March 3, 2023 -- EF1 Tornado Confirmed West of Hillsboro OH

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
428 PM EST Sat Mar 4 2023

...TORNADO CONFIRMED W OF HILLSBORO IN HIGHLAND COUNTY OH...

Start Location...6 NW Mowrystown in Highland County OH
End Location.....3 SSE New Vienna in Highland County OH
Date...........................March 3, 2023
Estimated Start Time...........5:26 PM EST
Estimated End Time.............5:40 PM EST
Maximum EF-Scale Rating........EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...100 mph
Maximum Path Width.............400 yards
Path Length....................14.4 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon..............39.1159 / -83.8178
Ending Lat/Lon.................39.2850 / -83.6683
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries.....0

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Wilmington Ohio has confirmed an
EF1 tornado west of Hillsboro in Highland County, Ohio.

The tornado first touched down in a field southwest of Certier
Road, about three miles northeast of Buford. This tornado affected
a property on Certier Road, causing significant damage to several
barns, with winds estimated to 90 MPH. From here, the tornado
generally moved to the north-northeast.

Tree damage and minor structural damage was noted on Ruble
Cemetery Road and Hollowtown Road. More significant damage was
noted at a couple of properties on State Route 131. One home had
an attached garage that was compromised by the wind and detached
from the main structure of the house, mostly flattening the walls
of the garage. Significant roof and tree damage was also found at
a couple adjacent properties. Winds here were estimated at 100
MPH.

Damage north of State Route 131 was much sparser, with minor
tree damage observed on Dawson Road, and north of Barr Cemetery
Road. A power pole was downed on Sherry Road. Overall, while the
tornado did travel through mostly open fields north of State Route
131, it is likely that it weakened or briefly lifted during this
time period.

A more concentrated area of damage was then observed near the
intersection of Danville / Russell Road and US Route 50. While
some tree damage was noted on the west side of Danville / Russell
Road, more extensive damage was noted to the east. A church on the
south side of US Route 50 was heavily damaged, with the majority
of the east side of the roof removed. Just north of the church, an
outbuilding was damaged, adjacent to a stand of trees that had
significant damage and snapping. Winds here were estimated at 100
MPH.

Damage was again sparser north from US Route
50, until becoming more significant and widespread in
Willettsville. Tree and structural damage in Willettsville was
extensive, with roof damage to numerous homes and outbuildings,
and one home having an attached garage collapsed. Winds here were
also estimated at 100 MPH, and likely over a larger area than at
other locations earlier in the track of the tornado.

Minor roof and tree damage was observed as the tornado turned
slightly to the right, moving northeast. A few properties had roof
damage on Panhandle Road west of State Route 73, and some minor
tree damage was found near State Route 73, where the tornado is
believed to have dissipated.

The National Weather Service would like to thank the Highland
County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance with this
survey.

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

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

$$

HATZOS/BPP