EF1 Tornado — Hardin, Ohio

2021-12-11 · near Alger, Hardin, Ohio

Event narrative

The first sign of tornadic damage was observed at a residence just southwest of the intersection of State Routes 309 and 235, where part of the roof was lifted off of a barn and multiple softwood trees were snapped and blown in multiple directions.

The tornado then strengthened as it moved northeast, causing more substantial damage at a business and a two story residence, located on opposite sides of State Route 309, near the intersection with State Route 235. At the business, two outbuildings were completely destroyed and part of the roof of another building was lifted off, with debris splatter noted on multiple sides of this building. A metal sign was also damaged and a tractor trailer was overturned on its side.

At the two story home, the roof was completely lifted off, with parts of the roof thrown in multiple directions. Several windows were broken, most likely due to metal debris from the business across the road. Two outbuildings were completely destroyed. Debris from these outbuildings and debris from the home were blown at least 0.7 miles into the field to the northeast. Multiple trees also sustained significant damage. The tornado was strongest in this area, with maximum winds of up to 110 mph.

The tornado was likely still on the ground in the field to the northeast of State Route 235, however it showed signs of weakening as it crossed Township Road 55. On Township Road 55, shingles were removed from one home, while one outbuilding had partial roof uplift and another outbuilding was moved off cinder blocks. A few trees along a grove behind the home were also snapped.

Additional minor roof damage was observed on Township Road 64. This appears to be the end of the tornado as no further damage was noted to the northeast.

Wider weather episode

Showers and thunderstorms developed during the early morning hours ahead of an approaching cold front.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (40.7305, -83.8264)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 988398. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.