It was the most powerful twister to hit Washington state since 1986.
Preliminary Damage Results for Port Orchard Tornado have been released. Survey finds EF-2 #tornado damage from Tuesday December 18th. Details in graphic and at: https://t.co/fnaZxgYG6U #wawx #PortOrchardTornado pic.twitter.com/jxpsBgkmgC
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) December 19, 2018
Tornadoes are rare in Washington state. They only occur about 2½ times a year, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
Tuesday’s EF-2 tornado lasted from 1:50 to 1:55 p.m. It had maximum sustained winds between 120 and 130 mph. Its length was 1.4 miles and its width was 250 to 300 yards, according to the NWS.
» READ MORE: National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil held Friday
Mountainous terrain can help to produce spin and quick spin up tornadoes, said Chief Meteorologist Morgan Palmer of our sister station KIRO 7 News in Seattle.
The debris from this tornado was lofted more than a mile into the air, he said.
» LOCAL FOCUS: Santa Claus visits babies at Miami Valley Hospital NICU
The deadliest tornado on record in the state occurred April 5, 1972, according to KIRO 7 News. It was an EF-3 tornado in Vancouver that injured 300 people and killed six.
About the Author