Preliminary Damage Assessment. Wheatland Tornado Incident June

Transcription

1 Preliminary Damage Assessment Wheatland Tornado Incident June

2 WOHS Preliminary Damage Assessment 8 June hrs WOHS arrived at the incident command post at the corner of Olson Rd and Grange Rd Arrival at approximately June WOHS immediately made contact with the Incident Commander (Local Sheriff) and was debriefed to the extent of the damage and possible track of the tornado. When it was safe to do so and at the approval of the Incident Commander, Ray Johnson of WOHS began surveying the damaged area beginning on Sybill Rd approximately 0.8 miles south of Jefferson Rd. Ray was equipped with a Magellan GPS and a camera and began to record latitude and longitude and photographs of significant points along the damage path. The debris path traveled South East across Sybille Creek Rd causing minor damage to the roof of a home. An outbuilding next to this home had significant roof damage. There was damage to farm equipment as well. The debris path continued in a South East direction to another home. There was significant wooden fence damage along with significant tree damage. Damage to the roof of the house was significant with entire areas of the roof stripped of shingles. At this home an outbuilding was completely damaged and a boat of unknown type is not able to be located. A black S10 pickup truck was moved by the wind approximately 50 yards from its location next to the house to the destroyed outbuilding, no drag marks were observed along this path suggesting the pickup was completely in the air when being moved. A circular outbuilding was also damaged having its roof completely destroyed. At this home site there were two utility poles destroyed with another showing signs of being moved approximately 1 inch. Sticking out of this apparently moved utility pole was several blades of dry grass and straw. The debris field continued across an agriculture field where it significantly damaged two more utility poles before crossing an irrigation creek. Continuing across another agriculture field, a central pivot irrigation system was completely overturned. Continuing South East, there is extensive tree damage and observed metal roofing in the tops of trees approximately ft tall. A trailer home at this site was completely destroyed. Speaking to the property owner, this trailer was un-inhabited. The property owner stated that a full 400 gallon tank of diesel fuel overturned and spilled on the ground. Ray informed State Operations and advised the Deputy to notify the Incident Commander of the spill. No apparent action was taken. The debris field continued South East across an agriculture field where it appeared to cross Olson Rd. This home experienced heavy damage to windows and its roof. The property owner stated that they have extensive debris damage inside the home as well as significant water damage in the basement. Several outbuildings sustained minor to moderate roof damage. There was extensive tree damage at this site as well. Continuing East on Olson a trailer home was completely destroyed and a Ford Mustang sustained heavy damage. Continuing East on Olson multiple trailer homes were completely destroyed. Two houses near the intersection to Olson Rd and Grange Rd were completely destroyed. The one reported injury occurred when according to reports sought shelter in his bathtub and was rescued after the storm passed by first responders. The man suffered only minor abrasions to his head. He was treated at a local hospital and released. Significant debris was scattered across the area with multiple downed utility lines. Arriving back at the Incident Command Post there was significant debris continuing to be visible to the South East across an agriculture field. Reports stated the tornado continued on a South East track to cross Interstate 25 and eventually derailing a BNSF train. No hazardous materials were in the cars that derailed. Barite, Flammable Gas and other Flammable materials were in the cars which did not derail. This information was provided by BNSF to the Incident Commander. Train car contents inventory is attached.

3 Given the perspective it was difficult to determine the width of the tornado. Several areas suggested a width of approximately 100 yards, while other debris areas suggested a width approaching 250 yards. Several unconfirmed reports placed the origin of the tornado in the vicinity of the Laramie River and Palmer Creek Rd; approximately 7 miles North West of the first indication of damage on Sybille Creek Rd WOHS did not investigate this information due to time of day. At this time several personnel from WOHS are on scene to provide security for the damaged homes. NWS is expected to be on scene during the day of the 8 th of June 2012 to assess the damage and categorize the tornado. Please see attached document from BNSF and attached maps showing GPS points collected and unconfirmed report of damage to the North West. Respectfully Submitted Ray Johnson

4 GPS points collected of Damage 3 Houses Destroyed 1 House Major Damage 2 Houses Minor Damage 5 Trailer Homes Destroyed 4 Outbuildings Destroyed 2 Outbuildings Major Damage 2 Outbuildings Minor Damage 8 June 2012

5 Reported that tornado continued on a SE track crossing I-25 and causing derailment of BNSF train before dissipating. WOHS did not investigate this damage 8 June 2012

6 Incident Command Post

7 Suspected Beginning of Tornado South

8 Damage to Pole Barn Minor Damage to Roof of Home

9 Farm Equipment Damage

10 Damage to Utility Pole

11 Fence Damage

12 Destroyed Outbuilding

13 Roof Damage

14 Tree Damage

15 Straw Stuck in Utility Pole

16 Grass and Straw in Utility Pole

17 Diesel Fuel Spill Approximately 400 Gallons

18 Trailer Home Destroyed

19 Home Major Damage Sustained Basement Flooding

20 Destroyed Vehicle

21 Tree Damage

22 Home Destroyed

23 Garage of Destroyed Home Same Home as Previous Slide

24 Outbuilding Destroyed

25 Destroyed Home

26 Trailer Home Destroyed