A tornado touched down near Francis Peak Friday afternoon, confirmed by the National Weather Service, disrupting a camping trip and blocking roads. This rare event for the mountainous region prompted a tornado warning and directly impacted at least one local couple.
Nick and Krista Lemoine were camping near Middle Smith Lake when the weather quickly worsened. Krista reported that her husband, Nick, observed strong winds and trees falling around their campsite. The road they had used to access the area became impassable due to fallen trees.
This situation left Nick with no option but to hike out of the area, leaving their truck behind overnight. The Lemoine family intends to collaborate with the Forest Service on Saturday to safely retrieve their vehicle.
The National Weather Service (NWS) initiated a tornado warning Friday afternoon after meteorologists identified a "classic hook echo" on radar near Kaysville. Brittany Whitlam, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, stated that this distinctive radar signature prompted the immediate warning.
Confirmation of the tornado's touchdown was aided by video footage from the affected area. Whitlam confirmed that the videos made it "pretty easy to see" that a tornado had indeed touched down. Further evidence came from tree damage near Francis Peak, which the National Weather Service described as consistent with a tornado, including trees knocked down in a converging pattern.
While many people typically associate tornadoes with the flat expanse of the Great Plains, Whitlam emphasized that mountains do not prevent their formation. She noted that mountains "can actually help the formation of tornadoes," suggesting that the specific wind orientation around Francis Peak likely contributed to this particular event.
The National Weather Service reports that Utah experiences an average of two to three tornadoes each year. Meteorologists are continuing their work to determine the specific strength of the tornado that touched down near Francis Peak.
For residents and outdoor enthusiasts heading into Utah's mountains, weather officials advise vigilance. They caution that conditions can change rapidly and recommend checking the forecast before venturing out. Staying aware of current weather and knowing available shelter options are crucial steps if severe weather approaches.
