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OHIO — The damage created by storms in Lawrence County on Tuesday were because of microbursts, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed.
According to NWS, a microburst is "a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm and is usually less than or equal to 2.5 miles in diameter. Microbursts can cause extensive damage at the surface, and in some instances, can be life-threatening."
The first reported microburst affected Greenup, Ky. to Ironton, Ohio. The microburst reached an estimated peak wind of 90 mph and the path was 6.41 miles long. It lasted for five minutes, beginning in Greenup Co. in Kentucky at 10:15 a.m. and ended in Lawrence County in Ohio at 10:20 a.m.
“After crossing the Ohio River, more significant damage was noted as stronger winds arrived at the campground, significant loss of roofing was noted at the Laidback Bar and significant tree damage was noted in the adjacent camping area," NWS said. "A salt storage dome was also destroyed in this area. The damage path ended on the westside of Ironton, Ohio just west of the Ironton Middle School with additional tree and roof damage noted."
The second reported microburst was in Proctorville. The microburst reached an estimated peak wind of 90 mph and the path was 1.35 miles. It lasted for less than one minute, starting and ending at 10:37 a.m.
"A broken path of damage was noted from near the intersection of State St. and Shirkey St. to the Fairland West Elementary School. Little to no convergence was noted in debris along the damage path consistent with a microburst," NWS said. "The north wall of the Proctorville Fire Department built of unreinforced concrete block was destroyed with the roof completely removed from the rear portion of the structure. The roof at the Fairland West Elementary School was also partially removed."
NWS confirmed three tornadoes touched down in Ohio on Tuesday.