EF-3 tornado had peak wind speeds of 165 mph and was 2/3 mile wide at its strongest point in Crawford County
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ill. (WTHI) - New information suggests the tornado that tore across multiple counties on March 31, 2023, was stronger than previously thought.
The National Weather Service office in Lincoln, Ill., said it has been reviewing damage people said they may have missed during an initial survey in April.
The new data included ground photos, high-resolution satellite imagery and drone footage of damage the NWS wasn't able to get to due flooding and downed trees and power lines. The NWS also spoke to several residents near Robinson where the worst damage happened.
News 10 drove around with Crawford County Sheriff Bill Rutan. Here is what we saw.
After analysis and conversations, the NWS determined the peak wind speeds of the tornado reached 165 mph in Crawford County, which is a high-end EF-3 tornado. The Enhanced Fujita scale classifies tornadoes as EF-4 when wind speeds reach 166 mph.
The tornado as also determined to be wider at one point. At its maximum, the tornado reached two-thirds of a mile wide. It was on the ground for 41 miles from near Ste. Marie in Jasper County to the east of Sullivan, Indiana.
Six people, three in Crawford County and three in Sullivan County, were killed during the storm with several others injured.
