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by frenchmills from SO ST LOUIS

Last Post 28 days, 20 hours Ago


WAS IT WHIRLWIND OR A TORNADO?
May 29, 2008 | 4:17 PM
Category: Weather
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Back about 1962 on the farm I lived at, it happened.

I was in the barnyard on my way to do something -- can't recall what now.  We had dried cornstalks all over the ground that we brought from the cornfield to give the cows something to chew on.

Suddenly, a little whirlwind came up, and grew.  The only way I could recognize it was the cornstalks that it had drawn up in its vortex.  It was about 20 ft in diameter at least.  It then hit the barn and, with a resounding CRASH!!, blew a couple of pieces of corrugated iron roofing off.

And here I was no more than 50 feet away.  Very impressive.

I have just passed it off as a whirlwind -- the sky was clear; there was no severe weather at all.

I also remember passing through Kansas recently and watched huge whirlwinds kick up clouds of dust, ranging a hundred feet or more into the sky.

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BRTNWXMAN read my blog view my photos
May 29, 2008 | 11:05 PM

This was a whirlwind, dust devil, whatever you want to call it. I've never seen one do it, but I have heard of them doing damage occasionally, as in your case. They can be pretty darn big and impressive for sure! We had a pretty small one cross the front yard and into our neighbors pasture, and I watched a leaf that it had picked up climb until I couldn't even see it anymore! It must have been hundreds of feet in the air. But yeah, no tornado - it was a whirlwind.
Peagcu read my blog
May 30, 2008 | 10:36 AM

A dust devil indeed. I think they can get a bit gusty. Here is a bit about intensity. this is from Wikipedia.

On Earth, most dust devils are very small and weak, often less than 3 feet (0.9 meters) in diameter with maximum winds averaging about 45 miles per hour (70 km/h), and they often dissipate less than a minute after forming. On rare occasions, a dust devil can grow very large and intense, sometimes reaching a diameter of up to 300 feet (90 meters) with winds in excess of 60 mph (100 km/h), and can last for upwards of 20 minutes before dissipating.[4] One such dust devil struck the Coconino County Fairgrounds in Flagstaff, Arizona on September 14, 2000. Extensive damage occurred to several temporary tents, stands and booths, as well as some permanent fairgrounds structures. In addition, several injuries were reported, but there were no fatalities. Based on the degree of damage left behind, it is estimated that the dust devil produced winds as high as 75 mph (120 km/h), which is equivalent to a moderate-strength EF0 tornado.[5]
Peagcu read my blog
May 30, 2008 | 10:42 AM

Here is an article from the NWS about that incident in Arizona
Peagcu read my blog
May 30, 2008 | 10:44 AM

Oops this incident
Peagcu read my blog
May 30, 2008 | 10:44 AM

Oh man how about this [url]one[/url]
Peagcu read my blog
May 30, 2008 | 10:44 AM

crud
Peagcu read my blog
May 30, 2008 | 10:45 AM

hello
Peagcu read my blog
May 30, 2008 | 10:46 AM

That's better, try the hello.
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frenchmills

an avid Missourian 64 years old and married, with children in Colorado, hence the photos from there, and step children here and all have grown up quite well thank you. wish I could go mountain climbing again - just have to settle for the Ozark Mountains instead of the Rockies. Young years spent in North St. Louis County, then teen years in Hyde Park Neighborhood of North St. Louis. Lived in all parts of Missouri, have family in rural Missouri, lived in the Ozarks for about 4 years. Lived in Springfield Mo for another 6, Lived also in Columbia and Kansas City. Returned to St. Louis November 1970 and have live in South St. Louis ever since, have seen many changes, but have seen that the City has remained mainly stable, even grown and attracted young urban professionals with good incomes, an ingredient for a healthy community. Have seen first-hand the circumstances of the disadvantaged of the City. I know somewhat what is going on there.

Member Since: 4/9/2007


 

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