Parkersburg EF5: A Deep Dive into the Devastating Tornado Damage

💨The Parkersburg EF5 tornado occurred on May 25th, 2008, as part of a severe weather outbreak across the central United States.

🌪️The tornado was a result of a complex meteorological setup, including warm and cold fronts, high dew points, and significant instability.

🏢Parkersburg High School experienced severe damage, with an entire wall collapsing and Windows being pushed into classrooms.

💪The force required to shear a rebar stock in the foundation of a building was about 10,000 pounds, demonstrating the tornado's immense power.

🔍Expert analysis by Tim Marshall provides invaluable insights into tornado damage and reinforces the importance of seeking shelter in innermost areas during a tornado.

What caused the Parkersburg EF5 tornado?

—The tornado was a result of a complex meteorological setup, including warm and cold fronts, high dew points, and significant instability.

Did the tornado cause any fatalities?

—The Parkersburg EF5 tornado resulted in nine fatalities and numerous injuries.

Can rebar in foundations withstand tornado forces?

—While rebar provides reinforcement, the Parkersburg EF5 tornado demonstrated the immense force required to shear a rebar stock in a foundation.

What can we learn from the damage analysis of Parkersburg High School?

—The analysis highlights the importance of seeking shelter in innermost areas during tornado warnings and the structural vulnerabilities of certain building components.

What insights can be gained from Tim Marshall's report?

—Tim Marshall's expertise in severe damage analysis provides valuable insights into tornado behavior, structural vulnerabilities, and the importance of proper sheltering.

00:00Introduction to the devastating Parkersburg EF5 tornado.

02:26Analysis of the meteorological factors that contributed to the tornado's formation.

05:47Explanation of the force required to shear a rebar stock in the foundation.

08:53Detailed analysis of the damage at Parkersburg High School, including a collapsed wall and windows pushed into classrooms.

12:25Overview of Tim Marshall's official damage report and key insights gained from his expertise.