EF-2 Arlington Tornado – Initial NWS Fort Worth Report

from NWS Fort Worth:

Arlington Tornado 11/24/20…

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms moved across North and
Central Texas during the evening of November 24, 2020. Most of the
damage was attributed to straight-line winds, however, an NWS survey
crew determined that an EF2 tornado struck portions of Arlington
just before 9 PM.

Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 115 mph
Path Length /statute/: 5.0448 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 150.0 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 5

Start Date: 11/24/2020
Start Time: 08:51 PM CST
Start Location: 1 E Dalworthington Gardens / Tarrant
County / TX
Start Lat/Lon: 32.692 / -97.1472

End Date: 11/24/2020
End Time: 08:58 PM CST
End Location: 3 WNW Grand Prairie / Tarrant County / TX
End Lat/Lon: 32.7204 / -97.0684

Survey Summary:
An EF-2 tornado moved through Arlington producing mostly EF-0 and
EF-1 damage, but a small area of EF-2 damage was found. The tornado
began near West Mayfield Road and South Bowen Road where fence, shed
and tree damage was found. The tornado traveled northeast from this
location causing minor tree damage. Significant roof damage to
several structures was noted along Colorado Lane. The tornado then
crossed South Cooper Street and damaged a Burger Box fast food
restaurant, Safelite AutoGlass store, and several warehouses in the
area. The tornado damage in this location and along Colorado Lane
was at EF-1 intensity. The tornado continued along an east-northeast
track where it soon impacted the Waterdance and Mirage Apartments.
Considerable roof damage was noted at these complexes, but the most
significant damage occurred at the Waterdance Apartment complex.
Large sections of the roof were ripped off of two buildings,
resulting in an EF-2 rating at this location. From the apartment
complex, the tornado weakened and traveled northeast for a few more
miles before dissipating near East Park Row Drive and Carter Drive.
Sporadic tree, siding, fence, and shingle damage was noted to the
end of the path. The maximum winds with this tornado were around
115 mph.

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0…Weak……65 to 85 mph
EF1…Weak……86 to 110 mph
EF2…Strong….111 to 135 mph
EF3…Strong….136 to 165 mph
EF4…Violent…166 to 200 mph
EF5…Violent…>200 mph