DAVIS COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Officials have released new information on the tornado that touched down near Fruit Heights a few weeks ago, including that the tornado set a state record for its width.
On September 18, a tornado warning was issued for Weber, Davis, and Morgan Counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) Salt Lake City, using social media pictures, later confirmed that a tornado had touched down just before 2:00 p.m. near Fruit Heights.
According to a new report released today, the tornado touched down at 1:44 p.m. In total, it traveled approximately 5 .93 miles, and was up to 1900 yards wide at its maximum width.
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The tornado initially touched down along Bair Canyon, before trekking up the canyon. NWS says it damaged multiple softwood conifers and hardwood aspen groves. They added, “Numerous conifers were felled, as well as conifers that were completely defoliated and had the top of the tree completely sheared off.”
The tornado summited Francis Peak, traveling into Morgan County, and continued to cause damage trees.
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Then, it took a northeastern turn, descending the east facing side of Francis Park. NWS reports this is where some of the heaviest damage occurred, “where they were either sheared off completely at the top of the tree or snapped at the base.”
As it continued to descend toward Dalton Creek, NWS says the tornado widened to 1900 yards, or 1.1 miles in width, setting a state record. Shortly, thereafter, it began to weaken and narrow. The tornado ultimately dissipated west of the confluence of Middle Fork Peterson Creek…