'Like A Freight Train': NWS Confirms EF2 Tornado Touched Down In Beaver County, Ranking The Area's Strongest Since 1985
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The NWS has confirmed two tornadoes touched down following strong storms that tore through the area overnight.
NWS Pittsburgh says a tornado touched down in Leetonia, Ohio.
We've confirmed a tornado associated with last night's storms in the Leetonia area. This survey and the survey for the Beaver Falls area is ongoing and we will have more details later this afternoon.
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) June 11, 2020
After surveying the Beaver Falls area, they determined a tornado also hit Beaver County.
We've confirmed another tornado associated with last night's storms in Beaver County. Rated and EF2 which makes it the strongest tornado to hit the county since May 31st 1985. We will have more details out later this afternoon with a final public information statement.
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) June 11, 2020
It's rated an EF2, which the NWS says makes it the strongest tornado in the county since May 31 of 1985. For reference, the NWS says that tornado traveled 39 miles through Beaver and Butler counties, injuring 120 people and killing nine.
It's rated an EF2, which the NWS says makes it the strongest tornado in the county since May 31 of 1985.
The National Weather Service reported radar observed a tornado just before 10 p.m. and a trained spotter saw power flashes.
Trained spotter is seeing power flashes with the tornado warning in Beaver County! SEEK COVER BEAVER FALLS AREA!!!
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) June 11, 2020
Crews were sent out to survey both Leetonia and Beaver Falls after the storms, which also tore through much of our area Wednesday night.
KDKA's Lindsay Ward was there all morning as people began to clean up the damage.
We're in Beaver Falls this morning seeing the damage by last night's fierce wind! Power out still for many. Details on @KDKA pic.twitter.com/UNxdG7spK2
— Lindsay Ward (@LindsayWardTV) June 11, 2020
"Kind of like a freight train going through," said Christine Close from Economy.
A large tree twisted and bent in half, blocking traffic. Close says she called her daughter in a panic after hearing the storm.
"She was afraid something bad was happening. She went out and grabbed all the kids' toys. She said the tree looked like it was inside out," says Close.
Ten miles away in Beaver Falls, Zach Watt was making sure his family was safe after getting the alert about the possibility of a tornado in his area.
Storm damage in Beaver County. More on @KDKA pic.twitter.com/EcRtUxsj2e
— Lindsay Ward (@LindsayWardTV) June 11, 2020
"Our parents called us and said for us to get down in the basement. So we went in the basement. I was running around in the house, grabbing flashlights, blankets and stuff," says Watt.
"We came upstairs and noticed trees and everything were falling down so after about 20 to 30 minutes, first responders started showing up."
Those trees and numerous branches fell right on his two vehicles parked along 34th Street. Crews were blocking off that part of the road for hours.
While there was substantial damage, no serious injuries were reported.