LAVISTA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – We are learning more about the EF2 tornado that touched down in the Lavista area of Fayette County on Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Damage Survey for the Tuesday, April 2, 2024, tornado event, an EF2 tornado has been confirmed near Hico in Lavista.
The estimated peak wind was 130 mph and it was estimated to be on the ground for 1.18 miles. The width of the tornado is reported to have been 300 yards.
The NWS indicated one injury on its report.
The tornado touched down at 4:30 PM EST in the woods near Lavista south of US 60. The tornado was on the ground for two minutes and ended on the north side of US 60 near the cell phone tower in Lavista.
According to the NWS, the tornado touched down west of Mallard Rd and then traveled eastward along Mallard Rd. causing considerable and significant tree damage with hundreds of hardwood trees uprooted and snapped.
Several homes were damaged by trees or had wind damage along Mallard Rd, including one home that had significant roof damage.
The tornado made a slight jog to the northeast crossing Lookout Rd and US 60 before lifting.
Peak wind speeds were likely reached just west of Lookout Road where tree damage indicated wind speeds reached an estimated 130 mph.
The tornado damaged or destroyed several homes and businesses along US 60. One home was shifted several feet off its foundation and the metal roof was tossed approximately 350 yards to the tree line across US 60.
The exact beginning and ending point of the tornado is unknown due to difficulties with access.
The NWS says the track may be revised if drone footage can be reviewed.
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
The NWS says information in the statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS Storm Data.