February 16, 2006 Terre Haute Tornado

The National Weather Service damage assessment team confirmed one tornado in Terre Haute. Structural damage to a home and several out buildings south of Vincennes was determined to be straight-line severe thunderstorms winds of about 75 mph or hurricane strength. There were more than 30 other reports of wind damage across central Indiana mostly from trees and power lines down.

The Terre Haute tornado was on the ground for approximately two miles, was nearly 100 yards wide, and rated F1 on the Fujita damage scale with winds estimated at around 100 mph. The tornado first touched down near Margaret Avenue just west of Fruitridge Avenue. It traveled northeast to the Union Christian Church at State Road 46 and Hulman Drive, then to the Terre Haute International Airport where it damaged seven buildings, including the Ivy Tech building, before lifting.

The storms were part of a strong low pressure system and cold front that crossed the state last night. The storms developed in an environment which was conducive to high winds and possible tornadoes. Damage assessment teams look both at the magnitude of the damage, debris distribution, radar signatures and eye witness accounts to determine the cause of the damage.

Pictures of the damage caused by this tornado can be seen in the following photos:

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6

A map of the tornado path can be seen below.