Thunderstorm Wind — Tucker, West Virginia

2020-11-15 · near Porterwood, Tucker, West Virginia

Event narrative

A large tree was reported to be blown down.

Wider weather episode

A shortwave trough axis lifted quickly across the Great Lakes and the Upper Ohio Valley on November 15th, taking on a negative tilt as it did so. Deepening surface low pressure tracked across Michigan and into Ontario during the day, whipping a cold front across the region during the late morning and early afternoon. Some of the classic ingredients for a widespread wind event were present, including a negatively- tilted trough, jet positioning over the region, and a favorable Great Lakes surface low track. Strong post-frontal 3 hour pressure rises of 5-7 mb were observed, and a low-topped mostly lightning-free convective line accompanied the boundary. Widespread wind gusts of at least 45-55 MPH were observed, with several higher measured gusts seen. Along the convective line, gusts of 55-65 MPH likely occurred. This resulted in widespread reports of wind damage to trees and power lines, with a few instances of mostly minor structural damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.0900, -79.6800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 927581. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.