November AMS Meeting: Manzanita EF2 10th Anniversary and other NW Tornado Details and Processes!

Can you believe it’s been 10 years since the Manzanita EF2 tornado? We all know what happened during, but what about stories after? How unprecedented was this outbreak? How is this tied to another disaster over 100 years earlier? Manzanita turned their destruction into determination for a stronger future. Find out about the Coastal Tornado Index spawned by this outbreak, and how some development was influenced by the tornado.

Other topics covered: The only tornado siren in the PNW is in Gaston, OR. What’s the story behind that and no, tornadoes aren’t the primary reason it’s there. Why the strongest tornado in the PNW is NOT the 1972 Portland-Vancouver tornado, but one that tore through Long Creek, OR on June 2nd, 1894. We’ll also talk on the busiest tornado outbreak in terms of numbers (1894 notwithstanding), May 31st, 1997. What factors causes NW tornadoes, and how coastal tornadoes are different from inland tornadoes? Is there a “tornado capital?” All (and maybe more) will be answered.

Where: Storm Breaker Brewing 832 N Beech St, Portland, OR 97227. Directions at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pTbp5Q6GkBa2k31C8. Take the Alberta exit off of I-5 or take the back way via Legacy Emannuel Hospital exit off of I-405. Free on street parking. We will be in the Rain Room.

When: Tuesday, November 17th at 7 pm (Social Hour 6 pm).

Who: Tanis Leach (Oregon AMS VP, OSU Climate Science Program Graduate).

Hat tip to EVCMB for letting me use their photos.