Event: Neilton/Grays Harbor County, WA Tornado - October 10, 2020
Preliminary Rating: EF-1
Peak Wind: 90 MPH
Event Summary
Between approximately 4:38 - 4:43 AM on the morning of October 10, radar indicated rotation capable
of producing a tornado approximately 5 miles southwest of Neilton, WA in Grays Harbor County. In
addition, a single radar scan indicated the potential for lofted debris. A Tornado Warning was issued at
4:40 AM and was in effect through 5:00 AM.
A Quinault Indian Nation Fire official reported that at approximately 5:20 AM he came upon 10 downed
trees (1-2.5 feet in diameter) across Moclips Highway (S-26) at approximately mile marker 18.
Photographs were provided of the downed trees. Subsequent reports and imagery from a trained
spotter identified additional damage approximately 0.5 miles to the northeast across a forest service
road. No injuries or other impacts were reported.
An evaluation of the photographic evidence from local officials and the trained spotter combined with
radar signatures from the event are consistent with a brief tornado. Based on the location and path
length the tornado most likely touched down at 4:40am and lasted for less than 2 minutes, traveling
0.50 miles with a maximum width of 30 yards. The degree of tree damage is consistent with peak winds
of approximately 90 MPH, rating it as an EF-1 tornado on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
Any questions about this event can be directed to NWS Seattle at nws.seattle@noaa.gov.
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