National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast and Northern Plains; Critical Fire Weather in the West

Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts and hail are forecast across the Northeast U.S. and North Dakota today. Heavy to excessive rainfall is possible over eastern New Mexico into western Texas and over the western Florida peninsula today. Critical fire weather conditions will persist today over parts of the interior Northwest and Great Basin. Read More >

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.