May 282 min read

National Weather Service confirms EF-1 tornado hit Mahanoy City, uproots trees, damages elementary school

MAHANOY CITY, Pa. - An EF-1 tornado with maximum estimated wind speeds of 90 mph touched down in Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, on Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The tornado formed just west of Mahanoy City at 7:38 pm and traveled northeast, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service reported that the tornado uprooted several trees along its path as it moved into Mahanoy City and crossed E Railroad Street.

Roof shingles and pieces of wooden debris were lofted into the air.

Several instances of wood impalement into roofs were observed from falling debris, and the siding from several houses had been damaged.

Several windows at the local elementary school had been damaged, according to the weather service.

The school was closed on Tuesday, according to officials.

Courtesy Mike Nester

The tornado eventually crossed train tracks just N of Mahanoy City uprooting additional trees before lifting after it crossed Glendon Road at 7:44 pm.

Multiple videos and photos from residents showed the twister.

No reports of injuries were reported, according to the National Weather Service.

Fire crews helped evacuate a family trapped on the second floor due to structural damage and downed live wires, according to a WFMZ News report.

The following is additional information on the tornado provided by the National Weather Service:

Path Length /statute/: 1.5 miles Path Width /maximum/: 75 yards

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories: EF0.....65 to 85 mph EF1.....86 to 110 mph EF2.....111 to 135 mph EF3.....136 to 165 mph EF4.....166 to 200 mph EF5.....>200 mph

NOTE: The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS Storm Data.