June 4th Richmond, IN Tornado

Public Information Statement...Updated
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
802 PM EDT SUN JUN 5 2016

...Additional Information for Tornado Confirmed Near Richmond in
Wayne County Indiana...

Location...5 Miles Northwest of Richmond in Wayne County Indiana
Date...June 4 2016
Estimated Time...6:24 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF0
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...85 mph
Maximum Path Width...150 yds
Path Length...1.40 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...39.8822N / 84.9612W
Ending Lat/Lon...39.8972N / 84.9433W
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

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

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Wilmington OH has confirmed a
tornado 5 miles northwest of Richmond in Wayne County Indiana on
June 4 2016.

The tornado appeared to first touch down along Indiana State Route
38 approximately 0.15 mile west of the intersection with Round Barn
Road. A barn here sustained substantial damage when a section of its
roof measuring approximately 45 feet by 20 feet was removed. The
wood and metal material was briefly lifted then dropped immediately
northeast of the structure. There were also several broken tree
limbs and slate roofing material from a smaller barn strewn across
this same property from southwest to northeast. All of the debris
here was confined to a narrow path no more than 75 feet wide, with
no divergent patterns noted.

The tornado next moved across an open field before crossing Round
Barn Road approximately 0.20 mile north of the intersection with
Indiana State Route 38. The circulation oriented corn debris from
the previous growing season in a parallel to slightly convergent
pattern approximately 40 feet wide on both sides of Round Barn Road.
This corridor was rather dramatic, with a quick transition to the
unaffected field debris occurring over just a few feet along the
edges of the path. Nearby residents related that a video posted to
several media outlets showing the tornado was actually recorded
looking south on Round Barn Road when the circulation crossed this
location.

The next area of damage occurred immediately east of Round Barn Road
as the tornado tracked northeast toward Tingler Road. The
circulation appeared to strengthen and widen at this point, with the
greatest intensity and path width likely realized. At least 6
residences appeared to sustain some level of property damage here
with many trees and limbs 10 to 14 inches in diameter broken, lifted
and carried by the wind as much as 100 yards. There were also
several locations in this damage area where debris was oriented at
opposing angles to storm motion, as well as in semi-circular
patterns. Additionally, grass and leaf spatter was observed on the
east-facing wall of large shed near the open field. Mainly minor
structural damage occurred to the homes in this area, with shingles
and siding most affected. One small shed approximately 12 feet
square was completely destroyed, though it did not appear to be
firmly anchored to the ground.

At least 3 residents in this area observed the tornado as it tracked
through both their yards and the open field immediately to the east.
They also described the rapid shift of wind direction counter-
clockwise from the northeast through to the southwest as the
circulation approached and passed by their location. One of these
residents also related how they were literally pinned briefly
against a door as the wind associated with the tornado passed
through their home, knocking down a number of objects inside the
home.

The tornado continued northeast across an open field to a crossing
with Tingler Road approximately 0.20 mile east of the intersection
with Round Barn Road. Much like the field to the southwest of this
location, plant material from the previous growing season was
observed to be oriented in a parallel to slightly convergent pattern
along the approximately 100 yard wide path. Debris from the Round
Barn Road residences was also visible in random spots along this
path. The tornado once again passed into an open field on the north
side of Tingler Road. A large tree in this field approximately 0.4
mile north of Tingler Road was snapped, though its health was
unclear as a close inspection wasn't possible due to limited access.

The circulation continued on the ground to US Route 35 approximately
one-half mile north of the intersection with Tingler Road. Several
properties on both sides of the road sustained a number of broken
tree limbs and minor structural damage to shingles and wooden
fences. Broken tree branches appeared to be 6 inches in diameter or
less. The tornado appeared to finally lift immediately east of US
Route 35 and south of the town of Webster, where the last tree
damage was visible.

Thanks is extended to the Wayne County Indiana Emergency Management
Agency, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and the
affected homeowners for their assistance and eyewitness
accounts during this survey.

For reference...the Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes
into the following categories:

EF0...wind speeds 65 to 85 mph.
EF1...wind speeds 86 to 110 mph.
EF2...wind speeds 111 to 135 mph.
EF3...wind speeds 136 to 165 mph.
EF4...wind speeds 166 to 200 mph.
EF5...wind speeds greater than 200 mph.

$$

Shobe2/Butner