National Weather Service conducts storm damage survey, confirms Fort Recovery tornado

MERCER COUNTY — The National Weather Service conducted a storm damage survey in Mercer County Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF2 tornado touched down near Fort Recovery at approximately 4:12 p.m. on Friday and traveled 5.7 miles, ending at approximately 4:25 p.m. The maximum wind speed was estimated at 115 mph.

There were no injuries or fatalities reported.

The assessment stated that the first sign of tornadic damage was just east of the Indiana-Ohio state line, indicative of an EF0 tornado. The tornado moved southeast and left a “noticeable swirl” in a field between St. Joe Road and Wabash Road.

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The National Weather Service said the tornado intensified as it moved across Wabash Road. The damage survey found damage at the Fort Recovery Lumber Yard, where the tornado lifted multiple roofs were completely off a number of outbuildings. Damage was consistent with EF1 damage.

The tornado continued southeast across Fort Recovery-Minster Road, toward Burrville Road. The damage survey found damage consistent with a low EF2 along Burrville Road and Wourms Road. Multiple homes of Burrville sustained “substantial” roof damage. Half of the roof on a single-family home was totally removed. Outbuildings were completely destroyed, attached garages were removed and substantial tree damage was noted.

The National Weather Service reported debris from Burrville was thrown about a half mile towards Wourms Road. Damage on Wourms Road included broken wood power poles and significant tree damage.

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The damage report indicated the tornado weakened as it moved southeast towards Fox Road and Meiring Road. Only minor damage was reported.

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey said the sheriff’s office said there were three to four houses that had been hit by the tornado. Two dozen of cattle and multiple goats were also reportedly killed.

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