National Weather Service confirms a tornado did hit Clark County area (WA)

[uppityperson]

Source: KATU

In what is a rarity for the Northwest, a tornado hit the Clark County area during the noon hour on Thursday, leaving a lot of damage in its wake and knocking out power in some areas....(clip)


SOME HISTORY

According to Scott Sistek with our affiliate in Seattle, Vancouver is the site of the only deadly tornado ever to strike either Washington or Oregon. Six people died and 300 were injured on April 5, 1972 when a tornado moved through the city.

Also, Both Washington and Oregon average about one tornado a year each somewhere in the state. For Washington, 2007 was the first time since 2002 that no tornado was reported in the state.

If confirmed as a tornado, this would be the only the third time since 1950 that a tornado was recorded in Washington state in January. A tornado touched down near Dayton, Wash. on Jan. 16, 2000. That caused an estimated $100,000 in damage. Another tornado touched down in a rural area several southeast of Olympia on Jan. 28, 2006, but didn't cause any damage.

Read more: http://www.katu.com/news/13683197.html

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Some damage but I felt this was important since there have been other odd tornadoes this yr, like in Wisconsin. Unusual for January.

For damage, here's another link: http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/01/01102008_Tornado-causes-damage-to-homes-and-businesses-in-Hazel-Dell.cfm

"A tornado blew sections of roof off one building, damaged others, and knocked out power in sections of Hazel Dell and Fruit Valley today.

No injuries were immediately reported, but there was widespread damage.

At 1:15, Clark County's regional emergency services warned of high winds and haill approaching Battle Ground and moving northeast into Skamania County. The warning was in effect for 30 minutes. Fire officials later reported no damage in Battle Ground.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at about 12:20 p.m. and then cancelled it about 20 minutes later after "the thunderstorm that produced the tornado in Clark County has dissipated," according to the advisory...."

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. wow. we just got a little rain here in Portland. nt

[DLnyc]

2. Recent and historic tornado activity in the US

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/torn/monthlytornstats.html

(Yes, lots of tornados in January is unusual.)

[lovuian]

3. as it gets warmer the winds will get more powerful

I think housing will have to change in the future because of it