Washington Tornado (2013)

This is a continuation of a tornado that began in Tazewell County (NWS Central Illinois) and tracked across Woodford County, entering NWS Chicago county warning area in La Salle County, and finally ending in Livingston County. The tornado entered La Salle County approximately half a mile east of State Route 251 north of Minonk where several power poles were snapped at the base along County Line Road. On E 7th Road, a home had large portions of the roof removed. Small outbuildings were completely destroyed. More power poles were snapped on E 8th Road and again on N 2nd Road near the intersection of E 10th Road. A machinery shed was completely destroyed on N 2nd Road about half a mile west of Dana. On E 11th Road just north of Dana, an addition to a home was completely leveled with several outbuildings destroyed. This tornado entered Livingston County just northeast of Dana around 11:41 AM CST. Maximum wind speeds were estimated to be up to 135 mph.

A major tornado outbreak impacted the Midwest and Ohio Valley on November 17th. A powerful low pressure system across the plains states steered warmth and moisture northward for nearly two days, with dew points rising into the mid 60's. This coupled with temperatures around 70 resulted in unseasonably strong instability for thunderstorms to develop. High wind shear and a cold front sweeping eastward made up the remaining ingredients of an environment favorable for supercells capable of long-lived significant tornadoes. Within the WFO LOT county warning area, ten tornadoes were confirmed, including three EF-2 tornadoes. As the event evolved, the system became linear with numerous reports of straight line wind damage. Behind the thunderstorms, a wake low developed with wind gusts to around 60 mph.