SPOKANE, Wash. — The National Weather Service in Spokane has released the official report on two tornadoes that touched down in the Spokane area last Friday. The NWS has rated both tornadoes at the lowest level of EF-0.
The tornado in Airway Heights had winds of 70 miles per hour and was on the ground for three minutes and nearly one mile.
The second tornado in Spokane was slightly stronger. It had winds of 80 miles and was on the ground for seven minutes with a path that stretched more than two miles.
The NWS said the same storm produced both tornadoes.
The second tornado in Spokane impacted a mobile home park and damaged several trailers. Several trees were also uprooted at both tornado sites.
Airway Heights tornado
- Rating: EF0
- Estimated Peak Wind: 70 mph
- Path Length: 0.9019 miles
- Path Width: 50.0 yards
- Start Date: 5/06/2022
- Start Time: 7:03 PM PDT
- End Time: 7:06 PM PDT
The NWS reports the Airway Heights tornado a path west to east along West Greenwood Road. Many trees were uprooted or snapped by the tornado, and several power poles were brought down by trees.
Spokane tornado
- Rating: EF0
- Estimated Peak Wind: 80 mph
- Path Length: 2.0433 miles
- Path Width: 80.0 yards
- Start Date: 5/06/2022
- Start Time: 7:17 PM PDT
- End Time: 7:24 PM PDT
The NWS reports damage from the Spokane tornado was first observed near the intersection of East 9th Avenue and South Cuba Street. The funnel cloud moved from west to east. NWS describes the funnel cloud as disorganized as it lowered at times.
The second area of damage was observed along 6th Avenue. The NWS describes this damage as more significant. Many trees were uprooted or snapped at their base and roofs were damaged by the tornado in this area.
A third damaged area started near East 5th Avenue and South McKinnon Road. This was the longest track of the tornado. Damage in the area included significant damage to trees, along with a line of travel trailers, vehicles, and boats that were tossed about by the tornado.
One final area of damage was found along East 5th Avenue and between South Coleman Road and South Grand Road. Two trees were knocked down in this area before the tornado lifted.
Spokane Storm Damage
EF Scale
The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories:
- EF0 (Weak): 65 to 85 mph
- EF1 (Weak): 86 to 110 mph
- EF2 (Strong): 111 to 135 mph
- EF3 (Strong): 136 to 165 mph
- EF4 (Violent): 166 to 200 mph
- EF5 (Violent): >200 mph