NWS says storm damage in Menallen ‘consistent with tornado’
The winds that whipped through Menallen Township on Sunday were consistent with an EF-1 tornado, according to the National Weather Service.
A team from the NWS was in Fayette County to survey the damage in Menallen on Tuesday. NWS Meteorologist Jason Frazier said the survey team was also in Uniontown and Fairchance, trying to determine if a tornado caused the damage during Sunday’s storms or if it was caused by straight-line winds.
Straight-line winds move in a straight path versus the circular motion in a tornado. However, Frazier said, while both can produce strong winds and a loud roaring sound, the distinction can be important to help assist with future research.
“The more information we have, historically, can help develop and understand how these climate events occur and play a major role helping academics, first responders and even insurance customers prepare for future storms,” Frazier said.
He said the research team is working with local officials to assess the damage that will help make the determination.
On Monday, the National Weather Service confirmed that a 75-yard wide EF-1 tornado hit in the Donegal area from 1:05 to 1:11 p.m. covering about 8 miles and causing significant damage near Bear Rocks and Acme Dam Roads.
Frazier said EF-1 is the lowest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Even the lowest classification brings wind speeds ranging from 86 to 110 mph and causes “significant damage such as roof damage, overturned mobile homes and broken windows,” he said.
The storm left many in the county without power. While many had power back quickly, about 2,600 customers were still without it on Tuesday morning.
“We’re expecting that most of the 2,600 residents will have their power restored (Tuesday), and right now we’re estimating that about 200 customers will be without power on Wednesday,” said spokesperson Todd Meyers.
Initially, West Penn Power estimated that many of the 6,000 residents that were without electricity as of late Monday would not have power until Wednesday afternoon. However, with the assistance of 120 contracted line workers, Meyers said it looks promising that many residents would have their power restored by Tuesday night.
Menallen Township was one of the hardest-hit areas with 800 residents without power as of Tuesday afternoon. According to a press release, the township reported nearly 40 locations requiring assistance, including downed wires, toppled trees, structural damage to homes, and a serious gas leak. Many roads were blocked due to storm debris.
Supervisor Steve Myers said volunteer crews have been working tirelessly with West Penn Power and other agencies to help clear roads throughout the township.
“We have been going in and cleaning up debris after the area is deemed safe from any fallen powerlines,” he said.
He anticipates that the major pieces of debris will be cleaned up by tomorrow and hopes that by Friday all the roadways will have been cleaned up.
“We’ve been working hard,” Myers said.
While people are waiting for their power, the township has opened a warming center at the New Salem Fire Department, located at the Menallen Township Public Safety Building, providing electricity and internet access for residents.