EF3 Tornado — Lawrence, Indiana

2011-05-25 · near Erie, Lawrence, Indiana

Event narrative

National Weather Service storm survey teams determined an EF-3 tornado struck near Bedford, damaging or destroying several buildings in a 6.8 mile long swath up to a quarter mile wide.

Wider weather episode

The approach of a strong low pressure system from the west set the stage for a significant severe weather outbreak across central Indiana on May 25th. Eight tornadoes touched down in central Indiana, with an additional one moving into the area from southern Indiana. In addition, widespread wind damage and large hail impacted the area. Straight line winds to over 70 mph impacted the area as well, knocking down trees, power lines, as well as damaging structures and blowing over trucks. Straight line wind damage was noted near the tornado paths as well. Hail into the 3 to 4 inch range fell from some of the storms, causing damage. The large hail stones were also blown into structures by the strong straight line winds, causing additional damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (38.8597, -86.3642)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 317947. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.