Hurricane Isaias tornado outbreak

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Hurricane Isaias tornado outbreak
Map showing tornado locations and warning areas
Map of tornadoes and tornado warnings associated with Isaias in the U.S.
TypeTornado outbreak
DurationAugust 3–4, 2020
Highest winds
Tornadoes
confirmed		39[1]
Max. rating1EF3 tornado
Fatalities2 fatalities, 26 injuries
Damage>$16 million (2020 USD)
Areas affectedEast Coast of the United States

1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale

As Hurricane Isaias moved up the East Coast of the United States, a damaging outbreak of 39 tornadoes impacted areas from South Carolina to Connecticut between August 3–4, 2020. The most significant tornado of the outbreak was a large and intense EF3 tornado that obliterated a mobile home park near Windsor, North Carolina, killing two and injuring 14. This was the strongest tornado in the United States to be spawned by a tropical cyclone since 2005. In the end, the outbreak killed two and injured 26.

Meteorological synopsis[]

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
▲ Extratropical cyclone / Remnant low / Tropical disturbance / Monsoon depression

After weakening to a tropical storm southeast of Florida, Isaias quickly re-intensified to hurricane status as it approached its final landfall point of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina on August 3.[2] A cold front and upper-level trough that was influencing the storm's movement enhanced the shear profiles across the region and a slight risk for severe weather was issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in their 1300 UTC update for Northeastern South Carolina and Northeastern North Carolina. Numerous embedded low-topped supercells formed overnight, producing many tornadoes and causing widespread damage, primarily to the north and east of the center of Isaias.[3]

With the tornado outbreak already underway and likely to continue, the SPC issued an enhanced risk in their 1300 UTC update from the Northeastern Delmarva Peninsula to the Tri-State area on August 4, east of the forecast track where wind shear was maximized. Numerous tornadoes, a few of which were strong, continued to touch down throughout the morning before abruptly ceasing around midday after the storm moved into New England and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. In the end, a total of 109 tornado warnings were issued by various National Weather Service offices across a swath of 12 states due to Hurricane Isaias.[4]

Confirmed tornadoes[]

Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
0 11 20 7 1 0 0 39

August 3 event[]

List of confirmed tornadoes – Monday, August 3, 2020[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF2 Bald Head Island to Southport Brunswick NC 33°50′47″N 77°57′33″W / 33.8465°N 77.9592°W / 33.8465; -77.9592 (Bald Head Island (Aug. 3, EF1)) 23:55–00:05 8.3 mi (13.4 km) 80 yd (73 m) A strong waterspout moved onshore in Bald Head Island. There, homes lost roofing and had windows blown in, and a swath of large trees was flattened. It crossed the Cape Fear River, before coming onshore again in Southport. Homes and businesses were damaged, and trees were snapped or uprooted in that area before the tornado dissipated.[5][6]
EF0 SW of Bolivia Brunswick NC 34°02′25″N 78°08′27″W / 34.0403°N 78.1409°W / 34.0403; -78.1409 (Bolivia (Aug. 3, EF0)) 00:15-00:19 2.91 mi (4.68 km) 20 yd (18 m) Trees and tree limbs were downed along the path.[7][8]
EF1 NW of Supply Brunswick NC 34°06′58″N 78°19′09″W / 34.1162°N 78.3191°W / 34.1162; -78.3191 (Supply (Aug. 3, EF1)) 00:15–00:16 0.28 mi (0.45 km) 25 yd (23 m) Trees were damaged, including 20 pine trees which were snapped. The path may been longer, but the area was inaccessible due to a lack of road access in the Green Swamp.[9]
EF0 Garden City Beach Georgetown SC 33°34′05″N 79°00′17″W / 33.568°N 79.0046°W / 33.568; -79.0046 (Garden City Beach (Aug. 3, EF0)) 00:20–00:21 0.2 mi (0.32 km) 30 yd (27 m) A waterspout came onshore, causing minor damage to a few homes before quickly lifting. One injury occurred at a beach home.[10]
EF1 S of Leland to W of Navessa Brunswick NC 34°13′36″N 78°00′45″W / 34.2268°N 78.0124°W / 34.2268; -78.0124 (Leland (Aug. 3, EF1)) 00:43–00:46 2.59 mi (4.17 km) 30 yd (27 m) Trees were snapped, including several pine trees.[11][12]
EF1 Leland Brunswick NC 34°12′23″N 77°58′52″W / 34.2064°N 77.9810°W / 34.2064; -77.9810 (Belville (Aug. 3, EF1)) 01:59–02:01 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 40 yd (37 m) This tornado moved through a subdivision in Leland, where roofs and chimneys were damaged, and a garage door partially collapsed. Many trees were snapped or uprooted along the path, including several pine trees which were 2 ft (0.61 m) in diameter.[11][13]
EF1 to SE of Fairfield Harbor Pamlico NC 35°01′26″N 76°53′55″W / 35.0238°N 76.8986°W / 35.0238; -76.8986 (Kennel Beach (Aug. 3, EF1)) 03:23–03:25 2.35 mi (3.78 km) 40 yd (37 m) This tornado originated as a waterspout over the Neuse River. Once it came onshore in Kennel Beach, it snapped trees, including one pine tree which fell on a home. It continued to damage trees before lifting in a rural area.[14][15]

August 4 event[]

List of confirmed tornadoes – Tuesday, August 4, 2020[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 Goose Creek State Park Beaufort NC 35°27′40″N 76°53′43″W / 35.4610°N 76.8952°W / 35.4610; -76.8952 (Goose Creek State Park (Aug. 4, EF1)) 04:18–04:19 0.15 mi (0.24 km) 70 yd (64 m) This tornado touched down on the southeast side of the state park. A swath of large pine trees were snapped.[16]
EF1 NE of Pinetown Beaufort NC 35°38′39″N 76°48′03″W / 35.6441°N 76.8008°W / 35.6441; -76.8008 (Pinetown (Aug. 4, EF1)) 04:48–04:49 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 50 yd (46 m) Several large hardwood trees were uprooted and large limbs were snapped by this brief tornado. Corn was damaged in a farm field as well.[14][17]
EF1 Bayview Beaufort NC 35°25′34″N 76°43′45″W / 35.4262°N 76.7291°W / 35.4262; -76.7291 (Bayview (Aug. 4, EF1)) 04:50–04:51 0.8 mi (1.3 km) 180 yd (160 m) Numerous trees, the majority of which were pine, were either snapped, uprooted, or twisted. Several of the trees fell on vehicles and homes in town, causing roof and wall damage. A manufactured home sustained minor damage, and the roof of a small shed was blown off.[14]
EF1 SSW of Jamesville Martin NC 35°46′49″N 76°54′34″W / 35.7803°N 76.9094°W / 35.7803; -76.9094 (Jamesville (Aug. 4, EF1)) 05:02–05:03 0.2 mi (0.32 km) 40 yd (37 m) A large oak tree fell on a mobile home. Additional trees and crops were damaged nearby.[14][18]
EF3 SSW of to NW of Windsor Bertie NC 35°53′14″N 76°53′25″W / 35.8873°N 76.8904°W / 35.8873; -76.8904 (Woodard (Aug. 4, EF3)) 05:15–05:26 10 mi (16 km) 600 yd (550 m) 2 deaths – See section on this tornado – A total of 14 people were injured.[19][20][5]
EF0 E of Menola to SW of Murfreesboro Hertford, Northampton NC 36°24′19″N 77°09′24″W / 36.4052°N 77.1567°W / 36.4052; -77.1567 (Menola (Aug. 4, EF0)) 06:13–06:19 5 mi (8.0 km) 100 yd (91 m) Mainly tree damage occurred, although the large TDS produced by the tornado prompted a PDS tornado warning.[19][21][5]
EF0 NE of Como, NC to E of Hertford (NC), Southampton (VA) NC, VA 36°31′26″N 76°57′29″W / 36.5238°N 76.9581°W / 36.5238; -76.9581 (Como (Aug. 4, EF0)) 06:37–06:41 3.13 mi (5.04 km) 50 yd (46 m) A weak tornado snapped limbs and downed a few trees to the northeast of .[19][5]
EF2 WSW of Franklin to N of Courtland Southampton VA 36°38′42″N 76°59′24″W / 36.6450°N 76.9900°W / 36.6450; -76.9900 (Franklin (Aug. 4, EF2)) 06:49–07:19 15.9 mi (25.6 km) 200 yd (180 m) Numerous homes and businesses were damaged along US 58 near Courtland, including a hotel, which sustained total roof loss and collapse of multiple second-story exterior walls. Multiple industrial buildings and a gas station were severely damaged as well. Many trees were snapped or uprooted, and several vehicles were overturned.[19][22] Overall, this tornado caused $12 million in damages.[23]
EF1 NW of to NNW of Suffolk, VA Pasquotank (NC), Camden (NC), City of Suffolk (VA) NC, VA 36°28′03″N 76°27′26″W / 36.4675°N 76.4573°W / 36.4675; -76.4573 (Lynchs Corner (Aug. 4, EF1)) 07:02–07:30 26.86 mi (43.23 km) 150 yd (140 m) This tornado moved through rural areas of the Great Dismal Swamp before striking Downtown Suffolk. Eight buildings were significantly damaged in the downtown area, including a multi-story brick building that sustained collapse of an exterior wall. Homes were also damaged in residential areas, a few of which had sections of roofing torn off. Many trees were uprooted or snapped along the path as well, some of which landed on structures.[19][24][5]
EF0 W of Great Dismal Swamp to ESE of Windsor City of Suffolk VA 36°39′25″N 76°33′43″W / 36.657°N 76.562°W / 36.657; -76.562 (Great Dismal Swamp (Aug. 4, EF0)) 07:08–07:22 11.7 mi (18.8 km) 100 yd (91 m) This tornado hit the western side of Suffolk right before the EF1 tornado hit downtown. Damage was limited to trees being uprooted or snapped.[19][24]
EF1 NW of Jamestown James City VA 37°14′N 76°52′W / 37.24°N 76.86°W / 37.24; -76.86 (Jamestown (Aug. 4, EF1)) 08:13–08:14 0.8 mi (1.3 km) 200 yd (180 m) This brief tornado originated as a waterspout. After coming onshore, shingles were ripped off roofs, a garage door was caved in, and a brick gable collapsed. The tornado passed over a golf course before lifting. Trees and tree limbs were snapped.[19][25]
EF1 SSE of Rosewell to ENE of Capahosic Gloucester VA 37°19′35″N 76°35′10″W / 37.3264°N 76.5862°W / 37.3264; -76.5862 (Rosewell (Aug. 4, EF1)) 08:53–09:00 4.7 mi (7.6 km) 250 yd (230 m) This tornado originated as a waterspout over the York River before moving ashore. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, and several homes sustained roof and siding damage. The tornado briefly crossed the York River again before lifting.[19][26]
EF2 ENE of Palmer to N of Lancaster, Northumberland VA 37°37′39″N 76°20′09″W / 37.6274°N 76.3358°W / 37.6274; -76.3358 (Palmer (Aug. 4, EF2)) 09:40–10:00 15.6 mi (25.1 km) 500 yd (460 m) A strong tornado produced high-end EF2 damage in the rural community of , where multiple homes sustained significant roof and exterior wall damage. The tornado weakened as it struck the eastern part of Kilmarnock, causing damage to roofs, siding, and trees. The tornado continued to cause roof and tree damage as it moved to the north before dissipating. Five people were injured.[27][19] The tornado caused $3 million in damages.[28]
EF2 W of Mardela Springs Wicomico MD 38°26′51″N 75°45′27″W / 38.4474°N 75.7575°W / 38.4474; -75.7575 (Mardella Springs (Aug. 4, EF2)) 09:55–10:00 1.3 mi (2.1 km) 100 yd (91 m) Several homes were damaged just outside of town, including one that was pushed off its foundation and heavily damaged. Sheds and outbuildings were destroyed, and trees were snapped or uprooted, including a few that sustained some low-end debarking. An automotive repair business sustained minor damage to its overhead doors at the end of the path.[19][29]
EF1 Fleeton to W of Reedville Northumberland VA 37°48′49″N 76°16′38″W / 37.8137°N 76.2771°W / 37.8137; -76.2771 (Fleeton (Aug. 4, EF1)) 10:06–10:09 2.2 mi (3.5 km) 100 yd (91 m) This tornado originated as a waterspout over the Chesapeake Bay, before moving onshore in Fleeton. Several homes had roof and siding damage, a garage was destroyed, and trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado destroyed a canopy before lifting.[19][30]
EF0 Scotland to Ridge St. Mary's MD 38°05′35″N 76°21′54″W / 38.093°N 76.365°W / 38.093; -76.365 (Ridge (Aug. 4, EF0)) 10:27–10:31 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 75 yd (69 m) Many trees were snapped or downed along the path.[31][32]
EF1 W of Piney Point to Callaway St. Mary's MD 38°10′26″N 76°31′41″W / 38.174°N 76.528°W / 38.174; -76.528 (Piney Point (Aug. 4, EF1)) 10:32–10:41 5.3 mi (8.5 km) 100 yd (91 m) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, some of which fell on and damaged homes and a shed. A camper was also blown over.[31][33]
EF1 Solomons Calvert MD 38°20′01″N 76°28′42″W / 38.3336°N 76.4782°W / 38.3336; -76.4782 (Solomons (Aug. 4, EF1)) 10:52–10:53 0.9 mi (1.4 km) 175 yd (160 m) Trees were snapped or uprooted, including some which fell on recreational vehicles, as well as onto several recreational facilities at a U.S. Navy compound.[34]
EF2 George Island Landing to Girdletree Worcester MD 38°05′49″N 75°22′53″W / 38.0969°N 75.3813°W / 38.0969; -75.3813 (George Island Landing (Aug. 4, EF2)) 11:14–11:17 3.79 mi (6.10 km) 200 yd (180 m) A low-end EF2 tornado destroyed some chicken houses shortly after touching down. A camper and a number of outbuildings were overturned and tossed and several homes on the edge of the path had partial roof loss and blown out windows. The tornado weakened after that, causing minor EF0 tree damage on the east side of Girdletree before dissipating.[19][5]
EF0 Quantico Wicomico MD 38°19′44″N 75°43′54″W / 38.3290°N 75.7318°W / 38.3290; -75.7318 (Quantico (Aug. 4, EF0)) 11:22–11:26 2.74 mi (4.41 km) 100 yd (91 m) This tornado developed over the Wicomico River. It tracked through a residential neighborhood, causing minor damage to several homes. Siding, shingles, and gutters were damaged, and trees were uprooted.[19][35]
EF1 N of Dares Beach Calvert MD 38°36′54″N 76°30′43″W / 38.6150°N 76.5120°W / 38.6150; -76.5120 (Dares Beach (Aug. 4, EF1)) 11:33–11:37 1.7 mi (2.7 km) 100 yd (91 m) A waterspout moved onshore at Plum Point, downing many trees and several power lines. Three houses sustained damage from fallen trees, and a fourth house had windows blown out.[31][33]
EF0 NE of Ironshire to WNW of Showell Worcester MD 38°24′24″N 75°14′47″W / 38.4067°N 75.2465°W / 38.4067; -75.2465 (Ironshire (Aug. 4, EF0)) 11:35–11:44 7.99 mi (12.86 km) 75 yd (69 m) This tornado crossed US 113 before snapping and uprooting trees in and around Berlin.[19][36]
EF0 S of to Ocean Pines Worcester MD 38°24′05″N 75°10′33″W / 38.4013°N 75.1758°W / 38.4013; -75.1758 (Snug Harbor (Aug. 4, EF0)) 11:55–12:05 9.91 mi (15.95 km) 75 yd (69 m) An intermittent tornado occurred just east of the previous one, downing several trees, one of which landed on a home.[19][5]
EF0 Queenstown Queen Anne's MD 38°56′N 76°08′W / 38.93°N 76.13°W / 38.93; -76.13 (Queenstown (Aug. 4, EF0)) 12:18-12:19 0.6 mi (0.97 km) 35 yd (32 m) A narrow path of crop damage occurred in a corn field. Some minor tree damage occurred as well.[37][38]
EF1 Sandtown Kent DE 39°01′N 75°41′W / 39.01°N 75.69°W / 39.01; -75.69 (Sandtown (Aug. 4, EF1)) 12:25-12:28 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 200 yd (180 m) One home had some windows blown out, another had its roof blown off, while several other homes in Sandtown sustained less severe roof damage. One large garage lost its back sheet metal wall as well.[37][38]
EF1 to WNW of Milford Sussex, Kent DE 38°53′N 75°27′W / 38.89°N 75.45°W / 38.89; -75.45 (Freeman Corner (Aug. 4, EF1)) 12:25-12:30 2.7 mi (4.3 km) 400 yd (370 m) Many trees were snapped or uprooted, some of which fell on homes. Power poles and lines were downed.[39]
EF2 Dover to SW of Glasgow Kent, New Castle DE 39°06′N 75°30′W / 39.10°N 75.50°W / 39.10; -75.50 (Dover (Aug. 4, EF2)) 12:55–13:30 35.78 mi (57.58 km) 500 yd (460 m) See section on this tornado[40][41]
EF1 Strathmere to Marmora Cape May NJ 39°11′N 74°40′W / 39.19°N 74.66°W / 39.19; -74.66 (Strathmere (Aug. 4, EF1)) 13:45–13:50 5.25 mi (8.45 km) 150 yd (140 m) This tornado originated as a waterspout, before coming onshore on the south end of Corson's Inlet State Park near Strathmere. The tornado then crossed Garden State Parkway and tracked along US 9 through the southern side of Marmora. Homes and businesses were significantly damaged, including some which lost their roofs, and some which had significant damage done to their side or corner walls. One home was shifted off its foundation. Near a Coca-Cola facility, the tornado tossed containers and flipped a tractor trailer. A large shed was upended and vehicles were pushed. Trees were snapped or uprooted, including some which fell on cars, crushing them.[37][39]
EF0 Worcester Township Montgomery PA 40°10′N 75°20′W / 40.16°N 75.33°W / 40.16; -75.33 (Strathmere (Aug. 4, EF1)) 14:44–14:50 2.8 mi (4.5 km) 200 yd (180 m) Some small trees were downed, tree tops were snapped off, and several utility poles were pushed over.[37][39]
EF1 Ship Bottom to NNW of Mud City Ocean NJ 39°38′N 74°12′W / 39.63°N 74.20°W / 39.63; -74.20 (Ship Bottom (Aug. 4, EF1)) 14:50–14:54 3 mi (4.8 km) N/A A waterspout first developed over Manahawkin Bay between Ship Bottom and Brant Beach. It crossed the Route 72 bridge over the bay, before coming onshore near Mud City in mainly marshy areas. Other than some light debris seen flying over the bay bridge, no damage was found. However, a weather station located north of Egg Island measured a wind gust of 109 mph (175 km/h) at 10:53 AM EDT (14:53 UTC). This measurement was used to rate this tornado high-end EF1 as no meaningful damage was found.[37][38]
EF2 Northeast Philadelphia to NW of Doylestown Bucks, Philadelphia PA 40°04′53″N 74°57′33″W / 40.0815°N 74.9592°W / 40.0815; -74.9592 (Philadelphia (Aug. 4, EF2)) 14:50–15:10 20.77 mi (33.43 km) 500 yd (460 m) See section on this tornado – Six people were injured.[42][43][44]
EF1 Saugatuck Shores Fairfield CT 41°06′N 73°23′W / 41.10°N 73.38°W / 41.10; -73.38 (Saugatuck Shores (Aug. 4, EF1)) 17:40–17:41 50 yd (46 m) 25 yd (23 m) A waterspout over the Long Island Sound moved onshore before quickly dissipating. A house had its roof blown off and several pine trees were snapped. This was the first tornado on record in Connecticut to be associated with a tropical storm or hurricane.[45][46][47][48][49]

Woodard–Windsor, North Carolina[]

Woodard–Windsor, North Carolina
EF3 tornado
EF3 damage in Bertie County, North Carolina 2020.jpg
EF3 damage to mobile homes near Windsor, North Carolina.
Highest winds
  • 140–145 mph (225–233 km/h)
Max. rating1EF3 tornado
Fatalities2 fatalities, 14 injuries
Damage$1 million (2020 USD)
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale

This intense and destructive tornado first touched down southwest of just north of the Roanoke River, and rapidly intensified as it moved northwest and crossed Knowles Lane. As it reached Middle Track Road, the tornado reached its peak intensity, completely destroying three mobile homes, a barn, and a single-story frame home at EF3 strength. The frame home was completely leveled, but was not anchored to its foundation. The tornado maintained its strength while reaching its peak width as it struck a mobile home park along Morning Road. A dozen mobile homes were destroyed and several others were severely damaged. Some of the mobile homes were obliterated, with their metal frames twisted and the debris scattered long distances through a nearby field. Several vehicles were tossed in this area as well. The two fatalities occurred at the mobile home park. The tornado then continued northwestward and weakened slightly to EF2 intensity, flattening a large swath of trees and causing significant damage to some homes in neighborhoods along or just off of Woodward Road. The tornado weakened further to EF1 strength as it damaged multiple businesses and homes along the concurrent US 17/Bypass US 17 and US 13 just west of Windsor. Several farm buildings were damaged northwest of Windsor before the tornado dissipated along NC 308.

The tornado was on the ground for 11 minutes, tracked 10 miles (16 km), was 600 yards (550 m) wide, and caused $1 million in damage. Two people were killed and 14 others were injured. The tornado was rated EF3, making it the strongest tornado spawned by a tropical cyclone since 2005.[19][20][5] After the storm, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, toured the mobile home park hit by the tornado in Windsor, saying it was "devastating" to see what happened to the area.[50][51]

Dover–Townsend–Middletown–Glasgow, Delaware[]

Dover–Townsend–Middletown–Glasgow, Delaware
EF2 tornado
Highest winds
  • 115 mph (185 km/h)
Max. rating1EF2 tornado
FatalitiesNone
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale

As this tornado touched down on the southern side of Dover, it did significant damage to trees, some of which fell on homes. The tornado crossed US 13, where it blew off sections of roofing at a middle school. A nearby warehouse had metal walls torn off, and some tractor trailers were blown onto their sides. A garage was also severely damaged. Damage along this first segment of the path was rated EF1. Past Dover, the tornado produced intermittent tree damage before impacting the east side of Smyrna, where more significant tree damage occurred. A weather station run by DelDOT measured a 96 mph (154 km/h) wind gust on DE 1 north of Smyrna as the tornado passed by. The tornado destroyed a car repair facility on the south end of Smyrna and damaged numerous houses. The tornado then nearly paralleled US 13 and DE 1 through the eastern side of Townsend at high-end EF1 strength, causing considerable damage to homes and businesses. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, and a garage was also destroyed. The most intense damage in Townsend occurred within the vicinity of Blackbird Landing Road and Gum Bush Road. The tornado then reached low-end EF2 intensity as it struck Middletown, where many homes near Spring Hollow Drive sustained significant roof, exterior wall, and garage door damage. A few of these homes sustained at least partial exterior wall loss, including one poorly-constructed home that had an entire second-floor exterior wall ripped off. Low-end EF2 damage continued near Summit Bridge as multiple additional homes sustained considerable damage to the north of Middletown, one of which had half of its roof torn of. Many trees were snapped, and several other homes lost portions of their roofs in this area. Farther along the path, the tornado maintained low-end EF2 intensity as it tracked near Lums Pond and through portions of Bear, where more homes were damaged and trees were downed. The most significant damage along this segment of the path occurred as the tornado crossed DE 896 and into the Brennan Estates subdivision, where 12 homes were damaged to the point where they were declared uninhabitable. The tornado then rapidly weakened and finally lifted to the southwest of Glasgow, just prior to crossing into Cecil County, Maryland.

The tornado was on the ground for 35 minutes, tracked 35.78 miles (57.58 km), was 500 yards (460 m) wide, and was rated low-end EF2. It was the longest tracked tornado in Delaware since 1950.[40][41]

Northeast Philadelphia–Doylestown, Pennsylvania[]

Northeast Philadelphia–Doylestown, Pennsylvania
EF2 tornado
Hurricane Isaias tornado damage to daycare at Doylestown Hospital.jpeg
EF2 damage at the Children's Village Day Care center in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Highest winds
  • 115 mph (185 km/h)
Max. rating1EF2 tornado
Fatalities6 injuries
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale

This intermittent, but strong tornado first touched down just east of the Philadelphia Mills shopping mall in Northeast Philadelphia, and moved northwest at EF1 strength. At a former Walmart building undergoing reconstruction, three exhaust systems and six RTU systems were blown off the roof. Roofing, siding and awnings were blown off many homes in the area, and some cars were either tossed or flipped. Trees were snapped or uprooted, including some which were over 100-years-old. The tornado then lifted before briefly touching down in Southampton at a slightly weaker low-end EF1 intensity. Numerous trees and tree limbs were snapped, including some that damaged homes and cars. After lifting again, the tornado touched down a third time at its peak intensity of low-end EF2 in Doylestown. Bleachers on the visitors side of an athletic field at Central Bucks High School West were tossed before the tornado hit the Doylestown Hospital complex, tossing numerous vehicles in a parking lot. Some of these vehicles were piled atop one another, and six were thrown considerable distances. The tornado then struck the Children's Village Day Care center, causing significant damage as large portions of roof structure were torn from the building. Debris from this location was strewn through a nearby field. Numerous large trees were snapped or uprooted in Doylestown, and several metal light posts were bent to the ground. The tornado weakened back to EF1 intensity as it continued northwest, damaging homes and other properties, and snapping or uprooting trees. The tornado then lifted for the final time along Ferry Road near Lake Galena in Peace Valley Park.

The tornado was on the ground for 20 minutes, tracked 20.77 miles (33.43 km), was 500 yards (460 m) wide, and was rated low-end EF2. There were six minor injuries.[42][43][44]

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ a b 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. ^ "August 3-4, 2020 tornadoes". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Hurricane ISAIAS Advisory Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  3. ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Monday August 03, 2020". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  4. ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Tuesday August 04, 2020". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "NWS Damage Assessment Toolkit". apps.dat.noaa.gov. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  6. ^ North Carolina Event Report: EF2 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  7. ^ North Carolina Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  8. ^ North Carolina Event Report: EF0 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  9. ^ North Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
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