Tarentum Tornado - February 15, 2016

Tarentum EF-1 Tornado (Pike Co)
February 15, 2016

Event Summary

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in southern Pike County and have determined that the damage was consistent with an EF-1 tornado. Winds were estimated to be around 105 mph.

The tornado formed along a QLCS and first touched down over an area of clear-cut forest just northwest of AL Hwy 125, approximately 1.5 miles west-southwest of U.S. Hwy 231. Shortly after touching down, it reached its peak wind speeds of approximately 105 mph, where it uprooted or snapped 50 to 100 pine trees across a path that approached AL Hwy 125. A mobile home was destroyed and a home was damaged due to the falling trees. It continued east-northeast and crossed U.S. Hwy 231 about 9/10 of a mile south of the intersection of AL Hwy 125 and U.S. Hwy 231. The tornado caused minor roof damage to a home along U.S. Hwy 231, and then destroyed a partially covered horse arena before crossing an open field and snapping numerous trees along the tree line. From there, the tornado crossed Pike County Road 4423 and continued on the same path as it crossed Pike County Road 4421. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted at both locations. The tornado appeared to broaden and weaken rapidly after crossing County Road 4421.

Rating: (Click for EF Scale)	EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind:	105 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:	None
Damage Path Length:	5.0 miles
Maximum Path Width:	400 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:	31.6617/-85.8398 at 620 pm
Approximate End Point/Time:	31.6855/-85.7599 at 626 pm

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Shapefile

Reflectivity (left) and velocity (right) of the tornado just before it paralleled AL Hwy 125. Images are from KEOX at 620pm.

Tree damage	Barn damage