National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall Today from the Central Plains into the Tennessee Valley

Severe thunderstorms capable of damaging winds will be possible from the Ozark Plateau east into portions of the Southeast today. Rounds of heavy thunderstorms ahead of a slow moving front will continue locally heavy rainfall and scattered flash flooding potential from the Ozarks to the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys today. Read More >

The tornado weakened as it climbed the mountain ridge near Williamsport, PA; but re-intensified as it made its way down the back side.  At least 190 structures were damaged or destroyed, including barns, silos, garages, mobile homes, camping trailers, churches and commercial buildings.  At least 50 vehicles including school buses were damaged or destroyed.  Thousands of trees were uprooted or broken off.  The six people killed were all female.  Three were in mobile homes, two in houses and one in a camper.  The injuries were all from flying or falling debris, or persons inside overturned mobile homes or campers.  Farm machinery was damaged or destroyed and at least 12 cows were killed.  Golf ball size hail fell near Jersey Shore.
Source: NCDC Storm Data: May 1985; Volume 27, Number 5