiskey Run Road. The width of the observed damage straddling the
Washington-Clark County line was estimated to be one-third to
one-half mile wide, although the width of the most concentrated
damage was narrower. The last observed damage in Washington County
was near S. Flatwood Road in a wooded area before the tornado
entered Clark County.
Across Washington County, particularly east of U.S. 135, thousands
of trees were uprooted and snapped.
The tornado continued east-northeast in far northwest Clark County
on Dan Gray Road where the twister leveled many well-built homes and
caused extensive tree damage. The tornado here was rated EF4 with
estimated wind speeds of 170 mph and a damage width of one-third
mile.
The tornado moved into far southeast Washington County before
reappearing in Clark County. In Clark, the damage width narrowed to
one-quarter mile as the tornado crossed Pixley Knob Road and
decreased in intensity to EF2 with wind speeds of 115-120 mph.
Farther east, the tornado intensified again as it destroyed two
double wide homes on Speith Road. One family residence on the west
side of the road was severely damage reflecting EF3 damage with 150
mph winds.
The tornado crossed Interstate 65 damaging several vehicles and
semis, and closing the interstate for several hours. Several people
were trapped in these vehicles, but were later rescued.
The tornado continued to strengthen just east of Exit 19 of
Interstate 65 in a heavily industrialized area. Here, buildings
containing several businesses were severely damaged. A home was
destroyed on the east side of North Fraucke Road. The violent
tornado also seriously damaged several homes on the north side of
State Highway 160. Here, EF4 damage was apparent with 175 mph
estimated winds.
The tornado then struck the south buildings of the Henryville middle
and high school complex, with severe damage and 170 mph winds (EF4).
The middle school experienced the worst damage. The cafeteria was
completely destroyed. Two school buses were ripped off their
chassis.
There was also extensive structural damage on the east side of
Henryville on North Front Street and Pennsylvania Street. A high
tension tower and other homes were damaged on Pine Drive. Incredible
tree damage also occurred just west of Pine Drive as the tornado
traveled up a ridge. In this region, the tornado was an EF3 with 150
mph winds.
On Brownstown Road, many homes were severely damaged especially on
the north side of the tornado track with estimated speeds of 150 mph
(EF3). Farther east, there was massive deforestation on the east
side of a ridge just west of and along Henryville Otisco Road.
Several more homes were severely damaged along this road. One of
these homes reflected EF4 damage and 170 mph winds.
The tornado rapidly narrowed to a rope-like structure and ended as
an EF1 with 90-95 mph winds and an 80 yard wide path. This occurred
near the intersection of Blackberry Trail and State Highway 3.
Simultaneously, a new tornado vortex rapidly formed near Mahan Road
and Old State Road 3 immediately southwest of the first tornado. The
second tornado began as an EF1 and damaged a church. The vortex
quickly intensified to EF3 strength as it crossed the south part of
the town on Marysville, severely damaging several homes.
A Civil Air Patrol flight on Sunday, March 4 revealed extensive
ground scouring in farmers` fields east of Marysville all the way to
the Jefferson-Scott County line. This scouring was evidence of a
multi-vortex tornado, which was confirmed by multiple videos and
photographs.
Several homes were severely damaged near and south of the
intersection of Nabb New Washington Road and Marysville Nabb Road
(EF3, 150 mph winds, one-third mile damage path width).
The tornado continued north of Barnes Road damaging several clusters
of trees in open country. The tornado intensified east of the
intersection of Kettle Bottom and State Highway 362.
In Scott County, immediately north of Highway 362 molished and thrown downwind several hundred yards, within which
there were 3 fatalities. The garage of this house was destroyed with
one vehicle thrown 30 yards and another tossed 75 yards. A piece of
farm equipment was thrown 200 yards as well. A third well-built
brick home had its roof completely lifted and thrown over 300 yards
downwind. Also, an above ground pool half filled with water was
missing. Wind speeds in the area were estimated at 170-175 mph (EF4)
with a damage width of one-quarter mile.
The tornado tracked to the north of Paynesville and south of Lee
Bottom extensively damaging forests in southern Jefferson County
before crossing the Ohio River into Trimble County, Kentucky. The
damage width narrowed in this area to only a couple hundred
yards.
[KENTUCKY PORTION BELOW]
The tornado crossed the Ohio River from Jefferson
County Indiana and narrowed to about 200 yards wide; however, we are
hopeful to receive an aerial survey to refine this later this week.
The tornado damaged a home on Rogers Road as well as two barns. The
barns were overturned and several trees were knocked down and/or
twisted. This is consistent with high-end EF-1 damage of 105-110 mph
winds.
The tornado then went through a heavily wooded area near the
intersection of Hwy 625 and Hwy 1838 where one more barn was damaged
along with a garage roof with shingle damage. Three single-wide
mobile homes near the intersection of Joyce Mill and Highway 625
(Corn Creek Rd) were destroyed along with extensive tree damage
and downed power lines and poles. This is consistent with high-end
EF-1 damage of 100-105 mph with a path width of 75 yards.
No evidence of damage was observed until Rawlett Lane, where some
trees were snapped or downed. There could have been damage in
between; however, the survey team was unable to access this area.
The tornado once again struck two homes and a single-wide mobile
home on New Hope Ridge Road about two miles west of Hwy 421 on Hwy
2870. This is consistent with low-end EF-1 damage of 90 mph with a
path width of 50 yards.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
3 Tornadoes Confirmed So Far
So far, 3 tornadoes have been confirmed from the March 2 outbreak, an EF3 in Ripley county, an EF2 in Posey county and an EF4 in southern Indiana. Detailed survey information is not yet available for the EF4, but here are the surveys for the other tornadoes.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON OH
542 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012
..TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA
LOCATION...HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA
DATE...3/2/2012
ESTIMATED TIME...4:00 PM EST
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF3
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...145 MPH
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...350 YARDS
PATH LENGTH...10-11 MILES
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.0827/-85.3497
ENDING LAT/LON...39.1126/-85.2570
* FATALITIES...2
* INJURIES...UNKNOWN
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN NWS
STORM DATA.
..SUMMARY
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON OH HAS CONFIRMED A
TORNADO NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA ON 3/2/2012.
-----------------------------------------------
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
627 PM CST SAT MAR 3 2012
..DAMAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR POSEY COUNTY INDIANA TORNADO
THE FOLLOWING IS THE PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FOR
THE POSEY COUNTY INDIANA TORNADO.
* EVENT TYPE.........EF2 TORNADO
* EVENT DATE.........FRIDAY MARCH 2 2012
* EVENT TIME.........1237 PM CST TO 1243 PM CST BASED ON RADAR
* EVENT LOCATION.....4.5 MILES WEST SOUTHWEST OF WADESVILLE TO
0.6 MILES EAST NORTHEAST OF BLAIRSVILLE
* PEAK WIND..........125 MPH
* AVG. PATH WIDTH....140 YARDS
* PATH LENGTH........6 MILES
* INJURIES...........NONE
* FATALITIES.........NONE
* DAMAGE DETAIL......ONE WOOD FRAME HOUSE DESTROYED SOUTHWEST OF
WADESVILLE...WITH ROOF COMPLETELY REMOVED AND PART OF SOUTH
WALL BLOWN OFF. RESIDENT OF HOME AVOIDED INJURY BY TAKING
SHELTER IN BASEMENT AFTER SEEING DEBRIS IN AIR. THIS WAS
LOCATION OF PEAK INTENSITY OF TORNADO. EYEWITNESSES OBSERVED A
SWIRLING COLUMN OF DEBRIS BUT NOT A FUNNEL CLOUD. SEVERAL OTHER
HOMES MODERATELY DAMAGED...WITH WINDOWS BLOWN OUT AND VARYING
DEGREES OF ROOF DAMAGE. OVER 100 TREES SNAPPED OR
UPROOTED...INCLUDING 53 AT ONE RESIDENCE ALONE. A FEW GRAIN
BINS DESTROYED. OIL TANKS BLOWN OVER...WITH AN ASSOCIATED LEAK
OF CRUDE OIL. SEVERAL EQUIPMENT SHEDS DAMAGED. TWO TO THREE
GARAGES DESTROYED...INCLUDING A CONCRETE BLOCK GARAGE.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON OH
542 PM EST SAT MAR 3 2012
..TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA
LOCATION...HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA
DATE...3/2/2012
ESTIMATED TIME...4:00 PM EST
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF3
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...145 MPH
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...350 YARDS
PATH LENGTH...10-11 MILES
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.0827/-85.3497
ENDING LAT/LON...39.1126/-85.2570
* FATALITIES...2
* INJURIES...UNKNOWN
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN NWS
STORM DATA.
..SUMMARY
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON OH HAS CONFIRMED A
TORNADO NEAR HOLTON IN RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA ON 3/2/2012.
-----------------------------------------------
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
627 PM CST SAT MAR 3 2012
..DAMAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR POSEY COUNTY INDIANA TORNADO
THE FOLLOWING IS THE PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FOR
THE POSEY COUNTY INDIANA TORNADO.
* EVENT TYPE.........EF2 TORNADO
* EVENT DATE.........FRIDAY MARCH 2 2012
* EVENT TIME.........1237 PM CST TO 1243 PM CST BASED ON RADAR
* EVENT LOCATION.....4.5 MILES WEST SOUTHWEST OF WADESVILLE TO
0.6 MILES EAST NORTHEAST OF BLAIRSVILLE
* PEAK WIND..........125 MPH
* AVG. PATH WIDTH....140 YARDS
* PATH LENGTH........6 MILES
* INJURIES...........NONE
* FATALITIES.........NONE
* DAMAGE DETAIL......ONE WOOD FRAME HOUSE DESTROYED SOUTHWEST OF
WADESVILLE...WITH ROOF COMPLETELY REMOVED AND PART OF SOUTH
WALL BLOWN OFF. RESIDENT OF HOME AVOIDED INJURY BY TAKING
SHELTER IN BASEMENT AFTER SEEING DEBRIS IN AIR. THIS WAS
LOCATION OF PEAK INTENSITY OF TORNADO. EYEWITNESSES OBSERVED A
SWIRLING COLUMN OF DEBRIS BUT NOT A FUNNEL CLOUD. SEVERAL OTHER
HOMES MODERATELY DAMAGED...WITH WINDOWS BLOWN OUT AND VARYING
DEGREES OF ROOF DAMAGE. OVER 100 TREES SNAPPED OR
UPROOTED...INCLUDING 53 AT ONE RESIDENCE ALONE. A FEW GRAIN
BINS DESTROYED. OIL TANKS BLOWN OVER...WITH AN ASSOCIATED LEAK
OF CRUDE OIL. SEVERAL EQUIPMENT SHEDS DAMAGED. TWO TO THREE
GARAGES DESTROYED...INCLUDING A CONCRETE BLOCK GARAGE.
Henryville Area Tornado Rated EF4 - First Such Tornado Here In Over 13 Years
The tornado which inflicted heavy damage in a swath just north of the Ohio River has been rated EF4, the second strongest level on the Enhanced Fujita scale. It is the first EF4 tornado in Indiana since June 11, 1998, when a powerful tornado touched down in eastern Marion county and moved into Hancock county.
Significant Tornado Outbreak Strikes Indiana
A very significant tornado outbreak struck the state today, doing the bulk of its damage in southern areas. While the exact scope of this event is still unknown, it will no doubt be remembered as one of the more significant tornado outbreaks to occur here.
As of this writing, the Indiana death toll stands at 14. Search and rescue operations continue and it is possible that this number will rise. As it stands right now, this outbreak is the fourteenth deadliest since 1876. In terms of fatalities, the only post-1950 outbreaks to surpass this one are 4/11/1965, 4/3/1974, and 11/6/2005 (Evansville tornado). It is the deadliest daytime tornado event in 38 years.
As of this writing, the Indiana death toll stands at 14. Search and rescue operations continue and it is possible that this number will rise. As it stands right now, this outbreak is the fourteenth deadliest since 1876. In terms of fatalities, the only post-1950 outbreaks to surpass this one are 4/11/1965, 4/3/1974, and 11/6/2005 (Evansville tornado). It is the deadliest daytime tornado event in 38 years.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Special Friday Severe Weather Commentary
Normally I only post about tornadoes that have already occurred but I wanted to post a few comments about Friday's severe weather setup.
In short, my concern level is rather high for an event that is still 2 days away. The forecast models have been advertising a storm for the area for quite some time and we are starting to get close enough to where we can add some detail.
A consensus of the 00z/March 1 models takes a deepening surface low near Chicago, with a potentially moderately unstable and strongly sheared warm sector. Forecast soundings off the NAM are especially eye popping across much of the state and are very favorable for severe weather on Friday afternoon into Friday evening. Here is the 21z SREF significant tornado parameter, which shows an enhanced threat from southern Indiana southward.
Does this mean we can write off a threat farther north? Not at all. The SREF can be a great tool but one should always look into *why* it is showing what it is showing. I believe the main reason that it is not hitting a threat farther north is due to some uncertainty over the amount of instability. If adequate instability develops farther north, then higher probabilities should follow suit.
Although this is an early March event and temperatures/dewpoints are not quite as impressive, the CAPE/shear combination on the NAM is almost as impressive as what was seen during the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of April 11, 1965. The upper trough configuration is similar and there are a few other similarities and also some important differences. This says nothing of the mesoscale environment, which will ultimately make or break this event, but the potential for a significant or major tornado outbreak is very real. There is a lot of room between a run-of-the-mill outbreak and a Palm Sunday type outbreak. Right now I would lean somewhere in between but things are subject to change between now and Friday.
In short, my concern level is rather high for an event that is still 2 days away. The forecast models have been advertising a storm for the area for quite some time and we are starting to get close enough to where we can add some detail.
A consensus of the 00z/March 1 models takes a deepening surface low near Chicago, with a potentially moderately unstable and strongly sheared warm sector. Forecast soundings off the NAM are especially eye popping across much of the state and are very favorable for severe weather on Friday afternoon into Friday evening. Here is the 21z SREF significant tornado parameter, which shows an enhanced threat from southern Indiana southward.
Does this mean we can write off a threat farther north? Not at all. The SREF can be a great tool but one should always look into *why* it is showing what it is showing. I believe the main reason that it is not hitting a threat farther north is due to some uncertainty over the amount of instability. If adequate instability develops farther north, then higher probabilities should follow suit.
Although this is an early March event and temperatures/dewpoints are not quite as impressive, the CAPE/shear combination on the NAM is almost as impressive as what was seen during the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of April 11, 1965. The upper trough configuration is similar and there are a few other similarities and also some important differences. This says nothing of the mesoscale environment, which will ultimately make or break this event, but the potential for a significant or major tornado outbreak is very real. There is a lot of room between a run-of-the-mill outbreak and a Palm Sunday type outbreak. Right now I would lean somewhere in between but things are subject to change between now and Friday.
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