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Tornado outbreak of April 27–28, 2002

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Tornado outbreak of April 27–28, 2002
Tornado warnings and confirmed tornadoes on April 27–28
TypeTornado outbreak
FormedApril 27, 2002
Duration2 days
DissipatedApril 28, 2002
Tornadoes
confirmed		48
Max. rating1F4 tornado
Duration of
tornado outbreak2		2 days
Fatalities6 fatalities, 256 injuries
Damage≥$224 million (2002 USD)
Areas affectedCentral & Eastern United States
1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale
2Time from first tornado to last tornado

The tornado outbreak of April 27–28, 2002 was a widespread outbreak that affected areas of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska on April 27, 2002. More tornadoes were reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia on the following day, April 28.

Generally, tornado reports were widely scattered in each state, but significant to severe damage was noted in multiple states. Overall, the outbreak was responsible for 6 deaths, 256 injuries, and tornado damage totaling in excess of $224 million, with wind and hail adding to the damage total.

Meteorological synopsis

On April 25, the Storm Prediction Center first noted the potential for organized severe weather across the lower Missouri River Valley as an upper-level trough ejected eastward across the United States.[1] The organization delineated a Moderate risk across most of Missouri, portions of Illinois, western Kentucky, western Tennessee, and northern Arkansas the following day.[2] On the morning of April 27, forecasters noted a coupled jet stream across the country, with a 150 kn (175 mph; 280 km/h) 250 mb jet over James Bay and a 135 kn (155 mph; 250 km/h) jet over Oklahoma. In response to this favorable configuration, potent 850 mb winds of 60 kn (70 mph; 110 km/h) overspread Missouri, enhancing the northward progression of moisture.[3] Within this warm air advection regime, several clusters of elevated atmospheric convection developed throughout the morning hours coincident with steep mid-level lapse rates—values representing the change in temperature with height—of 7.5 C/km, mainly posing a risk for marginally severe hail as they moved across Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. Given the strength of the surface low-pressure area progressing across Nebraska, forecasters noted the potential for dewpoints in excess of 60 °F (15 °C) to encroach as far north as southern Iowa, though the degree of destabilization (CAPE) was unclear given the coverage of cloud cover.[4] Within hours, sunshine enveloped portions of central Kansas, where thunderstorms were expected to develop along the dryline stretching southward into central Texas. In this area, a moist and unstable environment materialized, but long and straight hodographs—plots showing the change in wind with height—favored a predominant large hail and damaging wind threat from any discrete activity before it congealed into a squall line overnight.[5]

WPC surface analysis at 21:00 UTC on April 28, 2002

Farther north in southern Nebraska and Iowa, a greater tornado threat was expected to evolve along the warm front and east of the surface low, where wind shear and barometric pressure falls were most conducive for supercell thunderstorms capable of producing strong—F2 or greater on the Fujita scale—tornadoes.[5] By the afternoon, widespread thunderstorm activity began to develop near the intersection of the dryline and warm front across northeastern Kansas, northwestern Missouri, and southwestern Iowa.[6] Several weak tornadoes occurred in this region over ensuing hours. After sunset, the greatest risk for severe weather shifted across Missouri and eastward across several states into Ohio. Mid-level CAPE of 1,000–1,500 J/kg, effective bulk wind shear of 70 kn (80 mph; 130 km/h), and 0-1 km shear upwards of 50 kn (60 mph; 95 km/h) favored the formation of discrete supercell thunderstorms and bow echoes across much of the region into the overnight hours. The SPC noted that the isolated nature of supercells precluded the issuance of a High risk.[7] Discrete or embedded supercells moved across Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky during the pre-dawn hours, where wind shear remained very favorable for tornadoes given low-level storm relative helicity in excess of 500 m2/s2.[8] Numerous tornadoes were confirmed, many of which were significant. By sunrise, the formation of several bow echoes suggested a transition to a greater damaging wind event.[9]

During the morning of April 28, the SPC again outlined a Moderate risk of severe weather, this time stretching from Ohio eastward across much of the Mid-Atlantic.[10] The powerful upper-level trough shifted eastward, now encompassing portions of the Ohio River Valley and Northeast in 200 mb winds greater than 100 kn (115 mph; 185 km/h).[11] While a line of pre-frontal convection was ongoing during the early morning hours, this activity was expected to weaken as it encountered stable air across the Appalachian Mountains. Meanwhile, with a sharp cold front moving eastward across portions of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, and into Pennsylvania as well, a severe squall line was expected to take shape and pose a risk for widespread damaging winds, severe hail, and one or two tornadoes. Across the Delmarva region, forecasters expected 1,000–2,000 J/kg of CAPE to develop amid a lee trough despite lingering clouds and precipitation. With large-scale forcing focused north of Virginia, only scattered thunderstorms were expected in this region, though the environment favored the potential for supercells.[10] Into the afternoon hours, one particular supercell developed in central West Virginia and progressed eastward across Virginia, producing its first strong tornado in Shenandoah County.[12] While much of this region had been located in stable air north of a warm front through the morning, that boundary lifted north after midday and allowed for rapid destabilization. Thus, as the supercell continued east across Virginia and Maryland, it notably produced a historic F4 tornado in La Plata, Maryland.[11] Additional damaging tornadoes accompanied the storm until it moved offshore after sunset.[13]

Confirmed tornadoes

Confirmed tornadoes by Fujita rating
FU F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 Total
0 11 18 12 6 1 0 48
List of confirmed tornadoes during the tornado outbreak of April 27–28, 2002[nb 1]
F# Location County / Parish State Date Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
F1 W of Crete Saline NE April 27 40°36′00″N 97°02′00″W / 40.6°N 97.0333°W / 40.6; -97.0333 (Crete (Apr. 27, F1)) 20:06–20:10 4.5 mi (7.2 km) 40 yd (37 m) One barn and some fences were destroyed. A few irrigation pivots were overturned, and a few trees were uprooted. Some homes sustained minor damage.[14]
F0 S of Milford Seward NE April 27 40°42′N 97°03′W / 40.7°N 97.05°W / 40.7; -97.05 (Milford (Apr. 27, F0)) 20:25 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 20 yd (18 m) A storm chaser filmed a brief tornado in open country.[15]
F0 SW of Effingham Atchison KS April 27 39°30′00″N 95°26′00″W / 39.5°N 95.4333°W / 39.5; -95.4333 (Effingham (Apr. 27, F0)) 21:10–21:13 0.25 mi (0.40 km) 25 yd (23 m) A tornado impacted a single residence. A grain truck was blown over and the home had its windows blown out. Two sheds were destroyed. Hay bales, lumber, and debris were strewn across the property.[16]
F0 NW of Percival Fremont IA April 27 40°46′00″N 95°50′00″W / 40.7666°N 95.8333°W / 40.7666; -95.8333 (Percival (Apr. 27, F0)) 21:41 — 20 yd (18 m) A storm chaser reported a brief tornado.[17]
F0 NW of Thurman Fremont IA April 27 40°50′00″N 95°48′00″W / 40.8333°N 95.8°W / 40.8333; -95.8 (Thurman (Apr. 27, F0)) 21:50 — 20 yd (18 m) A storm chaser videoed a brief tornado.[18]
F0 S of Pacific Junction Mills IA April 27 41°00′N 95°48′W / 41.0°N 95.8°W / 41.0; -95.8 (Pacific Junction (Apr. 27, F0)) 21:58 — 20 yd (18 m) A storm chaser reported a brief tornado over an open field.[19]
F1 E of Belleville St. Clair IL April 27 38°32′00″N 89°56′00″W / 38.5333°N 89.9333°W / 38.5333; -89.9333 (Belleville (Apr. 27, F1)) 03:35–03:38 1.7 mi (2.7 km) 100 yd (91 m) A tornado caused damage to 34 homes, an elementary school, and 2 large buildings. A number of trees were snapped or uprooted too.[20]
F2 N of Willow Springs Howell MO April 27 37°01′00″N 91°59′00″W / 37.01667°N 91.98333°W / 37.01667; -91.98333 (Willow Springs (Apr. 27, F2)) 03:40–03:45 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 100 yd (91 m) A strong tornado almost completely destroyed a house and numerous outbuildings. Two homes had their entire roofs ripped off, and four others sustained shingle loss. A church was rotated 45 degrees off its foundation, and adjacent cemetery headstones were toppled. A 365 ft (111 m) radio tower was blown over and landed on a home. A bass boat was tossed, a barn was damaged, and century old trees were uprooted.[21]
F1 E of Kenner Clay IL April 28 38°39′00″N 88°31′00″W / 38.65°N 88.51667°W / 38.65; -88.51667 (Kenner (Apr. 28, F1)) 05:05–05:10 5 mi (8.0 km) 200 yd (180 m) A manufactured home was demolished, with debris tossed up to 1 mi (1.6 km) away. Three occupants of the home suffered minor injuries. Another manufactured home and three additional houses were damaged. An outbuilding was destroyed, a propane tank was thrown 0.25 mi (0.40 km), and a car was rolled three times and thrown into a ditch. Two occupants in the vehicle sustained minor injuries. Poewr lines and trees were toppled, which caused additional damage to a house and car.[22]
F3 SW of Marble Hill Bollinger MO April 28 37°13′00″N 90°04′00″W / 37.2167°N 90.0667°W / 37.2167; -90.0667 (Marble Hill (Apr. 28, F3)) 05:40–05:45 4 mi (6.4 km) 200 yd (180 m) 1 death – An intense tornado impacted 25 structures, of which about 10 were manufactured homes and 15 were single-family houses. Of those, 6 were destroyed and the other 19 were severely damaged. In one leveled structure, a 12-year-old boy was tossed 50 yd (46 m) and was fatally injured. Six other occupants were thrown into a nearby lake. Otherwise, the tornado damaged or destroyed 50 outbuildings, tossed cars onto one another, and downed a large number of trees. Accordingly, rescue teams were delayed, leaving trapped residents in their homes buried for up to 3 hours. Sixteen people in total were injured, four of which seriously.[23]
F2 Galatia Saline IL April 28 37°50′00″N 88°38′00″W / 37.8333°N 88.6333°W / 37.8333; -88.6333 (Galatia (Apr. 28, F2)) 06:07–06:16 7.5 mi (12.1 km) 200 yd (180 m) A tornado struck Galatia directly, where 55 structures were damaged or destroyed. The roof of a car wash was blown off, and the structure's walls collapsed as well. A trailer was overturned, injuring two people inside. Two brick homes had their roofs and walls ripped away.[24]
F3 NE of Valley Mission to NE of Cypress Union, Johnson IL April 28 37°22′00″N 89°20′00″W / 37.3667°N 89.3333°W / 37.3667; -89.3333 (Valley Mission (Apr. 28, F3)) 06:18–06:38 19 mi (31 km) 400 yd (370 m) 1 death – An intense tornado touched down in the Shawnee National Forest and tracked east. It moved into Dongola, where about 75 homes were damaged or destroyed, including 7 double-wide manufactured homes and a number of wood houses. A woman fleeing her manufactured home was killed as she prepared to outdrive the tornado but was instead tossed across the road and laid underneath a destroyed structure. A trian was blown off its tracks, and a recreation vehicle was tossed across Lake Dongola and impaled into the ground. The strong tornado also hit Cypress, where 2 trailers were destroyed and about 50 structures were damaged, including a school that lost portions of its roof and upper-story walls. Ten people were injured.[25][26]
F2 NW of Ganntown Johnson IL April 28 37°22′00″N 88°54′00″W / 37.3667°N 88.9°W / 37.3667; -88.9 (Ganntown (Apr. 28, F2)) 06:46–06:52 7 mi (11 km) 400 yd (370 m) A manufactured home was demolished, resulting in injuries to two occupants. Two other manufactured homes sustained extensive damage. Numerous trees were downed.[27]
F3 N of Reevesville to SE of Joy, Kentucky Pope, Livingston, Kentucky IL, KY April 28 37°21′00″N 88°43′00″W / 37.35°N 88.7167°W / 37.35; -88.7167 (Reevesville (Apr. 28, F3)) 06:59–07:20 22 mi (35 km) 200 yd (180 m) A brick home and two manufactured homes were destroyed, while farm buildings and a few homes were damaged. Many thousands of trees were toppled.[28][29]
F0 SE of Hayward New Madrid MO April 28 36°21′N 89°36′W / 36.35°N 89.6°W / 36.35; -89.6 (Hayward (Apr. 28, F0)) 07:29 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 70 yd (64 m) Several large trees were snapped at their base.[30]
F1 N of Sheridan Crittenden KY April 28 37°22′00″N 88°13′00″W / 37.3667°N 88.2167°W / 37.3667; -88.2167 (Sheridan (Apr. 28, F1)) 07:35–07:37 2 mi (3.2 km) 100 yd (91 m) A few trailers were heavily damaged or destroyed. Many trees were downed.[31]
F1 SW of Repton Crittenden KY April 28 37°22′00″N 88°02′00″W / 37.3667°N 88.0333°W / 37.3667; -88.0333 (Repton (Apr. 28, F1)) 07:39–07:41 1 mi (1.6 km) 200 yd (180 m) Numerous trees were downed.[32]
F1 W of Tiptonville Lake TN April 28 36°23′00″N 89°30′00″W / 36.3833°N 89.5°W / 36.3833; -89.5 (Tiptonville (Apr. 28, F1)) 07:40–07:47 3.5 mi (5.6 km) 75 yd (69 m) Eleven manufactured homes and a shed were destroyed, while twelve manufactured homes and five homes were damaged.[33]
F3 SE of Piney to Hanson Crittenden, Webster, Hopkins KY April 28 37°23′00″N 87°53′00″W / 37.3833°N 87.8833°W / 37.3833; -87.8833 (Piney (Apr. 28, F1)) 07:49–08:10 22 mi (35 km) 880 yd (800 m) A long-lived and intense tornado began in Crittenden County, where it damaged about a dozen homes and farm buildings. Extensive damage occurred in Providence, where 16 out of 20 structures in a mobile home park were demolished. About 10 permanent houses were destroyed, and an additional 100 others were damaged too. Twenty-six people were injured. The significant tornado continued into Hopkins County and blew four chicken houses off their foundations, exposing 45,000 chickens amid the debris. About 10 to 15 more residences were significantly damaged before the tornado lifted.[34][35][36]
F2+ SE of Tobinsport, Indiana to SW of Garrett, Kentucky Perry (IN), Breckinridge (KY), Meade (KY) IN, KY April 28 37°51′00″N 86°38′00″W / 37.85°N 86.6333°W / 37.85; -86.6333 (Tobinsport (Apr. 28, F2+)) 08:05–08:40 32.5 mi (52.3 km) 150 yd (140 m) 1 death – Several manufactured homes, permanent houses, and outbuildings were destroyed, resulting in 1 death and 19 injuries. Other structures sustained lesser damage. Numerous trees were uprooted. A church had its roof ripped off.[37][38][39]
F1 W of Hartford Ohio KY April 28 37°25′00″N 87°05′00″W / 37.4167°N 87.0833°W / 37.4167; -87.0833 (Hartford (Apr. 28, F2)) 08:40–08:50 9.5 mi (15.3 km) 100 yd (91 m) One manufactured home and several outbuildings were destroyed. In some cases, manufactured homes were lifted and twisted. Sixteen houses in Hartford sustained structural damage, some of which had their roofs ripped off.[40]
F1+ NW of Radcliff Hardin KY April 28 37°50′00″N 85°59′00″W / 37.8333°N 85.9833°W / 37.8333; -85.9833 (Radcliff (Apr. 28, F1+)) 08:55–08:57 2 mi (3.2 km) 60 yd (55 m) Twenty-six homes were damaged, including two that had their roofs torn off. Numerous trees were uprooted.[41]
F0 E of Whitlock Henry TN April 28 36°22′00″N 88°21′00″W / 36.3667°N 88.35°W / 36.3667; -88.35 (Whitlock (Apr. 28, F2)) 09:00–09:10 5 mi (8.0 km) 50 yd (46 m) Three tall transmission towers were destroyed, and twenty homes were damaged. Several trees and power lines were toppled.[42]
F1 S of Moutardier Edmonson KY April 28 37°19′00″N 86°15′00″W / 37.3167°N 86.25°W / 37.3167; -86.25 (Moutardier (Apr. 28, F1)) 09:35–09:38 3 mi (4.8 km) 100 yd (91 m) Several homes lost their roofs, and 2x4s from structures were impaled into the ground. Numerous trees were snapped or downed.[43]
F3 E of Rucker Rutherford TN April 28 35°45′00″N 86°22′00″W / 35.75°N 86.3667°W / 35.75; -86.3667 (Rucker (Apr. 28, F1)) 12:34–12:40 3.2 mi (5.1 km) 350 yd (320 m) Seven manufactured homes, five frame homes, and two barns were destroyed, while two manufactured homes and forty-six frame homes were damaged. Six horse/cattle were killed, and thirty-one people were injured.[44]
F2 S of Bradyville Cannon TN April 28 35°43′00″N 86°10′00″W / 35.7167°N 86.1667°W / 35.7167; -86.1667 (Bradyville (Apr. 28, F2)) 12:45–12:47 0.9 mi (1.4 km) 30 yd (27 m) One residence and three manufactured homes were destroyed, while six other manufactured homes were damaged.[45]
F2 Crystal Springs to North Canton Stark OH April 28 40°51′00″N 81°31′00″W / 40.85°N 81.5167°W / 40.85; -81.5167 (Crystal Springs (Apr. 28, F2)) 17:58–18:08 7.2 mi (11.6 km) 440 yd (400 m) A large and strong tornado destroyed 25 structures and 3 businesses. Another 300 homes and 38 other buildings were damaged. A middle school building suffered extensive damage and was closed for nearly a week for repairs. A nearby high school was also damaged. Approximately 1,000 trees were downed by the tornado and over 300 vehicles were damaged.[46]
F0 Sharpsville Mercer PA April 28 41°15′00″N 80°28′00″W / 41.25°N 80.4667°W / 41.25; -80.4667 (Sharpsville (Apr. 28, F0)) 18:35–18:40 6 mi (9.7 km) 50 yd (46 m) A fire tower was downed. The windward side of a barn was blown out, and resulting debris punctured large holes in an adjacent building. A garage under construction sustained extensive damage. Numerous trees and telephone poles were toppled or snapped; some fallen trees landed on homes.[47]
F1 NW of Jackson Center to W of Mapledale Mercer, Venango PA April 28 41°16′48″N 80°10′00″W / 41.28°N 80.1667°W / 41.28; -80.1667 (Jackson Center (Apr. 28, F1)) 18:45–19:06 16 mi (26 km) 200 yd (180 m) A long-tracked F1 tornado destroyed several decks, porches, signs, and a relatively new garage. Additional damage was incurred to sheds, small garages, and houses, some of which lost roofs, siding, or shingles. Numerous large trees, power lines, and telephones were toppled, some onto houses. A fish hatchery building had about 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of its metal roof tossed several hundred yards. A wooden 2x4 was driven through a manufactured home, while pieces of wood were also driven into the front of a nearby car. Thousands of trees were snapped or uprooted. Microburst damage accompanied the tornado as it approached Venango County. There, four barns were destroyed, one house sustained moderate damage, and three homes sustained minor damage. Two tree farms sustained extensive damage, and a double-wide manufactured home was overturned onto its roof as well.[48][49]
F0 NE of Springville Erie NY April 28 42°33′00″N 78°38′00″W / 42.55°N 78.6333°W / 42.55; -78.6333 (Springville (Apr. 28, F0)) 18:50 0.7 mi (1.1 km) 25 yd (23 m) The roof and back wall of an outbuilding were blown out, a pier was tossed across a pond, and trees were damaged.[50]
F1 W of Meridian Butler PA April 28 40°51′00″N 80°04′00″W / 40.85°N 80.0667°W / 40.85; -80.0667 (Meridian (Apr. 28, F1)) 19:01–19:06 7 mi (11 km) 50 yd (46 m) Several homes and a barn sustained roof or siding damage, including the roof of a house that was thrown 75 yards (69 m). Large swaths of trees were snapped or uprooted.[51]
F1 N of St. Joseph Marshall WV April 28 39°44′00″N 80°43′00″W / 39.7333°N 80.7167°W / 39.7333; -80.7167 (St. Joseph (Apr. 28, F1)) 19:15–19:20 1 mi (1.6 km) 150 yd (140 m) One barn was destroyed and several others were damaged. Shingles were ripped off a house. Numerous trees were downed or snapped.[52]
F0 NW of Maysville Armstrong, Indiana PA April 28 40°34′48″N 79°29′00″W / 40.58°N 79.4833°W / 40.58; -79.4833 (Maysville (Apr. 28, F0)) 19:45–19:55 4 mi (6.4 km) 150 yd (140 m) A church steeple was toppled and a swimming pool was destroyed. Some house sustained damage from tornadic winds or fallen trees. A garage was also damaged while a home under construction was lifted from its foundation.[53][54]
F2 SE of Belfast Allegany NY April 28 42°20′00″N 78°07′00″W / 42.3333°N 78.1167°W / 42.3333; -78.1167 (Belfast (Apr. 28, F2)) 19:50–20:00 6.5 mi (10.5 km) 300 yd (270 m) A barn, a garage, and a two-story home were destroyed. A silo, a barn and another home were damaged.[55]
F2 Indiana area Indiana PA April 28 40°34′00″N 79°14′00″W / 40.5667°N 79.2333°W / 40.5667; -79.2333 (Indiana (Apr. 28, F2)) 20:00–20:06 5 mi (8.0 km) 250 yd (230 m) One home was destroyed while at least eighteen others were damaged. Some garages and barns were also damaged, and a large sign from a hotel was blown into a car lot, crushing two cars and damaging eighteen others. One person was injured.[56]
F1 NE of Deckers Point Indiana PA April 28 40°46′00″N 78°58′00″W / 40.7667°N 78.9667°W / 40.7667; -78.9667 (Deckers Point (Apr. 28, F2)) 20:10–20:13 2 mi (3.2 km) 100 yd (91 m) One house had its doors blown in, opposite wall pushed outward, and roof uplifted. A 100-year-old home lost its entire roof, which was thrown about 150 yards (140 m). Its garage was also destroyed, with associated cinder blocks thrown nearly 100 yards (91 m). Numerous trees, power lines, and telephone poles were downed. Several sheds and small garages were damaged or destroyed, including one wooden garage that was picked up over the car inside. One person was injured.[57]
F1 Bedford Bedford VA April 28 37°20′00″N 79°32′00″W / 37.3333°N 79.5333°W / 37.3333; -79.5333 (Deckers Point (Apr. 28, F2)) 20:31–20:32 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 100 yd (91 m) Four businesses were destroyed. Twenty-five homes, fifty-eight businesses, several dozen cars, and one church were damaged.[58]
F0 Mount Pleasant Maury TN April 28 35°32′00″N 87°12′00″W / 35.5333°N 87.2°W / 35.5333; -87.2 (Mount Pleasant (Apr. 28, F0)) 20:42 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 10 yd (9.1 m) A trained storm spotter reported a brief tornado.[59]
F2 Bedford Bedford, Campbell VA April 28 37°17′00″N 79°24′00″W / 37.2833°N 79.4°W / 37.2833; -79.4 (Bedford (Apr. 28, F2)) 20:43–20:57 10 mi (16 km) 150 yd (140 m) A second, stronger tornado struck the Bedford area, destroying 22 homes, 6 businesses, 24 farm buildings, and 1 church. Another 329 homes, several RV vehicles, 45 businesses, and 2 churches were damaged. Many trees and power lines were downed. A semi-trailer was damaged as well. Twelve people were injured.[60][61]
F2 N of Alpine Shenandoah VA April 28 38°40′12″N 78°40′00″W / 38.67°N 78.6667°W / 38.67; -78.6667 (Alpine (Apr. 28, F2)) 20:55–21:03 4 mi (6.4 km) 75 yd (69 m) A strong tornado destroyed 4 homes, while another 36 agriculture structures and 56 homes were damaged. A tractor-trailer was overturned on Interstate 81. Two people were injured.[62]
F1 S of Jerseytown Columbia PA April 28 41°05′00″N 76°35′00″W / 41.0833°N 76.5833°W / 41.0833; -76.5833 (Jerseytown (Apr. 28, F1)) 21:55–22:05 6 mi (9.7 km) 30 yd (27 m) Unknown damage occurred.[63]
F1 N of McGillstown Lebanon PA April 28 40°24′00″N 76°32′00″W / 40.4°N 76.5333°W / 40.4; -76.5333 (McGillstown (Apr. 28, F1)) 22:13–22:18 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 150 yd (140 m) A tornado damaged or destroyed 12 homes and 15 barns. Dozens of large trees were affected as well.[64]
F4 Rison to SE of Port Republic Charles, Calvert MD April 28 38°33′00″N 77°11′00″W / 38.55°N 77.1833°W / 38.55; -77.1833 (La Plata (Apr. 28, F4)) 22:56–23:49 38 mi (61 km) 650 yd (590 m) 3 deaths – See article on this tornado – A long-tracked, violent, and massive tornado caused catastrophic damage across Charles and Calvert counties in Maryland before progressing into Chesapeake Bay. In the first county, 100 houses and 49 businesses were completely destroyed, while another 638 houses and 143 businesses were damaged. The majority of the damage was concentrated in La Plata's downtown district, where in totality about 65 percent of the structures were heavily damaged or destroyed. The town's 125 feet (38 m) water tower was blown over as well. In Calvert County, another 10 houses were destroyed and 125 damaged. Countless trees were toppled. The tornado was initially given an F5 rating, but a subsequent damage assessment found that many of the leveled structures were impacted by debris from other buildings or otherwise lacked proper anchoring. Along the tornado's historic path, one man died in a collapsed house, while another man and a woman died from apparent heart attacks. Another 122 people were injured, 12 critically. Only two other F4 tornadoes have been documented in Maryland, one in La Plata in 1926 and the other in Frostburg in 1998.[11][65][66][67]
F2 La Plata Charles MD April 28 38°32′00″N 76°59′00″W / 38.5333°N 76.9833°W / 38.5333; -76.9833 (La Plata (Apr. 28, F2)) 23:02–23:06 3 mi (4.8 km) 100 yd (91 m) A weaker, but still strong F2 tornado affected La Plata with unknown additional damage.[68]
F1 W of Emporia Greensville VA April 28 36°42′00″N 77°35′00″W / 36.7°N 77.5833°W / 36.7; -77.5833 (Emporia (Apr. 28, F1)) 23:35 6 mi (9.7 km) 150 yd (140 m) Three manufactured homes were destroyed, while fifty homes, one business and an apartment complex were damaged. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted, and three people were injured.[69]
F1 NE of St. Leonard Calvert MD April 28 38°28′00″N 76°29′00″W / 38.4667°N 76.4833°W / 38.4667; -76.4833 (St. Leonard (Apr. 28, F1)) 23:42–23:49 5 mi (8.0 km) 50 yd (46 m) Unknown damage occurred.[70]
F3 NW of Golden Hill to W of Royal Oak Dorchester MD April 28 38°25′N 76°18′W / 38.42°N 76.3°W / 38.42; -76.3 (Golden Hill (Apr. 28, F3)) 23:55 18 mi (29 km) 150 yd (140 m) One house and several outbuildings were destroyed.[71]
F0 SE of Wetipquin Wicomico MD April 28 38°19′48″N 75°50′00″W / 38.33°N 75.8333°W / 38.33; -75.8333 (Golden Hill (Apr. 28, F0)) 00:28 4 mi (6.4 km) 100 yd (91 m) Numerous trees were snapped or sheared off.[72]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.

References

  1. ^ Corfidi (April 25, 2002). "Day 3 Convective Outlook". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  2. ^ Thompson (April 26, 2002). "Day 2 Convective Outlook". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  3. ^ Craven (April 27, 2002). "Day 1 Convective Outlook". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  4. ^ Carbin (April 27, 2002). "Day 1 Convective Outlook". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Imy (April 27, 2002). "Day 1 Convective Outlook". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  6. ^ Kerr (April 27, 2002). "Mesoscale Discussion 525". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2002.
  7. ^ Craven (April 27, 2002). "Day 1 Convective Outlook". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2002.
  8. ^ Racy (April 28, 2002). "Mesoscale Discussion 540". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  9. ^ Racy (April 28, 2002). "Mesoscale Discussion 541". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Carbin (April 28, 2002). "Day 1 Convective Outlook". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c Donald Evans; Conrad Lautenbacher; John Kelly (September 2002). Service Assessment: La Plata, Maryland, Tornado Outbreak April 28, 2002 (PDF) (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  12. ^ "La Plata Tornado - April 28, 2002". National Weather Service. National Weather Service in Washington, DC. April 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  13. ^ Craven (April 28, 2002). "Mesoscale Discussion 560". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  14. ^ Nebraska Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  15. ^ Nebraska Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  16. ^ Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  17. ^ Iowa Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  18. ^ Iowa Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  19. ^ Iowa Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  20. ^ Illinois Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  21. ^ Missouri Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  22. ^ Illinois Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  23. ^ Missouri Event Report: F3 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  24. ^ Illinois Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  25. ^ Illinois Event Report: F3 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  26. ^ Illinois Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  27. ^ Illinois Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  28. ^ Illinois Event Report: F3 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  29. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  30. ^ Missouri Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  31. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  32. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  33. ^ Tennessee Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  34. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  35. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  36. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F3 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  37. ^ Indiana Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  38. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  39. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  40. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  41. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  42. ^ Tennessee Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  43. ^ Kentucky Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  44. ^ Tennessee Event Report: F3 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  45. ^ Tennessee Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  46. ^ Ohio Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  47. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  48. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  49. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  50. ^ New York Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  51. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  52. ^ West Virginia Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  53. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  54. ^ Indiana Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  55. ^ New York Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  56. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  57. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  58. ^ Virginia Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  59. ^ Tennessee Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  60. ^ Virginia Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  61. ^ Virginia Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  62. ^ Virginia Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  63. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  64. ^ Pennsylvania Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  65. ^ Maryland Event Report: F4 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  66. ^ Maryland Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  67. ^ "Tornado Was Strongest In State History". WBAL-TV. April 30, 2002. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  68. ^ Maryland Event Report: F2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  69. ^ Virginia Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  70. ^ Maryland Event Report: F1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  71. ^ Maryland Event Report: F3 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  72. ^ Maryland Event Report: F0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2002. Retrieved April 23, 2022. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
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