Thunderstorm Wind — Butler, Pennsylvania

2003-10-14 · near Criders Corners, Butler, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

A microburst, estimated at 100 mph (87 kts), struck Cranberry Mall and nearby areas. Aluminum flag poles were bent to the ground. Trailer picked up and rolled by the wind, injuring 6 people. A total of 12 businesses were damaged, including a muffler shop, jewelry store, and bank, mainly between Routes 19 and 228. One house destroyed on Shady Oak Dr. Nine houses suffered major damage; 64 received minor damage. Roofing, siding, and windows broken. Dunkin Doughnuts on Route 19 hard hit. Its sign was found 5 miles north. Fox Run area off Rowan Rd also hit hard. Many large trees toppled or snapped. Recreational vehicle destroyed. Four vehicles at the muffler shop were crushed by debris. Witnesses described the sky as pitch black or green. At Fox Run, microburst was one quarter mile wide. 5500 customers lost electric power in Butler, Beaver, and Allegheny counties.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (40.6833, -80.1000)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5337933. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.