NWS confirms EF-2 Tornado in Chattooga County

NWS confirms EF-2 Tornado in Chattooga County

April 16, 2020–6:35 a.m.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

The National Weather Service has confirmed it was an EF-2 tornado that caused damage in Chattooga County during the Easter storms.

The tornado originated just north of Summerville then traveled northeast.

A 10,000-pound camper was overturned near Orchard Hill Road.

As the tornado continued to travel toward the town of Pennville, it appeared to briefly intensify over Back Penn Road, just west of Highway 27.

A trailer was destroyed and one corner of a barn’s exterior wall was heavily damaged.

The damage at this point was consistent with an EF- 1 with 90-95 MPH winds.

The tornado moved east of Trion toward Taylor’s Ridge and the Walker County Line.

More significant tree damage was seen along Ramey Road just before Hwy 151.

The entire second story and roof were removed from a home with heavy damage to the exterior walls.

A jeep was also tossed more than 150 yards from its original location.

An additional home had a good portion of its roof torn off on one side while the floor above the garage collapsed on the other side.

Windows and doors were blown out and numerous large pines were snapped about halfway down.

It was in this area between the Hwy 151 and Halls Valley Road intersection and Beard Drive, the tornado was at its strongest with max winds between 120-125 MPH.

The tornado then crossed Hwy 151 around Mildred’s Way then appeared to quickly weaken as it rode the west-side of Taylors Ridge.

Tree damage dropped off and ended near Smith Gap Road.