EF1 Tornado — Highland, Ohio

2023-03-03 · near Pricetown, Highland, Ohio

Event narrative

The tornado first touched down in a field southwest of Certier Road, about three miles northeast of Buford. This tornado affected a property on Certier Road, causing significant damage to several barns, with winds estimated to 90 mph. From here, the tornado generally moved to the north-northeast.

Tree damage and minor structural damage was noted on Ruble Cemetery Road and Hollowtown Road. More significant damage was noted at a couple of properties on State Route 131. One home had an attached garage that was compromised by the wind and detached from the main structure of the house, mostly flattening the walls of the garage. Significant roof and tree damage was also found at a couple of adjacent properties. Winds here were estimated at 100 mph.

Damage north of State Route 131 was much sparser, with minor tree damage observed on Dawson Road and north of Barr Cemetery Road. A power pole was downed on Sherry Road. Overall, while the tornado did travel through mostly open fields north of State Route 131, it is likely that it weakened or briefly lifted during this time period.

A more concentrated area of damage was then observed near the intersection of Danville/Russell Road and US Route 50. While some tree damage was noted on the west side of Danville/Russell Road, more extensive damage was noted to the east. A church on the south side of US Route 50 was heavily damaged, with the majority of the east side of the roof removed. Just north of the church, an outbuilding was damaged adjacent to a stand of trees that had significant damage and snapping. Winds here were estimated at 100 mph.

Damage was again sparser north from US Route 50 until becoming more significant and widespread in Willettsville. Tree and structural damage in Willettsville was extensive, with roof damage to numerous homes and outbuildings, including one home that had a collapsed attached garage. Winds here were also estimated at 100 mph and likely over a larger area than at other locations earlier in the track of the tornado.

Minor roof and tree damage were observed as the tornado turned slightly to the right, moving northeast. A few properties had roof damage on Panhandle Road west of State Route 73. Some minor tree damage was found near State Route 73 where the tornado is believed to have dissipated.

Wider weather episode

Showers and scattered thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours ahead of a strong low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.1159, -83.8178)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1074119. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.