NWS LIX - March 2009 St. Amant Tornado page

St. Amant Tornado - March 26, 2009

Rating:	EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind:	100-110 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:	1 injury
Damage Path Length:	1.75 miles
Maximum Path Width:	50 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:	2 miles ENE of Gonzales, LA at 1112 pm
Approximate End Point/Time:	4 miles NE of Gonzales, LA at 1115 pm

A National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team has surveyed the storm damage in the community of St. Amant in Ascension Parish. It has been determined the damage was the result of a tornado. The tornado has been rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Damage estimates were consistent with winds between 100 & 110 mph.

The tornado touched down south of Weber City Road. This location is approximately 2 miles east-northeast of Gonzales. The tornado tracked to the northeast for about one and three quarter miles. The most significant damage occurred as the tornado crossed Daigle Road and LA State Hwy 431. A large metal commercial building was destoryed and several structures suffered moderate to severe damage. Numerous hardwood and softwood trees were snapped off and uprooted along the tornado damage path. The tornado damage path was 1 & 3/4 of a mile long and was 50 yards wide at its widest point. One injury was reported.

Metal building damaged	Same metal building
Roof Twisted	Debris blown large distance
Home destroyed	Another home destroyed
Several homes with roof damage	More homes with roof damage and uprooted trees