West Virginia Weather: June 26th, 2015: Jackson County

Rating: EF-0
Location: 2 miles east of Ripley, WV
County: Jackson
Start Location: 7:28 p.m. (38.8316, -81.6773)
End Location: (38.8149, -81.6644)
Estimated Peak Wind: 80 mph
Path Length: 1.5 miles
Path Width Maximum: 200 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Details from NWS storm survey: The tornado began about 2 miles ENE of downtown Ripley, WV and moved in a southeast direction. The end of the damage path was found along US 33 about 2.5 miles east of Ripley.

The beginning of the path was found along county route 21/22, also known as Sycamore Road. Trees and limbs were found to be laying in multiple directions. Some convergence or swirl was noted in a small corn field and the roof of a small cattle shelter was found about 125 feet NNW of the main structure.

The tornado then continued southeast over uninhabited forest with some tree damage visible from afar.

The last confirmed damage from this tornado occurred near Joes Run Memorial Church at the intersection of Deer Walk and Route 33. Here trees were again noted laying in various directions. Some minor damage was done to the church. The cross on the top of the steeple was bent and some fascia was removed.

At this point, the storm became outflow dominant and strong wind damage was noted east of the tornado path, along Stationcamp Road, and east along US 33 to near Frozencamp Creek Road, or CR 28. The damage along this path was fairly uniform with trees and debris scattered to the east. The most severe damage was found between Parrish Hill Road or CR 5/18 and Frozencamp Creek Road. Along this section of road, damage was found to be more severe than from the tornado. Downburst winds estimated at 90 to 100 mph destroyed two machine sheds and caused significant tree damage. The winds also moved two empty hay trailers about 60 yards. Tire tracks could be seen in the grass indicating the trailers were not lifted, but instead rolled on their wheels.

Large hail was associated with both the tornadic and downburst parts of this storm. Sizes were estimated to be one to two inches by local residents. Holes were found in vinyl siding due to wind-driven hail.

Significant flooding was also found along Stationcamp Road, where the headwaters of Stationcamp Run overflowed its banks. Multiple vehicles were flooded. Also, three garages and one home were flooded.

Photo of Damage