5/27/2018 - Federal, Wyoming Tornado Rated EF-2

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne, WY
432 PM MDT Mon May 28 2018

...NWS DAMAGE SURVEY FOR 05/27/18 TORNADO EVENT...

.OVERVIEW...
A large supercell thunderstorm developed near the Interstate 80
Summit during the early afternoon hours on 05/27/18. Initial
reports of large hail were received at around 1415 MDT. This
severe thunderstorm lifted northeast into western portions of
Laramie county spawning its first tornado at around 1443 MDT north
of Buford, WY. This tornado producing severe thunderstorm
continuing lifting northeast recycling numerous times. Although
much of the life-cycle of the tornado was spent over open country
causing no damage, significant damage occurred in the vicinity of
Federal, WY, 17 miles northwest of Cheyenne. The tornado
continued over open country and crossed Interstate 25 near the
Whitaker exit producing damage to a vehicle. With no damage
indicator as it crossed Interstate 25, this portion of this
cyclical tornado was rated EF-Unknown. Although the tornado likely
continued periodically east of Interstate 25 before lifting,
there were no additional reports of structures impacted or other
damage.

.FEDERAL WYOMING (17NW CHEYENNE) TORNADO...

Rating:                 EF-2
Estimated peak wind:    111-135 mph
Path length /Statute/:  1 mile
Path width /Maximum/:   500 yards
Fatalities:             0
Injuries:               0

Start date:             05/27/2018
Start time:             1520 MDT
Start location:         .5 NNE OF FEDERAL / LARAMIE COUNTY / WY
Start Lat/Lon:          41.27471 / -105.108918

End date:               05/27/2018
End time:               1532 MDT
End location:           .5 S OF FEDERAL / LARAMIE COUNTY / WY
End_lat/lon:            41.25894 / -105.11148

Significant tornado damage was noted near Federal, Wyoming where
eight structures were impacted along Mountain Shadow Drive and
Mountain Shadow Lane. The tornado initially touched down just
northeast of Federal, tracking south, before lifting south of
Federal. Significant damage consistent with a EF-2 tornado was
observed to a manufactured home just east of Federal, where the
roof had been removed, garage destroyed, while exterior walls were
left attached the foundation and intact. The tornado continued
south tossing numerous livestock and camper trailers. High-end
EF-2 damage was observed to a single family residence farther
south, where the roof and a few exterior walls were removed. A
garage and exterior shed was also destroyed at the residence. The
tornado continued south, removing the roof of a another home .5
southeast of Federal. Numerous damage to roofs around the area
was also noted. Debris was strewn at a width of approximately 500
yards in width.

.19NNW CHEYENNE (WHITAKER EXIT) TORNADO...

Rating: EF-Unknown
Estimated peak wind: Unknown
Path length /Statute/:  Unknown
Path width /Maximum/: Unknown
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Start date:             05/27/2018
Start time:             1621 MDT
Start location: 19 NNW CHEYENNE, WY / LARAMIE COUNTY / WY
Start Lat/Lon:41.40073 / -104.88017

End date:               05/27/2018
End time:               1623 MDT
End location:           19 NNW CHEYENNE, WY / LARAMIE COUNTY / WY
End_lat/lon:            41.40238 / -104.86799

A car was damaged near the Whitaker exit along Interstate 25 with
clear indication of tornado rotation. However, without a damage
indicator, this portion of the tornado was rated EF-Unknown.

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale Classifies Tornadoes into the
following categories.

EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong....111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 To 200 mph
EF5...Violent...>200 mph

NOTE:
The information in this statement is PRELIMINARY and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

$$