Tornado blows through Longview, leaving damage behind
Oct 23, 2014, 1:39 PM | Updated: 5:37 pm
A tornado blew through Longview and Kelso in Southwest Washington Thursday afternoon, damaging roofs and knocking down power lines, according to numerous reports.(Washington State Patrol via Twitter)
(Washington State Patrol via Twitter)
The National Weather service says a tornado blew through Longview in Southwest Washington Thursday afternoon, damaging roofs, uprooting trees and knocking down power lines.
BREAKING WEATHER ALERT: Reports of Funnel Cloud causing damage in Cowlitz County. pic.twitter.com/9HIGvJRZNW
— KATU News (@KATUNews) October 23, 2014
A funnel cloud just left behind a trail of damaged properties in Longview and West Kelso: http://t.co/RaC8G179XV pic.twitter.com/RAJpSUrJdd
— The Daily News (@the_daily_news) October 23, 2014
The Longview Daily News reports the twister tore the roof off a building, shattered windows and scattered debris over a commercial area at the Longview/West Kelso border and other locations.
There were no reports of injuries.
The NWS says the twister began near Safeway on 15th Ave. and traveled six blocks down Vandercook Way before dissipating.
“I could see the funnel cloud forming and where it touched down between the alleyway and onto the street right next to us,” the Rev. Eric Atcheson said.
He said he barely made it inside before the winds tore through an alley between two church buildings.
“There is a pre-school in the building, so I was able to make sure all our kids and teachers are safe,” he said.
The church didn’t sustain any damage but several trees were felled, he said.
Jennifer Rossetti saw debris flying past her window and says wind blew the door from a nearby office supply store.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
