Here is a timeline/scrapbook of last night's tornadic events in our area in
the Baltimore-Washington, DC area...
-----------
1:19pm
A tornado watch is issued for Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina
(including the Baltimore-Washington area). Here is the actual text from the
Storm Prediction Center:
URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
TORNADO WATCH NUMBER 758
STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
119 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A
TORNADO WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
WESTERN AND CENTRAL MARYLAND
NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA
CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA
THE EASTERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA
EFFECTIVE THIS MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 130 PM UNTIL 800
PM EDT.
TORNADOES...HAIL TO 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS
TO 70 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.
THE TORNADO WATCH AREA IS ALONG AND 55 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST
OF A LINE FROM 30 MILES EAST SOUTHEAST OF ROCKY MOUNT NORTH
CAROLINA TO 25 MILES EAST OF HAGERSTOWN MARYLAND.
REMEMBER...A TORNADO WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR
TORNADOES AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA.
PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING
WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE
WARNINGS.
DISCUSSION...SURFACE MESOLOW AND ASSOCIATED PRESSURE RISE/FALL
COUPLET IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTHEASTWARD ACROSS NORTHERN NC INTO
VA THIS AFTERNOON. LOCALLY ENHANCED LOW LEVEL SHEAR PROFILES AND
MODERATE INSTABILITY WILL PROMOTE SUPERCELL STORM POTENTIAL.
DAMAGING WINDS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES APPEAR TO BE THE MAIN
THREATS.
AVIATION...TORNADOES AND A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL
SURFACE AND ALOFT TO 2 INCHES. EXTREME TURBULENCE AND SURFACE WIND
GUSTS TO 60 KNOTS. A FEW CUMULONIMBI WITH MAXIMUM TOPS TO 500.
MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 22030.
----------------------
2:36pm and on...
A total of 8 tornado warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in
Baltimore/Washington that day. Here are all of them in order, with the
oldest first:
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
236 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
CULPEPER COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
* UNTIL 310 PM EDT
* AT 234 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
TORNADO 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CULPEPER...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...
2 MILES NORTHWEST OF CULPEPER AT 248 PM
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
------
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
308 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN CULPEPER COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
CENTRAL FAUQUIER COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
* UNTIL 345 PM EDT
* AT 306 PM EDT...DOPPLER RADAR SHOWED A TORNADO OVER NORTHERN
CULPEPER COUNTY ABOUT12 MILES SOUTHWEST OF WARRENTON...MOVING
NORTHEAST AT 25 MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...NEARING WARRENTON AT 338 PM
A TORNADO WAST REPORTED AT 242 PM NEAR THE MADIAON-CULPEPER COUNTY
LINE.
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
------
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
345 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN AND CENTRAL FAUQUIER COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
* UNTIL 415 PM EDT
* AT 339 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
A TORNADO 6 MILES NORTHWEST OF WARRENTON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 25
MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...
OVER THE PLAINS AT 354 PM
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
------
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
400 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN FAUQUIER COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
CENTRAL AND WESTERN LOUDOUN COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
* UNTIL 445 PM EDT
* AT 354 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
A TORNADO 3 MILES NORTHWEST OF THE PLAINS...MOVING NORTH-NORTHEAST
AT 25 MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...
NEAR MIDDLEBURG AT 410 PM
5 MILES EAST OF ROUND HILL AT 436 PM
2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF PURCELLVILLE AT 438 PM
THIS IS A LONG-LIVED TORNADO WITH A HISTORY OF PRODUCING STRUCTURAL
DAMAGE. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS REPORTED IN THE PLAINS AT 400 PM. TAKE
SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
------
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
409 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
STAFFORD COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
* UNTIL 445 PM EDT
* AT 404 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
TORNADO OVER STAFFORD...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...
OVER TRIANGLE...3 MILES NORTHWEST OF QUANTICO AT 418 PM
OVER DUMFRIES AT 420 PM
3 MILES SOUTHEAST OF MONTCLAIR AT 424 PM
5 MILES SOUTHEAST OF DALE CITY AT 428 PM
OVER WOODBRIDGE AT 430 PM
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
------
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
453 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ARLINGTON COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
CITY OF FALLS CHURCH
CITY OF ALEXANDRIA IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
EASTERN FAIRFAX COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
* UNTIL 530 PM EDT
* AT 449 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
TORNADO OVER FRANCONIA...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...
OVER ALEXANDRIA AT 506 PM
OVER REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT AT 514 PM
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
------
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
510 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
SOUTHEAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND
NORTHERN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND
* UNTIL 545 PM EDT
* AT 506 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
TORNADO 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF HYATTSVILLE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 35
MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...
OVER HYATTSVILLE...2 MILES NORTHWEST OF BLADENSBURG AT 516 PM
2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF ADELPHI...2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF LANGLEY PARK AT
518 PM
OVER COLLEGE PARK...3 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HILLANDALE AT 520 PM
OVER GREENBELT AT 522 PM
OVER BELTSVILLE AT 524 PM
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
------
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
531 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
EXTREME NORTHWEST ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND
SOUTHEAST HOWARD COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND
* UNTIL 600 PM EDT
* AT 526 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
TORNADO 12 MILES SOUTH OF COLUMBIA...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE...
3 MILES SOUTHEAST OF COLUMBIA AT 548 PM
OVER ELKRIDGE AT 554 PM
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE...SEEK SHELTER IN A NEARBY REINFORCED
BUILDING. AS A LAST RESORT...SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT...DITCH OR LOW
SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
(Most of the tornado warnings above were actual twister touchdowns. A
warning WAS issued for both the Culpepper County tornado and the tornado
that heavily damaged the campus of the University of Maryland before they
struck.)
-----------
2:56 pm
The first reports of a tornado came in from Culpeper county, Virginia. Here
is the storm report:
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON
256 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
TIME(EDT) .....CITY LOCATION.....STATE ...EVENT/REMARKS...
....COUNTY LOCATION....
0243 PM 2 S RIVA VA TORNADO
09/24/01 CULPEPER REPORTED BY POLICE ON
MADISON COUNTY LINE OFF
ROUTE 29.
(Reports of other tornadoes followed a few minutes to hours later further
northward)
-----------
3:50 pm
A tornado watch was issued further northward into portions of Eastern
Pennsylvania due to the fact that thunderstorms may accelerate northward
into the region. Here is the SPC text:
URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
TORNADO WATCH NUMBER 759
STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
350 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A
TORNADO WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF
EXTREME SOUTH CENTRAL NEW YORK
EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
EFFECTIVE THIS MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 415 PM UNTIL 1000
PM EDT.
TORNADOES...HAIL TO 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS
TO 70 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.
THE TORNADO WATCH AREA IS ALONG AND 50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST
OF A LINE FROM 35 MILES SOUTH OF HARRISBURG PENNSYLVANIA TO 45
MILES WEST NORTHWEST OF MONTICELLO NEW YORK.
REMEMBER...A TORNADO WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR
TORNADOES AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA.
PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING
WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE
WARNINGS.
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION... CONTINUE...WW 758...
DISCUSSION...SURFACE MESOLOW CONTINUES TO TRACK NORTHEASTWARD
ACROSS CENTRAL VA...AND IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO EASTERN PA IN THE
NEXT FEW HOURS. SMALL SUPERCELL STORMS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES HAVE
ALREADY OCCURRED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THIS SYSTEM OVER VA. MODEL
GUIDANCE INDICATES LOW LEVEL WINDS WILL STRENGTHEN THROUGH THE LATE
AFTERNOON...INCREASING VERTICAL SHEAR PROFILES AND THREAT OF
TORNADOES.
AVIATION...TORNADOES AND A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL
SURFACE AND ALOFT TO 2 INCHES. EXTREME TURBULENCE AND SURFACE WIND
GUSTS TO 60 KNOTS. A FEW CUMULONIMBI WITH MAXIMUM TOPS TO 500.
MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 21030.
-----------
4:53 pm
A TORNADO WARNING was issued for Washington, DC and surrounding areas. A
funnel cloud was later reported from the Pentagon and the DC mall. This
tornado would later touchdown and head toward the University of Maryland
(See warning above).
-----------
5:10 pm
A TORNADO WARNING was issued for the region near the U. of MD. campus which
later sustained F3 tornado damage on its campuses. The tornado also killed 2
people (See warning above).
-----------
6:53 pm
A TORNADO WARNING was issued for York county further north in Southern
Pennsylvania with law enforcement reporting destroyed buildings. Here is the
warning:
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
653 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE PA HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
YORK COUNTY IN PENNSYLVANIA
* UNTIL 800 PM EDT.
* AT 648 PM...LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS REPORTED A TORNADO NEAR
HANOVER...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 25 MPH. SEVERAL BUILDINGS REPORTED
DESTROYED IN PENN TOWNSHIP.
* THE TORNADO IS EXPECTED TO BE NEAR...
SPRING GROVE AT 700 PM.
WEST YORK AND GRANTLEY AND SHILOH AT 715 PM.
YORK AND NORTH YORK AND VALLEY VIEW AT 720 PM.
EAST YORK AND EMIGSVILLE AT 725 PM.
SPRINGETTS MANOR-YORKLYN AND STONYBROOK-WILSHIRE AND MANCHESTER AT
730 PM.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION FROM THE DAMAGING WINDS OF A TORNADO...GO TO A
BASEMENT OR A SMALL INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME OR
BUSINESS.
-----------
7:44 pm
The National Weather Service compiled all of the data it had recieved and
issued this Local storm report:
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON
744 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
TIME(EDT) .....CITY LOCATION.....STATE ...EVENT/REMARKS...
....COUNTY LOCATION....
0300 PM CULPEPER VA TORNADO
09/24/01 CULPEPER *** 2 INJ ***
THREE TRAILER HOMES
DESTROYED AND FOUR DAMAGED
ON PONDEROSA COURT.
0300 PM COUNTYWIDE VA TORNADO
09/24/01 CULPEPER BUILDINGS DAMAGED ON
INDIAN FORK RD... SPRINGS
ROAD... MOSER LANE... OAK
SHADE ROAD AND SCOTTSVILLE
ROAD. THREE CHURCHES
DAMAGED.
0300 PM NORTH PORTION VA TORNADO
09/24/01 CULPEPER TORNADO DAMAGE PATH
VISIBLE 5 MILES S OF THE
RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER NEAR
ROUTE 211. REPORTED BY
SKYWARN.
0310 PM JEFFERSONTON VA TORNADO
09/24/01 CULPEPER NUMEROUS TREES DOWNED ON
HOUSES IN ROUTE 229 AND 211
AREA. TWO HOUSES DAMAGED.
0345 PM SOUTH PORTION VA TORNADO
09/24/01 ORANGE SPOTTED ON ROUTE 33.
REPORTED BY EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT.
0355 PM 1 W THE PLAINS VA TORNADO
09/24/01 FAUQUIER SPOTTER REPORTED TORNADO
AND SWIRLING DEBRIS.
0450 PM FRANCONIA VA TORNADO
09/24/01 FAIRFAX RESTAURANT ROOF DAMAGED.
TREES DOWN. REPORTED BY
911.
0450 PM SPRINGFIELD VA TORNADO
09/24/01 FAIRFAX TORNADO SPOTTED NEAR
SPRINGFIELD METRO AT
FRANCONIA PARKWAY.
0500 PM SHIRLINGTON VA TORNADO
09/24/01 ARLINGTON WINDOWS BLOWN OUT AT
RESTAURANT. REPORTED BY
MEDIA.
0502 PM ARLINGTON VA TORNADO
09/24/01 ARLINGTON TORNADO SPOTTED BY
NATIONAL AIRPORT WEATHER
OBSERVER. ANOTHER SPOTTER
SAW TORNADO SOUTH OF
PENTAGON NEAR I-395.
0503 PM CRYSTAL CITY VA TORNADO
09/24/01 ARLINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT SPOTTER
SAW TORNADO TOUCH DOWN IN
CRYSTAL CITY.
0506 PM DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DC TORNADO
09/24/01 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FUNNEL CLOUD SPOTTED NEAR
14TH STREET BRIDGE.
0520 PM LAUREL MD TORNADO
09/24/01 PRINCE GEORGES LARGE TREES DOWN NEAR
LAUREL HOSPITAL. REPORTED
BY SPOTTER.
0520 PM BELTSVILLE MD TORNADO
09/24/01 PRINCE GEORGES WIDESPREAD DAMAGE REPORTED
NEAR ROUTE 1 AND BELTWAY
AND CHERRY HILL ROAD. TOWER
BENT. TREES ON HOUSES.
TRACTOR TRAILER BLOWN OVER.
POWER POLES SNAPPED.
0524 PM COLLEGE PARK MD TORNADO
09/24/01 PRINCE GEORGES *** 2 DEAD ***
HEAVY DAMAGE IN UNIVERSITY
OF MARYLAND AREA AND ROUTE
1 COORIDOR. TWO PEOPLE WERE
KILLED WHEN THEIR CAR WAS
FLIPPED OVER.
0545 PM NORTH LAUREL MD TORNADO
09/24/01 HOWARD 30 TOWNHOUSES DAMAGED IN
SAVAGE AND LAUREL AREA.
REPORTED BY 911.
0655 PM LEESBURG VA FLASH FLOODS
09/24/01 LOUDOUN ROUTE 7 BYPASS AT SYCOLYN
ROAD FLOODED. MILE MARKER 8
WESTBOUND GREENWAY FLOODED.
REPORTED BY SKYWARN.
-----------
10:45 pm
A local storm report was issued by the NWS in State College showing the
damage sustained by the storms, including the possible tornado in York
county which was later confirmed. Here is the text:
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE, PA
1045 PM EDT MON SEP 24 2001
TIME(EDT) .....CITY LOCATION.....STATE ...EVENT/REMARKS...
....COUNTY LOCATION....
0645 PM MCSHERRYSTOWN PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 ADAMS TREES DOWN NEAR THE YORK,
ADAMS COUNTY LINE.
0650 PM PENN TOWNSHIP PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 YORK BUILDINGS DESTROYED
0650 PM WEST MANHEIM TOWNSHIP PA TORNADO
09/24/01 YORK POSSIBLE TORNADO SIGHTED.
0710 PM PARKVILLE PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 YORK 1 HOUSE BLOWN OVER.
0710 PM PARKVILLE PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 YORK MIDDLE SCHOOL WINDOWS
BLOWN OUT, 10 OTHER
BUILDINGS DAMAGED.
0815 PM MANOR TOWNSHIP PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 LANCASTER TREES DOWN.
0815 PM MILLERSVILLE PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 LANCASTER TREE DOWN ON A HOUSE.
0850 PM 8 N LEBANON PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 LEBANON BARN COLLAPSE, TREES DOWN.
0900 PM PINE GROVE PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 SCHUYLKILL NUMEROUS TREES AND
TELEPHONE POLES KNOCKED
DOWN.
0930 PM JERSEY SHORE PA WIND DAMAGE
09/24/01 LYCOMING TREES AND WIRES DOWN.
The next day, the damage was clear...
-----------
5:15 pm
The NWS in State College, PA confirmed a tornado in York county with this
public information statement:
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
515 PM EDT TUE SEP 25 2001
...TORNADO CONFIRMED IN SOUTHWEST YORK COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA DURING
THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 24TH...
A SURVEY OF THE SEPTEMBER 24TH TORNADO DAMAGE IN SOUTHWEST YORK
COUNTY SOUTH OF HANOVER WAS CONDUCTED TODAY BY YORK COUNTY EMERGENCY
AGENCY OFFICIALS AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TODAY.
THE TORNADO APPEARED TO HAVE TOUCHED DOWN NEAR GRAND VALLEY ROAD
AROUND 633 PM EDT IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF YORK COUNTY AND
PROCEEDED NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD THROUGH PARKVILLE THEN LIFTING TO THE
NORTH OF BLOOMING GROVE ABOUT 640 PM. THE PATH OF THE TORNADO WAS
ABOUT 5 MILES IN LENGTH BUT NOT ALWAYS ON THE GROUND WHILE THE WIDTH
VARIED FROM 50 TO 200 YARDS. THE TOP WIND SPEEDS WERE ESTIMATED AT
110 TO 120 MPH WHICH PUTS THE TORNADO STRENGTH IN THE STRONG F1 OR
WEAK F2 FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFICATION. SEVERAL EYEWITNESSES ALONG THE
PATH IDENTIFIED THE STORM AS A TORNADO. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO
DEATHS OR INJURIES WITH THIS TORNADO.
SIGNIFICANT AREAS OF DAMAGE REPORTED INCLUDED:
* EIGHT HOMES JUST SOUTH OF PARKVILLE WITH ROOFS COMPLETELY TORN OFF,
* BRICK AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO SEVERAL ADDITIONAL HOMES,
* 50 TO 75 TREES KNOCKED DOWN ALONG THE PATH,
* 38 CARS DAMAGED WITH A COLLAPSED WALL AT A CAR DEALERSHIP NEAR
PARKVILLE WITH A ABOUT A HALF MILLION DOLLARS OF ESTIMATED DAMAGE,
* WINDOWS BLOWN OUT AND SIGNIFICANT ROOF DAMAGE WITH SUBSEQUENT
WATER DAMAGE AT SOUTHWESTERN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING IN PARKVILLE, ALSO DAMAGE TO A CLASSROOM AT THE HIGH SCHOOL,
* SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO A STORE COMPLEX NORTHWEST OF
BLOOMING GROVE.
-----------
5:15 pm
The NWS in Baltimore/Washington confirmed an F-3 Tornado!, near U. MD. with
this public information statement:
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON
625 PM EDT TUE SEP 25 2001
...SIGNIFICANT TORNADO HITS COLLEGE PARK AND LAUREL AREAS...
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STORM DAMAGE SURVEY TEAM WENT TO THE
COLLEGE PARK AREA OF MARYLAND THIS MORNING. AN AERIAL SURVEY WAS
CONDUCTED ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE TRACK AND A GROUND SURVEY WAS
CONDUCTED AT THE UNIVERSITY. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE BEGINS JUST
SOUTHWEST OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND AND CONTINUES FOR ABOUT 13
MILES THROUGH A PORTION OF LAUREL TO NEAR SAVAGE MARYLAND. THE
DAMAGE PATH WAS ABOUT 150 YARDS WIDE OCCASIONALLY NARROWING TO ONLY
50 YARDS WIDE. THE TORNADO HAS BEEN RATED AN F-3 ON THE FUJITA
DAMAGE SCALE. AN F-3 TORNADO HAS MAXIMUM WINDS BETWEEN 158 AND 206
MPH. TORNADOES ARE RATED ACCORDING TO THE MAXIMUM DAMAGE THAT THE
STORM PRODUCES.
THE TEAM FIRST SURVEYED THE AREA ON THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
CAMPUS ALONG UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD. TEN CONSTRUCTION TRAILERS WERE
TOTALLY DESTROYED. THE BASE OF ONE OF THE TRAILERS WAS DEPOSITED IN
TREES ABOUT 200 YARDS AWAY. LARGE MISSILES WERE GENERATED THAT
STRUCK THE UNIVERSITY BRICK BUILDINGS. THE BUILDINGS WERE ABLE TO
WITHSTAND THE POUNDING WITH ONLY DAMAGE TO WINDOWS, EXTERIOR TRIM
AND SOME ROOFING. AN ESTIMATED 200 VEHICLES WERE MOVED, FLIPPED, OR
BECAME AIRBORNE. SOME VEHICLES ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CARRIED
SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS AND TWO FATALITIES RESULTED. THIS DAMAGE WAS
THE BASIS OF THE F-3 RATING.
THIS TORNADIC STORM BEGAN IN VIRGINIA PASSING THROUGH FRANCONIA...
CRYSTAL CITY...PASSING NEAR THE PENTAGON AND INTO THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA. A FUNNEL CLOUD WAS OBSERVED BY SOME OVER THE DISTRICT. THE
TORNADO TOUCHED BACK DOWN OUT OF THIS SAME THUNDERSTORM IN A
SUBDIVISION SOUTHWEST OF THE UNIVERSITY. THIS WAS NEAR WEST
HYATTSVILLE AND NORTHWEST BRANCH STREAM VALLEY PARK. THE TORNADO
REACHED ITS PEAK STRENGTH AS IT MOVED THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY. IT
CONTINUED NORTH-NORTHEAST DAMAGING NUMEROUS HOMES AND BUSINESSES
THROUGH COLLEGE PARK AND BELTSVILLE. BUILDINGS ON THE CAMPUS OF THE
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER WERE ALSO DAMAGED.
THE TORNADO TRACKED BETWEEN I-95 AND ROUTE 1 AS IT HEADED FOR
LAUREL. HERE IT TORE PART OF THE ROOF OFF THE LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL AND
THEN CUT THROUGH THE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY. AGAIN NUMEROUS HOMES AND
BUSINESSES WERE IMPACTED. THE TORNADO STRENGTH WAS STILL SIGNIFICANT
WITH WINDS ESTIMATED IN THE 125 TO 150 MPH RANGE. THE TORNADO
CROSSED INTO HOWARD COUNTY BEGAN WEAKENING AS IT MOVED TOWARD THE
SAVAGE AREA.
AN ADDITIONAL SURVEY TEAM HAS BEEN OUT TODAY IN CULPEPER AND
FAUQUIER COUNTIES IN VIRGINIA. THAT INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED AS
SOON AS THE TEAM RETURNS. THE FRANCONIA-CRYSTAL CITY-DC AREA WILL BE
LOOKED AT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
Other tornadoes will soon be investigated.
-----
September 24, 2001 - a day to remember for tornadoes in the Mid Atlantic
States!
Bill Deger
http://phlweather.tripod.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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