NWS LIX - March 2009 Independence Tornado page

Independence Tornado - March 26, 2009

Rating:	EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind:	110 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:	1 injury
Damage Path Length:	0.75 miles
Maximum Path Width:	50 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:	2 miles E of Independence, LA at 158 AM
Approximate End Point/Time:	2.75 miles ENE of Independence, LA at 203 AM

A National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team has surveyed the storm damage in Independence, LA. 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 of approximately 110 mph.

The tornado damaged 7 homes and 1 mobile home was destroyed in the area around LA State Highway 40 and School Road in Tangipahoa Parish to the east of Independence. The tornado tracked east-northeast for about three quarters of a mile. Numerous hardwood and softwood trees were snapped off and uprooted along the tornado damage path. The tornado damage path was 0.75 miles long and was 50 yards wide at its widest point. One injury was reported.

Mobile home destroyed	Large home damaged
Tin twisted in tree	Trees uprooted and mobile homes damaged
Several large trees uprooted	Large oak tree snapped