Tornadoes are not common in Washington State, especially when compared to the central regions of the U.S. This is largely due to Washington’s rugged mountainous landscape, which makes the formation of tornadoes less likely.
However, it is important to note that tornadoes do occasionally occur in Washington. The months when these weather phenomena are most prevalent are April, May, and June. Tornadoes in Washington can happen in any month of the year, but the spring months see a higher incidence.
On average, Washington experiences only 2 to 3 tornadoes touching down each year. While this number seems low compared to Tornado Alley, it does indicate that residents need to remain vigilant during severe weather events.
Historically, Washington has seen several tornadoes rated F2 or stronger. In fact, there have been fourteen documented instances of tornadoes with an F2 rating or higher in the state. One of the earliest recorded instances occurred on June 26, 1916, near Walla Walla, where a fierce F2 tornado caused undisclosed damage to structures in the area.
Another F2 tornado touched down on December 23, 1949, north of Long Beach, causing minor damage. On June 15, 1954, near Spokane and Fairfield, a weak F2 tornado left behind damaged trees but little else.
Throughout the years, Washington has recorded various notable tornado events. On June 26, 1958, a brief F2 tornado was spotted downriver from the Tri-Cities in Finley, where eyewitnesses reported its appearance resembling a waterspout.
The most destructive tornado event occurred on December 12, 1969, when an F3 tornado struck metropolitan Seattle, leaving substantial damage in White Center but miraculously resulting in only one injury. Additionally, a terrifying F3 tornado touched down on April 5, 1972, causing severe damage throughout different regions of Washington.
This particular event was characterized by an intense squall line created by a sharp cold front. The F3 tornado impacted the community of Creston in Eastern Washington, injuring one person while causing visible destruction. Along with this, several F2 tornadoes touched down in various other locations, including West of Creston and Kettle Falls, where they mostly damaged trees and structures.
Another notable tornado incident occurred on July 17, 1978, when a strong F2 tornado touched down in Newport, at the Washington-Idaho border, causing tree damage. More recently, on May 13, 1986, an F2 tornado was recorded near Arlington, damaging trees but causing no reported injuries.
The most recent significant tornado in Washington was an EF2 tornado that struck Port Orchard on December 18, 2018. This tornado left over $1.81 million in damages in its wake, and it stayed on the ground for over five minutes, affecting around 250 homes in the area.
Understanding the tornado ratings is crucial in assessing their potential threat. The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale) was introduced by the National Weather Service in early 2007 and is used to rate tornadoes based on their estimated wind speeds. This classification system has helped in better understanding the intensity of tornadoes and their impact on affected areas.
As tornadoes are unpredictable, it is essential to know what actions to take when a tornado is rapidly approaching. Communities in Washington need to maintain preparedness and awareness, especially during the spring months when tornado activity can occur.
In conclusion, while tornadoes are a rare event in Washington State, the historical records show that they are capable of causing significant damage. Residents must stay informed about tornado risks and be prepared to respond effectively in the event of severe weather conditions.
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