June 17, 2023

5 NE Elsanor A miniature supercell produced a weak tornado northeast of Elsanor on the evening of 6/17/2023. After analyzing storm chaser footage and radar data along with damage reports it was determined the tornado began around 430 PM CDT just north of I-10 west of County Road 87 and tracked southeast across I-10 near the intersection of County Road 87. It was here where there were reports of some snapped off tree limbs. The rest of the evolution of the tornado is unique as it slowed and stalled for a brief period over forest to the north of Timber Company Road before occluding to the northeast, crossing I-10 near mile marker 59. This is where additional tree damage was observed and lines up well with the radar couplet. It is possible the tornado became stronger after crossing I-10 for the second time as the rotational velocity increased notably, however this area to the north of I-10 is primarily forest and limited road access. Thus, the end point of the tornado is being estimated by the weakening of the radar velocity couplet and the reports from storm chasers. Start: 30.6037/-87.5550 End: 30.5979/-87.5121

NWS EF Scale: F0