EF-1 Tornado with 90 mph Winds Hits Livingston County, Michigan

EF-1 tornado confirmed in Livingston County, Michigan. Tornado caused significant damage, including flipped cars and a ripped-off roof. NWS to assess further.

The National Weather Service (NWS) utilizes the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale to accurately rate tornadoes, taking into consideration both wind speeds and the resulting damage. This scale, in use since 2007, is exclusive to the NWS, granting them the authority to provide official EF Scale ratings. By examining the damage caused by a tornado, experts can compare it to a list of Damage Indicators (DIs) and Degrees of Damage (DoD) to estimate the wind speeds produced by the tornado.

Rather than relying on direct measurements, the EF Scale relies on three-second gusts at the point of damage. It also considers 28 different indicators of damage, including various structures such as barns, homes, mobile homes, motels, fast-food restaurants, shopping malls, schools, and even different types of trees. By analyzing the range of wind speeds indicated by the damage, the NWS assigns a rating ranging from EF-0 to EF-5 to the tornado, aiming to identify the highest wind speed experienced within the path of destruction.

In accordance with information provided by ClickOnDetroit, the NWS has confirmed the occurrence of an EF-1 tornado in Livingston County, Michigan on Thursday night. This tornado, with winds reaching up to 90 mph, entered Livingston County near West Branch Red Cedar River and proceeded in an east-northeast direction towards I-96. The NWS is currently conducting further surveys to assess the extent of the damage and will release additional details in due course.

The sighting of this tornado was reported at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, August 24. The NWS statement regarding the tornado warning emphasized that it was based on the strength of the rotation and debris signature observed while the storm was over Ingham County. As the tornado crossed into Livingston County, it rapidly weakened. The NWS suspects that a tornado occurred within that particular storm cell, just south of Williamston. It remains uncertain whether the tornado weakened prior to entering Livingston County or if it extended into the county for a mile or two before dissipating. A thorough tornado survey will be conducted to ascertain these details.

The NWS in Grand Rapids has reported significant damage resulting from this tornado. Cars were overturned on I-96, and a building in Ingham County suffered roof damage. Tragically, at least five individuals lost their lives as a consequence of these storms.

In conclusion, the NWS employs the EF Scale to assess tornadoes by considering wind speeds and the associated damage. They have confirmed the presence of an EF-1 tornado in Livingston County, Michigan, which caused substantial destruction, including flipped cars and a damaged roof. The NWS will continue to evaluate the damage and provide further updates. The EF Scale serves as a valuable tool to rate tornadoes, enabling officials to estimate their intensity and disseminate crucial information to the public.