EF2 Tornado — Hocking, Ohio

2019-05-28 · near South Perry, Hocking, Ohio

Event narrative

The tornado initially touched down about 50 yards west of Union Road/Township Highway 145, where extensive and somewhat severe tree damage was observed at multiple points. More significant structural damage was observed at a home on Wolfe Road, where the second level was completely destroyed and removed from the structure. Windows were blown out of cars on the property and a garage was also completely destroyed. Other homes in the vicinity received minor structural damage, including partial roof removal from several homes. Nearby trees were debarked with significant and severe tree damage extending a bit further east. This continuation of severe and widespread tree damage, including large swaths where trees appeared to have been mowed down, was observed via an aerial survey. Sheared off and flattened tree swaths had widths extending at least several hundred feet. It is because of the aerial footage, as well as on-ground survey efforts, that it was determined that the tornado width grew up to one quarter mile in width east of Union Road, leading up to Middle Fork Road. Here, several homes were impacted, with one of the homes severely damaged. A large propane tank had been thrown 20 to 30 feet from its original resting position. Moreover, a 7000 pound truck was thrown into a house. Widespread significant and severe tree damage was observed in this vicinity as well, including several instances of debarking.

The tornado continued on an eastward path east of Middle Fork Road to Long Run Road. Extensive and widespread significant tree damage was observed in this highly forested area. Several more structures along Long Run Road were damaged, either by the tornado itself or by the large trees downed throughout the area. One mobile home had a tree sever the structure in half. Downed trees in this area were several yards in diameter. Here, it is believed that the tornado maintained a width of up to one quarter of a mile.

A bit further to the east, additional but more minor tree damage was observed along Clapper Hollow Road. Tree damage in this area was less severe and less widespread than points further west. Little to no additional tree or structural damage was observed further east of Clapper Hollow Road. Therefore, it is believed that the tornado lifted shortly after passing east of Clapper Hollow Road.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed during the evening hours along a warm front lifting slowly north across the region. Many of the thunderstorms produced tornadoes, including a few strong to violent tornadoes.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.5128, -82.7271)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 817746. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.