Lanny Dean
EF5
Thought this would be a decent discussion and maybe even get some of those who have had issues with the current EF scale.
Was doing some research this evening and found that the NWS-Glasgow has finally given the Sheridan MT tornado an EF-3 rating. After looking at damage pictures and video of the tornado it seems very clear to me that this event was not rated correctly. Link here:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/ggw/SheridanTornSumm.pdf
I suspect that this is due to that particular CWA/staff not experiencing these type of events. As you can see in the pictures, the house and all outbuildings were destroyed....more importantly, the house was not just destroyed, it is totally gone! Not even a foundation left.
Cars from the Smith ranch were found up to 1/4 mile away and large debris has been found 2-3 miles away from the ranch house.
IMO this deadly tornado clearly has been underated due to inexperience. Taking a look at the damage indicators for current EF scale, this should have been rated at least a strong EF-4 tornado. Cars became missles and were lofted long distance (over 3,000ft) or rolled...the smith ranch house was totally destroyed...no walls or structure left standing with very little if any real debris left near the homestead.
IMHO, if this had been in the OKC, ICT or "normal" weather markets, this would have received a higher rating. To me, this just goes to show and prove that the Enhanced scale is worthless if all damage indicators and degree of damage are not followed. I know we have beat this horse to death but the old F scale was changed due in part becuase it was subjectional....with this latest rating it should be very clear that the Enhanced scale holds the very same problems it was invinted to correct.
IMO, this event should be rated again by those who have experienced this type of devastation and destruction.
I might add that I am not trying to disrespect anyone especially those that took part in the survey...just curious to know if this is a possible reason for such a low rating?
Thoughts???
Was doing some research this evening and found that the NWS-Glasgow has finally given the Sheridan MT tornado an EF-3 rating. After looking at damage pictures and video of the tornado it seems very clear to me that this event was not rated correctly. Link here:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/ggw/SheridanTornSumm.pdf
I suspect that this is due to that particular CWA/staff not experiencing these type of events. As you can see in the pictures, the house and all outbuildings were destroyed....more importantly, the house was not just destroyed, it is totally gone! Not even a foundation left.
Cars from the Smith ranch were found up to 1/4 mile away and large debris has been found 2-3 miles away from the ranch house.
IMO this deadly tornado clearly has been underated due to inexperience. Taking a look at the damage indicators for current EF scale, this should have been rated at least a strong EF-4 tornado. Cars became missles and were lofted long distance (over 3,000ft) or rolled...the smith ranch house was totally destroyed...no walls or structure left standing with very little if any real debris left near the homestead.
IMHO, if this had been in the OKC, ICT or "normal" weather markets, this would have received a higher rating. To me, this just goes to show and prove that the Enhanced scale is worthless if all damage indicators and degree of damage are not followed. I know we have beat this horse to death but the old F scale was changed due in part becuase it was subjectional....with this latest rating it should be very clear that the Enhanced scale holds the very same problems it was invinted to correct.
IMO, this event should be rated again by those who have experienced this type of devastation and destruction.
I might add that I am not trying to disrespect anyone especially those that took part in the survey...just curious to know if this is a possible reason for such a low rating?
Thoughts???
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