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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
833 PM EDT Mon Oct 25 2021

...NWS SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 21ST 2021 TORNADO EVENT...

A tornado outbreak occurred in the NWS Pittsburgh forecast area
during the evening of Thursday, October 21st, 2021. Here are some
relevant tornado statistics for the NWS Pittsburgh forecast area:

- A total of 11 tornadoes have been confirmed to occur as a part
  of this outbreak. A total of 29 tornadoes have been confirmed
  during the 2021 calendar year.
- Since 1950, the NWS Pittsburgh forecast area averages 4 to 5 
  tornadoes each calendar year.
- Every calendar year since 2017 has had greater than or equal to
  10 confirmed tornadoes. During the period from 1999-2016 
  inclusive, no calendar year had more than nine tornadoes.
- Prior to this year, the year that saw the most confirmed
  tornadoes was 1990, when 16 tornadoes occurred. 
- Combined with the five confirmed tornadoes that occurred on
  October 16th of this year, the total for the month of October
  2021 now stands at 16 tornadoes. 
- For the years from 1950 to 2020 inclusive, a total of 10
  confirmed tornadoes occurred during the month of October.

What follows is the storm survey summary for each of the 11 
tornadoes that occurred on October 21st. At this time, no further
tornado surveys are planned for this event, unless new potential 
tornado damage reports are received.

.Mount Pleasant, Ohio...

Start Location...Mount Pleasant in Jefferson County Ohio
End Location...Mount Pleasant in Jefferson County Ohio
Date...October 21 2021
Estimated Time...703pm - 705pm
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...100 mph
Maximum Path Width...70 yards
Path Length...1/2 mile
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.164N /-80.829W 
Ending Lat/Lon...40.166N / -80.821W
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
The National Weather Service conducted a survey off Township Road
102 just southwest of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. The damage was confined
to hardwood and softwood trees. They were either snapped at the 
trunk, missing large branches, or uprooted. There was a 100 year 
old oak tree that was uprooted. The only structure damage was to a
house, which loss less than 20% of its shingles. 

This is the 8th documented tornado since 1950. The most recent 
one prior to this was July 29th of this year. The National Weather
Service would like to thank Jefferson county Emergency Management
for their assistance.

.Loomis to Warnock Ohio

Start Location...Loomis in Belmont County Ohio
End Location...East of Warnock in Belmont County Ohio
Date...October 21 2021
Estimated Time...706pm - 709pm
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...90mph to 95mph
Maximum Path Width...50 yards
Path Length...6 miles /intermittent touch downs/
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.003N / -80.944W
Ending Lat/Lon...40.038N / -80.893W
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
The National Weather Service surveyed three touch down points in
Belmont county. The first was in the small town of Loomis where
several hardwood trees had large branches down and a tree was
uprooted. The next point was a roof that was blown off a business
and displaced nearly 150 yards behind the business. In addition, a
motor home was toppled over and landed on two sports car damaging
both of them. A shed was also destroyed at this location, which 
was adjacent to the business. The last point several hardwood
trees where knocked down. 

This is the 4th tornado since 1950 to impact Belmont county and 
the most recent one prior to this was August 14th in 2016. We 
would like to thank Belmont County Emergency Management for their
assistance today.

.West Finley, Pennsylvania...

Start Location...West Finley in Washington County Pennsylvania
End Location...West Finley in Washington County Pennsylvania
Date...October 21 2021
Estimated Time...758pm - 800pm
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...100 mph
Maximum Path Width...50 yards
Path Length...0.55 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...39.998N / -80.365
Ending Lat/Lon...39.999N / -80.355
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
The National Weather Service conducted a survey off E Finley Dr in
Washington County. The damage path was oriented west-to-east near
a road that consisted of farms and residences. Damage consisted 
of several snapped and uprooted hardwood trees, roof damage to a 
shed, and a completely destroyed barn. 

.Mount Nebo...

Start Location...2 N Ben Avon Heights in Allegheny County PA
End Location...2 N Ben Avon Heights in Allegheny County PA
Date...10/21/2021
Estimated Time...07:41 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF0
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...70 mph
Maximum Path Width...100.0 yards
Path Length...0.5 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.5347 / -80.0713
Ending Lat/Lon...40.5372 / -80.0616
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
A damage survey confirmed that a brief tornado occurred in and
near the Mount Nebo Pointe shopping center as a result of a
failed attempt at sustained tornadogenesis.  Damage at the Target
store included broken glass in the entry doors (which were sucked
outward by the wind), as well as damage to a sign on the west-
facing side of the store.  Minor tree damage and tall grass
blowdown was noted on the eastern side of the shopping center and
tree damage was noted at the base of the hill on the western
side.   The circulation lifted very soon after as it reached a
small gully to the east. Damage indicators were consistent with a
maximum wind speed of 70 MPH during this brief event.

.Hampton Twp...

Start Location...3 NNW Fox Chapel in Allegheny County PA
End Location...2 SSW Hampton Township in Allegheny County PA
Date...10/21/2021
Estimated Time...07:47 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...105 mph
Maximum Path Width...400.0 yards
Path Length...4.8 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.5689 / -79.8921
Ending Lat/Lon...40.5637 / -79.9813
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
A damage survey confirmed that a tornado tracked across the
southern portion of Hampton Township, PA.  This tornado was
associated with the same circulation that initially produced a
brief tornado earlier in Mount Nebo.

Damage was first noted in the area of Auld and Forest Avenues, in
the form of light structural damage to homes. The tornado 
strengthened on Linden Drive, with several snapped hardwood and 
softwood trees, as well as the uplift of a roof. Damage in this 
area was consistent with wind speeds of 90 to 95 MPH. Snapped and 
uprooted trees were seen as the tornado continued across Parkview 
Lane and then to Duncan Avenue.

Farther east, in the Church Hill area, snapped and uprooted trees
were observed, with one large tree on a house on Cole Avenue, and
some other minor structural damage where Cole intersects with 
Miller Avenue as well as Cella Lane, representing a rough tornado 
track width of 200 yards.

The tornado weakened considerably after it crossed Route 8 and 
into Bryant, before causing more damage in the vicinity of Middle 
Road. Widespread snapped hardwood trees were seen between John 
Giel Drive and Green Valley Drive, and a cinder-block outbuilding 
was destroyed, with debris being blown downwind 1/4 mile. Damage 
here was consistent with 100 to 105 MPH wind.
Tree damage continued ENE into Hartwood Acres Park and then to 
Dorseyville Road, where the damage path finally ended as the 
tornado dissipated.

NWS Pittsburgh is grateful to Hampton Township and Allegheny 
County EMA for their assistance with this damage survey.

.Butler...

Start Location...2 W Homeacre-Lyndora in Butler County PA
End Location...3 ENE East Butler in Butler County PA
Date...10/21/2021
Estimated Time...07:33 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF0
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...80 mph
Maximum Path Width...300.0 yards
Path Length...8.9303 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.88 / -79.954
Ending Lat/Lon...40.8959 / -79.7855
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
A damage survey confirmed a discontinuous tornado path causing
sporadic tree damage of varying intensity as it tracked across
central Butler County. The most significant damage was noted
along Woodcrest Road, where numerous trees were snapped or
uprooted and flagpoles were bent over by the wind.  Damage was
consistent with wind up to 80 mph. This tornado was part of a
radar-indicated circulation that began in Beaver County. 

.New Galilee, PA...

Start Location...1 NNE New Galilee in Beaver County Pennsylvania
End Location...3 NNE New Galilee in Beaver County in Pennsylvania
Date...October 21 2021
Estimated Time...656pm-659pm
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...90 mph
Maximum Path Width...40 yards
Path Length...2 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.844N / -80.378W
Ending Lat/Lon...40.842N / -80.348W
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh conducted a storm
survey in far northern Beaver County just northeast of New Galilee.
The damage was confined along either side of Fairlane Boulevard / 
State Route 351. Majority of the damage was hardwood and softwood 
trees missing large branches. One softwood tree was uprooted, which 
was the damage indicator that warranted the EF1 rating. One of the 
large branches fell onto a detached garage causing damage to the 
roof. The tornado lifted prior to reaching the intersection of State 
Route 351 and Big Beaver Boulevard. 

From 1950 to 2020 we documented 18 tornadoes in Beaver County. We 
would like to thank Beaver County Emergency Services for their help 
in the process. 

.Franklin Township - Harmony Township...

Start Location...4 ESE Ellport in Beaver County Pennsylvania
End Location...4 NW Harmony in Butler County in Pennsylvania
Date...October 21 2021
Estimated Time...711pm-716pm
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...90 mph
Maximum Path Width...110 yards
Path Length...2.61 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.849N / -80.149W
Ending Lat/Lon...40.843N / -80.198W
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh conducted a storm survey 
in far northeastern Beaver County in Franklin Township eastward to 
Harmony Township Butler County. The damage much like previous ones 
for this event was regulated to hardwood and softwood trees. There 
was no structure damage observed along the track. 

Damage initially started on American School Road then east along 
North Camp Run Road. The most intense damage was recorded farther 
down American School Road where at least 30 hardwood trees were 
uprooted or had large branches down. As the tornado continued down 
American School Road down softwood trees and hardwood trees snapped 
at the trunk were observed. The tornado lifted as it crossed into 
Butler County just beyond the intersection of American School Road 
and Scott Ridge Road. 

From 1950 to 2020 we documented 18 tornadoes in Beaver County. We 
would like to thank Beaver County Emergency Services for their help 
in the process. 

.Peters Township Tornado...

Start Location...2 S McMurray in Washington County PA
End Location...2 SE McMurray in Washington County PA
Date...10/20/2021
Estimated Time...08:07 PM - 8:10 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...95 mph
Maximum Path Width...100.0 yards
Path Length...1.5099 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.2549 / -80.0945
Ending Lat/Lon...40.2571 / -80.0661
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
A NWS damage survey confirmed that an EF-1 tornado, with winds
speeds ranging between 90 to 95 MPH, tracked through portions of
Peters Township in Washington County on the evening of October
21, 2021. The length was 1.5 miles and the width in some areas
was about 100 yards. This tornado was associated with the same 
circulation that initially produced an EF-1 tornado in Jefferson 
County, OH and an EF-2 in Hopewell Township a few miles to the 
west. 

A few broken branches were noted along Thomas Road near
Peters Lake Park. However, the tornado quickly intensified as it
cross Hill Place Road. Trees were uprooted and snapped in the
vicinity of Springdale Road and Sunrise Lane. A number of new and
well-structured brick homes had window damage, a garage blown
out, shingle damage, and trees snapped. The tornado weakened and
dissipated just west of Bower Hill Road. 

.Buffalo Tornado...

Start Location...3 ENE Bethany in Washington County PA
End Location...1 NNW Houston in Washington County PA
Date...10/21/2021
Estimated Time...07:30 PM - 7:57 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF2
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...130 mph
Maximum Path Width...150.0 yards
Path Length...15.6591 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.2248 / -80.5049
Ending Lat/Lon...40.2592 / -80.2131
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
A NWS damage survey confirmed that an EF-2 tornado, with winds
peaking near 130 MPH, tracked through western Washington County
on the evening of October 21, 2021. The length was about 15 miles
and the width in some areas was about 150 yards. This tornado was
associated with the same circulation that initially produced a
tornado in Jefferson County, Ohio earlier. 

Weak tornado damage was first noted along Brashears Run Road with
a few fallen trees. The storm rapidly intensified along Indian 
Camp Rd, where a mobile home had roof damage and a well-structured
deck was ripped and tossed into the neighbor s yard. Many trees 
were snapped and uprooted as well. Damage in this area was 
consistent with winds speeds of 90-95 MPH.

The tornado continued east towards Hopewell Township. Noted roads
that had tree and structure damage, associated with EF-1 damage, 
were Short Cut Road, Scenic Drive, Raccoon Run Road, Possum Hollow
Road, Old Trail Road, Jefferson Avenue, Park View Drive, and 
Oakleaf Road.

Peak intensity was reached near Willow Road and Lowry
Lane where a two story home had a roof completely torn off and 
tossed about 100 feet and a few portions of the walls collapsed. 
With closer inspection, a few of the foundation blocks were 
shifted on both sides of the house. Peak wind was near 130 MPH in 
this region. A few hundred feet away a farm building was 
completely destroyed. As the tornado crossed Lynn Portal Road an 
advanced along White Lane, a solid brick home lost the roof and 
the attached garage. 

The tornado started to weaken, but still continued to hold near 
100 MPH winds, as it tracked across McCarrell Road, Western Ave, 
and towards the outskirts of the city of Houston, PA. The tornado 
appears to have dissipated near North Main Street and Pine Ave 
north of Houston, PA. 

.East Finley Township Tornado in Washington County Pennsylvania...

Start Location...3 NE East Finley in Washington County, PA
End Location...3 NE East Finley in Washington County, PA
Date...October 21 2021
Estimated Time...7:59 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...90 mph
Maximum Path Width...30 yards
Path Length...0.4 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...40.060/-80.364
Ending Lat/Lon...40.063/-80.358
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
A NWS damage survey, conducted both by ground and aerial drone, 
confirmed that an EF-1 tornado, with speeds ranging between 80 and
90 mph, tracked through eastern portions of East Finley township 
on the evening of October 21, 2021. The tornado initially touched 
down on open farmland approximately 0.4 miles west of Quaker Ridge
road, where drone footage discovered damage to several trees 
along opposing tree lines, with a distinct scouring pattern 
observed in the open pasture between them. The tornado continued 
eastward through wooded area, producing the most significant 
damage to a cluster of trees along Quaker Ridge Road adjacent to 
the parking area for Pennsylvania State Games lands. At least 10 
mature trees of up to 8 inches in diameter were snapped anywhere 
from 1/4 to 3/4 of the way up the trunk line. The tornado 
continued east across Quaker Ridge road into the woodlands for 
another 100 ft, producing lesser tree damage until dissipating. 
This damage is coincident with a strong radar signature from both 
the NWS Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh International Airport Doppler 
radars. A thorough survey of the area several miles west and east 
of this tornado yielded no additional damage. 

This tornado occurred with one of three separate thunderstorms 
which crossed Washington County between 730 and 830 PM, all 
producing tornadoes nearly simultaneously.


EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong....111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...>200 mph

* The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the events and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

$$