Latest news with #EF2
CBC
4 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Northwestern Ontario's 1st tornado of the year confirmed by Western University researchers
Northwestern Ontario's first tornado of the year has been confirmed by researchers at Western University, reaching maximum wind speeds of 190 kilometres an hour and creating a nearly six kilometre-long path of damage. The EF2 tornado touched down near Law Lake northeast of Mine Centre on July 27. Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued several severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for the region that day. "There [were] a number of intense storms that day, and this tornado spawned from a supercell thunderstorm — so that's a thunderstorm where the whole updraft, the storm, is rotating on a scale that's larger than the tornado," said Dave Sills, director of the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western. Of the eight EF2 tornadoes confirmed in Ontario last year, seven occurred in northwestern Ontario. There were no tornadoes rated higher than EF2 in the province. It can take researchers longer to confirm tornadoes in more remote areas, as opposed to places near roads and railways where teams can collect ground imagery themselves using drones, he explained. In this case, his crew relied on satellite imagery, which can be challenging. "Between forest fire smoke and the cloudy days, sometimes you have to wait a while to get a really clear day to compare the before and after shots of a certain area," said Sills. "We're still waiting for clear satellite imagery [for] a few different events, so there may be a couple more additions to the tornado list up in northwestern Ontario based on our satellite analysis." 'Know the risks' The Northern Tornadoes Project dates back to 2017. Last fall, it became part of the broader Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, a partnership between Western University and ImpactWX, which also includes the Northern Hail Project and Northern Mesonet Project. "We'll be looking at building climatologies for all these things, so that we know the risks," said Sills. The project's initial purpose was to help bridge the gaps in data on tornadoes in Canada's northern communities, where storm systems can be harder to track. "That's one of the things we set out to do right from the beginning is try to document better the tornadoes that happen away from population centres," Sills said. "We've documented hundreds of tornadoes in the boreal forest that we didn't know about before, both on a year to year basis as we move forward from 2017 when the project started, but also going back to the '80s." That's one of the things we set out to do right from the beginning is try to document better the tornadoes that happen away from population centres. - Dave Sills, director of the Northern Tornadoes Project The Northern Tornadoes Project offers OpenData on its website, so anyone can access information about extreme weather events across the country. The overarching goal is to provide people with the tools they need to better prepare for emergency situations, said Sills. "For risk assessment by municipalities, by governments, by industry, it's really necessary to have a really robust climatology of tornadoes and other wind types across the country," he said. There have been a number of tornado watches and more severe warnings issued in northwestern Ontario this summer. People are encouraged to report possible tornadoes and other severe storms to ONstorm@ They can provide information to the Northern Tornadoes Project directly at ntp@ or through its online form, and can also share photos or videos on social media using #ONStorm. "When there is a threat of high winds, as in the case of a severe thunderstorm or tornado, your first priority is to take shelter. If it is safe to do so, bring livestock and/or pets indoors, close all windows and doors, and secure loose outdoor objects or move them inside," Environment and Climate Change Canada says on its website. "Go to the basement or to a small interior room in the centre of the house, such as a closet, bathroom or hallway, on the lowest floor of the building," it says. "Stay away from all windows, doors and exterior walls, in particular those facing the storm." Those boating or swimming should head for land immediately, and those in a vehicle during a tornado should take cover in a low-lying area, such as a ditch, and lie flat.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Central Indiana has seen an unusually high number of tornadoes this year, more to come
No, it's not just your perception: The Bloomington area is seeing an unusual amount of tornadic activity this year. Here's what's causing the severe weather and whether it's a sign of things to come. The tornado had maximum wind speeds of 128 mph, which made it a 'high-end' EF2, said Greg Melo, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. With only 8 mph greater wind speeds, the tornado would have been rated EF3. Tornadoes are rated on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, with the weakest storms rated EF0 and the strongest EF5. The tornado the NWS confirmed in Linton, in Greene County, on Friday, also reached speeds of up to 128 mph, meaning it also was a 'high-end' EF2. The Bloomington area also got hit by an EF0 tornado in late March. More: 1 dead after Friday storms, post office destroyed, houses damaged by tornadoes in Indiana Yes. Between 1950 and 2023, central Indiana saw an average of 11 tornadoes in the first five months of the year, but the region this year has already been hit by at least 50 tornadoes, or about five times the normal amount. And the NWS said some surveys from Friday's storms may still be going on, which means the number for the first five months of this year could yet climb. 'Certainly it's been very active to start the year for us,' Melo said. The NWS has not lowered the threshold at which it issues tornado warnings, which means the higher number of warnings people are receiving in central Indiana are solely the result of a greater number of storms that can produce tornadoes. Melo said a strong low pressure system moved through the area and struck a cold front that was moving east, which created a widespread area that spawned severe weather, including thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes. He said the weather system was not unusual for this time of the year in Indiana. Melo said that's difficult to say because the state in other years has seen a higher-than-normal number of tornadoes in the first half of the year, but then a lower-than-normal number in the second half of the year. While Indiana typically sees a peak in thunderstorm activity in April and May, Hoosiers can be confronted with tornadoes year-round. 'Never let your guard down,' Melo said. Yes. Another weather system will move through the area tomorrow, which could produce widespread severe weather, especially Tuesday afternoon and into the evening. Melo said the system comes with a potential for localized flooding and isolated tornadoes. The NWS said in its hazardous weather outlook that thunderstorms are possible in 39 counties, including Monroe and all neighboring counties, through Thursday, and that a few storms 'could be strong to severe … with damaging winds and large hail as the primary concerns.' Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@ This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: It's not your imagination: Indiana is seeing more tornadoes this year
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Picking up the pieces — Community shows up to support tornado victims
A tornado confirmed by the National Weather Service has devastated a family farm in Wattsburg, Pennsylvania, leaving the community rallying to assist in recovery efforts. The EF2 tornado struck the Seabury farm, causing significant damage and resulting in the loss of two horses. Volunteers from across the county and beyond have come together to help clean up and support the family in their time of need. The Seabury family took cover in their basement as the storm approached, as windows were blown out and cracks began to form on the interior walls. The aftermath revealed their farm decimated by the tornado. 'Me and my family, we worked to keep this farm running and every single day I've been out here, my whole life. It's been a real staple and to come home and see everything absolutely demolished is just really surreal,' said Nolan Seabury, son of the property owners. National Weather Service confirms EF2 tornado in Erie County Hundreds of volunteers have arrived with trucks, trailers, wood chippers, and disaster relief vehicles to assist in the cleanup efforts. They are picking up debris, cutting fallen trees, and providing essential supplies like food, water, and generators. Penelec crews have been working to repair power lines and install new utility poles to restore electricity to the area. 'In such a dark time it was really comforting and brought a lot of joy knowing my community really does have my back. We always try to be our best people, and it makes us to feel good that people are here to support us,' Nolan Seabury added. A volunteer group called 'All One' has mobilized to provide additional support, including cooking meals for workers and offering internet and electricity. They just a few of the many people doing their part. Logan Eschrich from All One Disaster Response commented, 'We also do disaster relief kits similar to the Red Cross and Salvation Army. We focus on a lot of small towns with the truck because sometimes small towns don't get looked at if there's a larger population affected.' WATCH: National Weather Service Cleveland in Erie Co. to investigate storm damage The community's response has been a beacon of hope for the Seabury family, demonstrating solidarity and support in the face of disaster. Efforts continue to restore the farm and aid the family in rebuilding their lives. The farm faces up to $100,000 in uninsured damages, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with recovery costs. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Hold on to me.' Victim saved fiancee in violent tornado that hit Central KY
When Ronnie Hill and his fiance Tonya Orberson heard a tornado with its 115 mph winds barreling down on their Washington County home right around 7 a.m. Friday morning, they raced to the laundry room. Ronnie laid of top of Tonya and told her, 'No matter what, you hold on to me.' 'She said all of a sudden, they just all went up in the air. Her and Ronnie were still holding hands, Lashanna Gibson, who is Orberson's daughter, told the Herald-Leader Saturday. 'She was screaming, and Ronnie was saying, 'Do not let go.'' The raging tornado lifted and destroyed their home, sending the couple flying. 'They ended up beside the pond. They were still laying right beside of each other whenever they hit the ground, Gibson said. 'Mom said she woke up and she was hollering for him. He wouldn't answer her. She looked over and she could tell that he was already gone. ' 'He protected her until his last breath,' Gibson said. 'He was a true hero.' The 48-year-old Ronnie, the only person who died in Friday's EF2 tornado that struck Washington County, and Tonya got engaged to be married in late April. They hadn't yet set a wedding date. Tonya was at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital Saturday with a broken back, a broken arm, a dislocated elbow and a large cut on her head, Gibson said. Jack Coleman, a former state lawmaker and father of Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, said Ronnie worked for him as a contractor. Coleman was the project manager during the construction of All Together Recovery, a 50-bed residential addiction treatment center for men in Danville. Coleman worked with Ronnie, who continued to oversee maintenance and remodeling at the center's apartments after construction was completed. 'He could do anything,' he said Saturday. 'We hired Ronnie last summer. He was wonderful. He had just come out of recovery. He had a powerful testimony. He gave people hope that they could be successful in recovery, too. 'He was really a goodhearted fellow,' Coleman added. 'He wanted to help people.' Coleman said when he learned on Friday that Ronnie had died, 'I just couldn't believe it.' Mark La Palme, a consultant at the All Together Recovery Center, said the men in recovery who lived in the apartments where Ronnie was a maintenance man and remodeler, cried when they heard he died. 'He had a ton of past to overcome, but he did it,' said LaPalme. 'He did it with grace and mercy and style. Ronnie would literally have given you his last penny, his last gallon of gas, the shirt off of his back. 'That's the kind of guy that Ronnie Hill was.'
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Four tornadoes confirmed east of Denver on Sunday afternoon
At least two powerful EF2 tornadoes touched down east of the Denver Metro Area last weekend At least two powerful EF2 tornadoes touched down east of the Denver Metro Area last weekend At least two powerful EF2 tornadoes touched down east of the Denver Metro Area last weekend The weather turned dangerous Sunday afternoon just east of the Denver metro area, where four tornadoes touched down between 1 and 2 p.m. Three of the four were rated EF2, and one was an EF1. Two of the EF2 tornadoes tracked near Bennett and Elkhorn Ranch, producing estimated winds up to 125 mph. Incredibly, the two tornadoes near Bennett were on the ground simultaneously, from 1:40 to 1:46 p.m. Damage surveys were conducted on Monday. Here are the preliminary reports: Elkhorn Ranch Tornado (NW Elbert County) This tornado formed around 1:07 p.m. and was classified as a strong landspout, which is uncommon for this area. It caused damage near the Elkhorn neighborhood before dissipating five minutes later. Rating: EF2 Winds: Estimated 125 mph Path: 0.94 miles Width: 50 yards No injuries or fatalities Greg Torfin's home in Elbert County was damaged by a tornado. CBS Manila Road Tornado (Arapahoe County) The second tornado touched down south of Manila Village and tracked northeast. This one was tied to a more organized supercell. Rating: EF1 Winds: Estimated 95 mph Path: 2.53 miles Width: 75 yards No injuries or fatalities Tornado in Bennett capturedd on traffic camera along I-70 Colorado Department of Transportation Bennett Tornado #1 (Arapahoe to Adams County) This was the most significant tornado of the day, with a long 5-mile path just west and north of Bennett. Rating: EF2 Winds: Estimated 125 mph Path: 5.09 miles Width: 200 yards No injuries or fatalities A tornado in Adams County on Sunday. Cory Samaniego Lee Bennett Tornado #2 (Northeast of Town) A second tornado formed while the first was still on the ground, overlapping in time but not location. It was the widest of the four, with a path stretching over 4.5 miles. Rating: EF2 Winds: Estimated 112 mph Path: 4.62 miles Width: 400 yards No injuries or fatalities A tornado that struck Colorado on Sunday. Vickki Katchen
