News: Tornadoes reported in western Ohio

PORT WILLIAMS, Ohio -- The National Weather Service says funnel clouds and tornadoes were reported over about one hour in western Ohio as thunder showers moved through the area.

Meteorologist Myron Padgett says a tornado confirmed in Clinton County caused minor damage to trees and trailers at around 5:18 p.m. Thursday.

A Weather Service announcement says police reported that the tornado hit I-71. Mike Jones of the county's Emergency Management Agency says it appears wind also knocked down some power lines.

Padgett says brief tornado touchdowns also were seen in Greene County at about 5:25 p.m. and in Clark County at about 6:13 p.m. Sheriff's offices in the two counties reported no damage.

Courtesy: The Associated Press

News: Record Number of Tornadoes in October

A total of 87 tornadoes were reported in the United States from Oct. 17-19 - a new record outbreak for the month, according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The outbreak also contributed to the monthly total of 105 tornado reports - the second highest for October, behind the 117 tornadoes in October 2001. Records date back to 1950.

Although these real-time reports must be confirmed by local National Weather Service forecast offices, the preliminary number for the three-day outbreak significantly surpasses the previous October outbreak record of 63 tornadoes set along the Gulf Coast from southeast Texas to Florida and Georgia from Oct. 23-27, 1997.

Two weather systems that co-existed over the country were the primary cause of the record-setting outbreak according to Joe Schaefer, Storm Prediction Center Director.

"The positioning of the jet stream from southwest Texas to northeast Michigan with readily available moisture streaming inland from the Gulf created conditions favorable for tornado activity in the country's mid-section," Schaefer explained.

This set-up allowed for two different tornado-spawning systems to occur simultaneously over the United States. A low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico was the primary cause of storms that produced six tornadoes on Oct. 17 through the morning of Oct. 19 in the coastal regions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle. The Oct. 18 Pensacola tornado was one of these storms.

The major weather producer, associated with the remaining 81 tornadoes, was an upper level trough of low pressure that extended from the Central Plains through the Great Lakes. Intense thunderstorms developed ahead of this system and tornadoes were reported over a large portion of the central U.S. from southwestern Missouri to middle Tennessee, and from central Mississippi through lower Michigan. Unfortunately, five fatalities - two in Missouri and three in Michigan - were associated with these storms.

"These storms are a reminder to all that tornadoes can develop any time of year, and anywhere," said Schaefer. "When severe weather is forecast, people should stay on top of developments closely. Monitor television and radio or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, the fastest and most direct link to hazard watches and warnings from local National Weather Service forecast offices."

Courtesy: NOAA

News: Tornado Touchdown Confirmed in Richland & Morrow County

A storm survey team has completed an examination of damage in extreme eastern Morrow County and western Richland County from the afternoon of August 20th and determined the damage was a combination of both downburst wind damage and a tornado.

There was clear evidence of a tornado touchdown in at least two locations along an intermittent 6 mile long path.

The initial EF-1 tornado touch down with near 100 mph winds most likely occurred in extreme northeast Morrow County just northeast of Shauck. The National Weather Service says the tornado moved quickly into western Richland County near Kings Corners.

Tornado damage was also noted to a home near the corner of Mock road and Mill Run.

After this point, the National Weather Service says the damage appeared to have more of a downburst characteristic as it moved southeast along Mock Road to near Bellville.

....TORNADO EF1...

COUNTY: RICHLAND AND EXTREME EASTERN MORROW
CITY: 3 SW OF LEXINGTON (KINGS CORNERS)
TIME: 3:10 - 3:30 PM
PATH LENGTH:INTERMITTENT PATH 6 MILES LONG
PATH WIDTH: 30-50 YARDS
WINDS: 90-100 MPH
EF SCALE: EF1

Feature: Touch Down Map

Here is a map of where the confirmed tornadoes touched down according to the Channel 3 Weather Plus Team and the National Weather Service based on assessments so far.

News: Damage in Wayne County Due to Downburst, Not A Tornado

A survey team determined that damage across northern portions of Wayne County to be caused by downburst winds.

A National Weather Service team surveyed damaged areas across Northern Wayne County this afternoon and determined that the damage was caused by downburst or straight line thunderstorm winds with speeds of 75 to 85 mph.

(Photo is from Wayne County)

An additional survey team will look at some scattered damage in the Portage Lakes area of Summit County Saturday afternoon.

News: Tornado Touchdown Confirmed in Medina County

The National Weather Service conducted a storm survey this morning in southern Medina County near Lodi just North of Route 224.

The damage was determined to be caused by a weak tornado. Three barns were destroyed by the tornado (See Photo). Some farm animals were killed or had to be put down. Microburst wind damage was also observed in the area.

Trees were downed. Significant crop damage occurred due to hail.....

...TORNADO EF1...

COUNTY: MEDINA
CITY: APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES NORTH OF LODI
TIME: 435 PM EDT
PATH LENGTH: 1 MILE
PATH WIDTH: 50 YARDS
WINDS: 100 MPH
EF SCALE: EF1

News: Tornado Touchdown Confirmed in Ashland County

The National Weather Service conducted a storm survey in northeastern Ashland County this morning. The damage was determined to be caused by a weak tornado.

A brief tornado touchdown occurred northeast of Sullivan along Black River School road. Two school buildings were damaged by a tornado in this area (See Picture). A house nearby also sustained minor damage.

The tornado was on the ground for approximately one half mile and had a damage path of 20 to 30 yards wide.

Based on the damage...winds were estimated to be near 90 mph making this an EF1 tornado.

....TORNADO EF1...

COUNTY: ASHLAND
CITY: APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES NORTHEAST OF SULLIVAN
TIME: 430 PM EDT
PATH LENGTH: 1/2 MILE
PATH WIDTH: 20-30 YARDS
WINDS: 90 MPH
EF SCALE: EF1

News: Tornado Touchdown Confirmed in Richland County

The National Weather Service conducted a storm survey in Richland County. The damage was determined to be caused by a weak tornado.

A brief tornado touchdown occurred in the city of Shelby shortly after 4 PM Thursday. The tornado was on the ground intermittently for about one mile, with a damage path of 10 to 20 yards wide. Minor damage occurred to several homes.

One factory (see picture) had roof damage and a wall partiallly collapsed. Numerous trees were either damaged or blown down.

Based on the damage, winds were estimated to be near 80 mph making this an EF0 tornado.

...TORNADO EF0...

COUNTY: RICHLAND
CITY: SHELBY
TIME: 4:06 PM
PATH LENGTH: 3/4 MILE
WINDS: 80 MPH
EF SCALE: EF0

Feature: Tornado Classifications

By Frank Macek

Forecasters and researchers use a wind damage scale to classify tornadoes. The original Fujita scale was developed by T. Theodore Fujita and was put into use in 1973.

The scale was further enhanced in 2007, with rankings running from EF (Enhanced Fujita) - 0 through 5. These ratings are based on the amount and type of wind damage.

Click Here to view a scale graphic from the Storm Prediction Center.

THE RATINGS ARE:

EF-0. Light damage. Wind 65 to 85 mph. Causes some damage to siding and shingles

EF-1. Moderate damage. Wind 86 to 110 mph. Considerable roof damage. Winds can uproot trees and overturn single-wide mobile homes. Flagpoles bend.

EF-2. Considerable damage. Wind 111 to 135 mph. Most single-wide mobile homes destroyed. Permanent homes can shift off foundation. Flagpoles collapse. Softwood trees debarked.

EF-3. Severe damage. Wind 136 to 165 mph. Hardwood trees debarked. All but small portions of houses destroyed.

EF-4. Devastating damage. Wind 166 to 200 mph. Complete destruction of well-built residences, large sections of school buildings.

EF-5. Incredible damage. Wind above 200 mph. Significant structural deformation of mid- and high-rise buildings.

The Enhanced F-scale is a set of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage. It uses three-second estimated gusts estimated at the point of damage which vary with height and exposure. Forensic meteorologists use 28 damage indicators and up to 9 degrees of damage to assign estimated speeds to the wind gusts.

Note: The Fujita scale is different from the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane strength in one very important way. Fujita scale numbers are assigned to tornadoes only after the fact; after the National Weather Service inspects the damage.

Feature: Strange storm clouds are rare for our area

By Betsy Kling

A large, rotating storm moves across areas of Northeast Ohio leaving a path of damage and a stack of great photos.

The storm photos almost look fake ... almost. The storms that moved through areas of Northeast Ohio on Thursday were not only severe, but got the attention of many amateur photographers in the area. Some folks got out their cameras, while others captured the images by cell phone. No matter the method, the pictures are impressive.

One particular part of the storm system got a little more attention than some of the others. A supercell (a very well organized and notably intense thunderstorm) formed in northern Richland County, moved east toward Ashland County and then suddenly instensified as it moved through far southern Medina County, far northern Wayne County and continued into Stark County (US 224 and US30 are a pretty good locators).

In storm circles it is known as a "Mothership Mesocyclone". The thunderstorm is rotating (known as a mesocyclone, which is typically rotation noted on a 2 to 6 mile diameter), and as the winds pull the clouds around they take on a layered look. The mesocyclone rotation is much larger than the rotation of a smaller, but stronger, cyclone that can come from it ... a tornado. There were several reports of tornados from this particular storm.

For storm chasers these amazing cloud formations are only second to tornados for great moments.Storms like these are more typically seen in supercell thunderstorms in the Plains States. Usually for us those spectacular cloud formations are hidden by other storms, rain or just never have the chance to form.

Today the atmosphere was just bursting with moisture and heat and plenty of energy to get it all going. Whether it was the perfect combination of viewing conditions, moisture, heat and wind shear, it was certainly a sight that many hope they don't have to witness again.

Interactive Storm Wrap Up - 8/9/07

Click on the markers on the map to view the available storm pictures:


"Fair Weather Fans" Storm Photos:

Photos: Salem storm damage
Photos: Barn collapse in Lodi
Photos: 'Tidal wave' of clouds over North Canton, Massillon
Photos: Clouds over North Canton, Canton
Photos: Storm over Akron
Photos: Clouds over Hartville
Photos: Storm front over Doylestown
Photos: Sign flattens car
Photos: The storm from Brunswick
Photos: Possible tornado in Wayne
Photos: More from Channel 3 viewers

To Watch Video of Channel 3's coverage at 6 PM: CLICK HERE
To Watch Video of Channel 3's coverage at 11 PM: CLICK HERE

The Day's Storm Reports:

10:30 p.m. First Energy reports about 4500 customers in the Medina/Akron areas without power. First Energy hopes to have power to Akron/Medina restored by noon Friday. Hartville customers are expected to have power back by Friday afternoon. First Energy says it will take until Saturday to restore power to Massillon area.

10:30 p.m. Reports of two cows and one horse killed at collapse of dairy barns in Lodi. Neighbors came together to help rescue the other animals.

10:30 p.m. Roof damage at Black River Elementary-Middle School. Winds peeled back a portion of the roof over the gymnasium. Volunteers worked to save the wood flooring. Classrooms and bleachers on the grounds also suffered damage. Officials do not expect the opening of school to be delayed

Report of a tree on top of a car and boat at Manchester Road south of Stump.

Report of a tree down on Greensburg Road in Akron. Traffic lights out at Archwood & Kelly.

Reports of an accident at the intersection; no injuries reported.

Unconfirmed report from caller of a funnel cloud at Cleveland-Massillon Road near Spring Hill Golf Course. Reports of damage near the Upper Deck in the Portage Lakes.

6:19 p.m. Reports of trees, wires and telephone poles down in Creston. Wooster reporting tree limbs down and side streets blocked by trees and wires.

6:03 p.m. Unconfirmed report of a tornado touch down in Columbiana County near Beaver Creek State Park.

5:55 p.m. Report of a tree down on Woodland Avenue in west Akron. Report of wires down on Trenton Road in Ellet. Report of a tree down on Massillon Road.

5:45p.m. Amateur radio operators reporting roof off of Black River High School and trees down.

5:45 p.m. Amateur radio operators reporting several damaged buildings and trees down in Medina.

5:45 p.m. Amateur radio operators reporting roof of a factory blown off in Shelby in Richland County.

5:45 p.m. Amateur radio operators reporting 2 trees down on houses in Rittman as well as numerous trees, electric lines and poles down.

5:42 p.m. Channel 3's Paul Thomas reports that a huge gas station sign, the ones placed near the highway, has collapsed onto a car near Lodi.

5:35 p.m. Unconfirmed report of a funnel cloud spotted on Sandava and Granite Street in North
Canton in Stark County.

5:33 p.m. Hopkins International Airport says it is running at a full schedule with no major delays. Akron-Canton Airport says there are minor delays and says pilots are waiting out theh storm, but a spokesman does not expect major flight delays.

5:29 p.m. Unconfirmed report from tip caller of a barn collapsed near Richman & Kennard Road near Lodi. Also receiving unconfirmed report of a house hit by lightning on Branch Road west of Medina.

5:27 p.m. Channel 3's Paul Thomas confirms reports at mile marker 206 on I-71 South a large tree (100'-125') has fallen onto the highway and is blocking one lane, not two. Traffic is being impacted because of the blocked lane. Mile marker 206 is near Lodi.

5:24 p.m. Doylestown reporting trees and tree limbs down following storm.

5:22 p.m. Richmond Heights reporting flooding on Richmond Road. Police asking drivers to avoid the area.

5:20 p.m. Reports of a possible, unconfirmed report of a tornado touch down near Massillon in Stark County.

5:19 p.m. Summit County Sheriff receiving reports of a tornado spotted in the Portage Lakes area south of Akron.

5:14 p.m. Lodi reported wires and trees down, and power outages. Rittman reporting minor damage including tress down and some power outages. Seville reporting widespread damages including trees down and power outages. Wadsworth reporting flooded streets.

5:13 p.m. Medina Highway Patrol reports 2 of the 3 southbound lanes of I-71 closed near Lodi because trees are down on the highway.
Wooster Ohio Highway Patrol post reports a tree down across the road at SR 58 north of Mankin

5:07 p.m. Medina Ohio Highway Patrol post tells Channel 3 News it has received a report of a tornado spotted near Lodi.

4:47 p.m. Tip caller reports tornado sirens going off in Fairlawn. NWS issues Tornado Warning for Summit & Stark until 5:45 p.m.

4:47 p.m. Mansfield Ohio Highway Patrol post says its received report of tornado spotted in Shelby

4:35 p.m. Gates Mills reportingn flooding on SR 91

4:35 p.m. LaGrange reporting flooding around Commerce West

4:35 p.m. Ashland County Sheriff reports tress and wires down in northern half of the county concentrated in the Savannah and Bailey Lakes areas. The county had been under a tornado warning.

4:30 p.m. National Weather Service is reporting a roof has been blown off in the city of Shelby in Richland County. Richland is under a tornado warning until 4:45 p.m.

3 p.m. Damage reports from Columbiana County from first round of storms that moved through in the mid-morning and early afternoon hours. City of Salem reporting worst damage. Caller tells Channel 3 the storm caused a gas/propane leak and blew out windows at two car dealerships. Some businesses in Salem have shut down. Worst damage reported along State Street.

News: Two Possible Tornadoes Sunday Night

At 7:59 PM, high winds possibly associated with a tornado caused damage to a barn just south of Bettsville in Seneca County. A second report of a barn damaged was received about 4 miles east, near State Route 53. No injuries were reported.

At 8:42 PM, a tornado was sited on the ground on the south side of Carey in Wyandot County. Numerous sightings of funnel clouds & tornado touchdowns were reported by trained spotters as it continued east to near Tymochtee through 9:42 pm. There was one report of property damage on the south side of Carey this time. No injuries were reported.