Severe Weather Hits Houston Area
The National Weather Service has released their damage survey following Monday’s severe weather in the Houston area. According to the report, two tornadoes touched down in the area, one in Riata Ranch subdivision near Cypress and the other in Klein.
Tornado Touchdowns
The two tornadoes caused significant damage and were classified based on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The tornado in Riata Ranch was rated as an EF1, while the tornado in Klein was rated as an EF2.
Riata Ranch Tornado
The EF1 tornado in Riata Ranch had estimated peak winds of 105 miles per hour. It touched down around 1:23 p.m. Monday afternoon, approximately seven miles west-northwest of Jersey Village, and ended about five minutes later near the same location. The path length of the tornado was 2.61 miles with a width of 500 yards.
Klein Tornado
The EF2 tornado in Klein had estimated peak winds of 115 miles per hour. It touched down around 1:41 p.m. Monday afternoon, about seven miles south-southeast of Tomball, and ended about seven minutes later, approximately six miles east-southeast of Tomball. The path of the tornado was 3.83 miles, with the path width pending further analysis.
Understanding the Enhanced Fujita Scale
The Enhanced Fujita Scale is used to classify tornadoes based on their wind speed. The scale ranges from EF0, with wind speeds of 65-85 mph, to EF5, with wind speeds over 200 mph. The classifications are as follows:
- EF0: 65-85 mph
- EF1: 86-110 mph
- EF2: 111-135 mph
- EF3: 136-165 mph
- EF4: 166-200 mph
- EF5: Over 200 mph
Conclusion
The severe weather that hit the Houston area on Monday caused significant damage and disruption. The National Weather Service’s damage survey provides valuable information about the tornadoes that touched down, including their classification, path, and wind speed. By understanding the Enhanced Fujita Scale, residents can better appreciate the severity of the weather events that affect their area. The report serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather and staying informed about weather conditions.
