The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down last evening in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This tornado, with estimated peak winds of 100 mph, caused significant tree damage along its 4.3-mile path. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries reported.
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1DegreeOutside provided continuous livestream coverage of the tornado warning last night via YouTube, Twitch, and X platforms, ensuring the public was informed and prepared.
The tornado touched down near Breakneck Hill Road in Lincoln, RI, and moved east-northeast. It caused significant damage, uprooting large hardwood trees, some of which fell onto homes and other structures in Lincoln and Cumberland, RI. The tornado reached maximum intensity with winds around 100 mph in a few locations. The tornado continued to produce tree damage as it crossed the state line into North Attleboro, MA, where it snapped and uprooted trees before lifting near Cushman Road.
The NWS extends gratitude to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and emergency services officials in Lincoln, Cumberland, and North Attleborough for their assistance.
How Tornadoes Form: Tornadoes form from severe thunderstorms, particularly supercells, which have a rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. Under certain conditions, this rotation can intensify and extend to the ground, forming a tornado. Key factors in tornado formation include:
Tornadoes in New England: Tornadoes are relatively rare in New England, but they do occur. Rhode Island and Massachusetts typically experience a few tornadoes each year, often during the summer months. While they are usually weaker than those seen in Tornado Alley, they can still cause significant damage, particularly due to the dense population and infrastructure.
While tornadoes are uncommon in Rhode Island, they have occurred, though they are infrequent and typically of lower intensity. The confirmed tornado in Dublin, NH, on June 23, 2024, is a recent example of tornado activity in New England.
Tornado Watch: A Tornado Watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. This means that while a tornado is not currently happening, the potential exists. It serves as an alert to be prepared.
What to Do During a Tornado Watch:
Tornado Warning: A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. This means that a tornado is imminent or occurring, and immediate action should be taken.
What to Do During a Tornado Warning:
By understanding and responding appropriately to tornado watches and warnings, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from severe weather.
