EF1 tornado in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

A NWS survey team confirmed a long-track EF1 tornado via PSP helicopter in Schuylkill County. The EF1 tornado occurred during the late evening on 26 May 2011 between 2020-2045 EDT. The tornado touched down about one-half mile west of Cressona in North Manheim Township along Beaver Creek Road. The tornado produced a sporadic path of damage spanning approximately 17 miles, lifting and touching down several times before finally dissipating about 1 mile northeast of Kepner in West Penn Township. Approximately 20 residential homes were damaged, 4 of which suffered major damage. In addition, 12 barns and outbuildings were damaged. The tornado downed more than 1000 trees, with the bulk of the damage occurring to the east of Schuylkill Haven north of Route 443 through North Manheim, West Brunswick and East Brunswick Townships. Significant tree damage was also observed in Connor and Hecla. The damage indicators surveyed were consistent with winds of 110 mph and a tornado rating of a strong EF1. There were no injuries or fatalities.

A significant severe weather outbreak occurred across central Pennsylvania during the afternoon and evening hours on 26 May 2011. A total of 6 tornadoes were confirmed ranging from EF0-EF2 in magnitude with multiple reports of large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds. Flash flooding was also reported with Franklin County with these storms.