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Tornado Now Categorized As EF-2 That Hit Three Rivers
By: Mike Stiles - Thursday, August 8, 2024

(top left courtesy of St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office. Top right and bottom pictures courtesy of The National Weather Service)

(UNDATED) – The tornado that struck St. Joseph County Tuesday morning is now being categorized as an EF-2.

The National Weather Service says a supercell developed and tracked east-southeast through Southern Michigan, far Northeast Indiana and far Northwest Ohio. The storm produced an EF-2 tornado in Northwest St. Joseph County from Lewis Lake to the north side of Three Rivers. This storm did weaken as it moved east, but also maintained some rotation with reports of wall clouds and funnel clouds.

A tornado touched down Tuesday morning at the St. Joseph and Cass County line, just north of Lewis Lake, doing significant tree damage and snapped power poles along the entirety of Berry Lane. The tornado then moved southeast towards Day Road where it reached maximum width of approximately 700 yards and moved 8.46 miles. A well anchored manufactured home was slid approximately 5 feet off its foundation, along with some significant tree damage.

Near the intersection of Bent and Floating Bridge Roads, the tornado completely destroyed a barn. Farther east on Floating Bridge Road, the twister removed a two story barn roof completely off and moved it 30 feet away. The tornado reached maximum intensity of EF-2 along Floating Bridge Road.

Another barn roof received major damage, a nearby house had its roof partially removed and significant tree damage was also observed.

The tornado continued southeast crossing Mount Zion Road with major tree damage and center pivots being overturned. Near Pulver and Null Roads, 8 power poles were snapped, an irrigation pivot was twisted, and minor/moderate roof damage was observed to three homes.

Farther southeast along Cowling Road, a well constructed shed was moved approximately 20 feet away from its foundation and part of the structure was thrown into the Rocky River.

Finally, the tornado caused minor roof damage to a warehouse along North Main St in Three Rivers. While a portion of the roof was thrown into the trees across the street, it is believed this is where the tornado terminated.



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