The History of Tornadoes in State College, Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania might not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about tornadoes, the history of these destructive weather events in the State College area and across the state is significant. This article explores the tornado history of State College, Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on the devastating outbreak of May 31, 1985, and other notable tornado events.

The Super Outbreak of May 31, 1985

The evening of May 31, 1985, remains a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. A devastating and deadly tornado outbreak struck the Northeastern United States and Canada, leaving an indelible mark on the affected communities. This event, the deadliest tornado outbreak of the 1980s, produced 43 tornadoes across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario. The storms resulted in 89 fatalities, over 1,000 injuries, and property damage exceeding $600 million.

The Meteorological Setup

The severe weather was triggered by a strong late-spring cold front interacting with high levels of atmospheric instability. This instability created an environment ripe for tornadic thunderstorms. As one forecaster noted, the atmospheric sounding in Pittsburgh that morning was exceptionally concerning, foreshadowing the potential for severe weather.

The Pittsburgh Weather Service's Perspective

The Pittsburgh Weather Service Forecast Office (WSFO) had zone forecast responsibility for a large portion of Western Pennsylvania, including counties near State College. The threat of severe weather was so significant that it was highlighted in the zone forecasts early that morning.

The Development of the Storms

The first signs of the impending disaster appeared around 4:30 PM when two cells rapidly strengthened in Ashtabula County, Ohio, just west of Erie County, PA. Within twenty minutes, these cells evolved into two tornadoes. The F4 tornado that struck Albion in southeast Erie County touched down just before 5:00 PM.

The Storm Prediction Center (SELS) issued a tornado watch at 4:20 PM, valid from 5 PM. The storms moved rapidly from west to east at about 50 knots. Each storm generated a significant outflow boundary, leading to the formation of new cells further south. This pattern persisted for several hours, resulting in widespread tornado activity.

The Devastation Across Pennsylvania

From 5 PM to 8 PM, the Pittsburgh office was overwhelmed with issuing tornado warnings for severe storms in Mercer (Wheatland F5), Beaver (Big Beaver F3), and southern Butler counties. Another powerful storm moved across Clarion and Jefferson Counties, developing aloft and remaining aloft across Clarion County.

Around 7:20 PM, as the storm exited Jefferson County and entered southern Elk County, golf ball-sized hail was reported in Brookville. This storm went on to produce a long-track F4 tornado, which traveled over 60 miles across Clearfield, Centre, and Clinton counties.

The Moshannon State Forest Tornado

One of the most significant tornadoes of the outbreak was the F4 tornado that tore through Moshannon State Forest. This tornado touched down around 7:35 PM and left a path of destruction over a mile wide. The tornado sheared off countless trees, some with trunk diameters exceeding three feet, about 15 feet above the ground. The storm was so massive that its scarring on the Earth is still visible to this day. The tornado's path, evident in satellite imagery, reveals a faint green line where nearly 90,000 trees were destroyed.

The radar image of the storm displayed a prominent hook echo and a debris ball, indicating the powerful nature of the tornado. Despite speculation that it could have been an F5, the tornado largely traveled over remote areas, making it difficult to assess the full extent of its intensity.

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Eyewitness Accounts and Personal Stories

The May 31, 1985, tornado outbreak left a permanent impact on those affected. Many individuals have strong, lasting memories of that day. One forecaster recalled the immense pressure and responsibility of tracking the storms and issuing warnings. A state representative recounted touring the damaged areas by helicopter, witnessing the widespread destruction and offering support to the affected communities. A meteorology student at Penn State remembered the ominous weather conditions and the realization that lives were in danger.

Impact on State College

While the F4 tornado did not directly hit State College, the storm passed close enough to cause concern. One meteorologist recalled trying to determine if the supercell responsible for the Moshannon tornado would remain north of Centre County and Penn State.

The June 2, 1998 Tornado Outbreak

Another significant tornado outbreak occurred on June 2, 1998, affecting the east-central United States. This event spawned 33 tornadoes in nine states, causing an estimated $40 million in damage and resulting in 77 injuries and 2 fatalities.

Meteorological Conditions

The Storm Prediction Center issued a Moderate risk of severe weather across a large portion of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States. Strong southerly flow ahead of a fast-moving cold front contributed to robust moisture return, creating a very unstable atmosphere. Forecasters noted the potential for a classic northwest flow event.

Tornado Activity

Scattered supercells evolved across southern New York, Pennsylvania, and other states. Several tornadoes caused significant damage, including one that leveled a large area in the Allegheny National Forest.

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Specific Tornado Events in Pennsylvania

Bradford County: An F1 tornado displaced a manufactured home and damaged a storage building.
Wyoming County: An F3 tornado caused significant damage to homes around Lake Carey, resulting in two fatalities.
Lackawanna County: A tornado struck the campus of Keystone Junior College, causing damage to buildings.
Somerset County: An F3 tornado demolished farms and killed over 100 heads of cattle.
Fayette County: An F0 tornado sheared or uprooted trees.

The Pennsylvania/Maryland F4 Tornado

The most significant tornado of the outbreak was a violent F4 tornado that tracked across Pennsylvania and Maryland. The tornado reached a maximum width of 1,760 yards and intensified to F3 strength in Somerset County, PA. It then crossed into Garrett County, Maryland, and reached violent F4 intensity with winds up to 210 miles per hour in Allegany County, Maryland. The tornado destroyed numerous homes and caused widespread damage before lifting.

Lessons Learned and Preparedness

The tornado outbreaks of 1985 and 1998 underscore the importance of preparedness and awareness. The events highlighted the fact that tornadoes can occur anywhere, regardless of terrain.

The Importance of Early Warning Systems

One of the key lessons learned from the 1985 outbreak is the need for effective early warning systems. Advances in technology and communication have greatly improved the ability to detect and warn the public about impending severe weather.

Community Response and Volunteerism

In the aftermath of the 1985 tornadoes, communities came together to support those affected. Volunteers from various organizations and backgrounds worked tirelessly to clear debris, provide aid, and help rebuild homes and lives.

The Psychological Impact

The experience of living through a tornado outbreak can have lasting psychological effects. Many survivors experience nightmares and anxiety when storms approach. It is important to provide support and resources to help individuals cope with the emotional trauma of these events.

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