Destructive tornado outbreak hits Jiangsu, damaging or destroying 1 600 homes and killing 10, China
On September 19, 2023, the northeastern coastal province of Jiangsu in China was struck by a significant severe weather outbreak, with multiple tornadoes causing damage to more than 1 600 homes and tragically claiming the lives of at least 10 residents.
Several destructive tornadoes, part of a larger severe weather outbreak, tore through NE China yesterday, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Jiangsu Province experienced the most severe impact of the storm, with official reports confirming that over 1 600 homes were damaged or destroyed. The tragedy also claimed the lives of 10 individuals.
A particularly strong EF3 tornado made landfall in Funing County. The Jiangsu weather bureau confirmed that this is the strongest tornado recorded in the area since the 2016 Funing EF4. The aftermath was grievous: complete annihilation of homes, vast expanses of farmland wiped clean, and trees stripped of their bark.
One of the hardest hit areas was Banhu village which was hit by a powerful EF4 tornado 7 years ago.
Two EF2 tornadoes touched down in Suqian, resulting in deaths of five individuals. Elsewhere, in Huaian, residents were left reeling from a series of unfortunate events: vehicles thrown askew, vast forests laid to waste, and homes reduced to rubble. While the final classification of the tornado that caused this damage is yet to be confirmed, Eric Wang, a Chinese extreme weather enthusiast, postulates that it may range between EF2 and EF3 based on his observation of the destruction.
A broader understanding of the tornadoes’ complete impact, both in terms of human loss and infrastructural damage, will become clearer in the coming days.
Close intercept by passer by when the second EF2 wedge tornado moved into East of Suqian, Jiangsu Province. pic.twitter.com/62hl8HGw41
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 20, 2023
Horrific inside video of the second EF2 in Suqian, Jiangsu Province yesterday. pic.twitter.com/e2ykJexIAF
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 20, 2023
Large, deadly tornado in Suqian, Jiangsu Province this afternoon. Tornado likely moved directly through downtown, massive injuries and some fatalities reported. pic.twitter.com/vvKmTRlzZx
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 19, 2023
Another video shot earlier on highway near Suqian, Jiangsu Province. Tornado presented a typical multi-vortex structure. The possibility of multiple tornadoes occurred in Jiangsu Province this afternoon cannot be ruled out. pic.twitter.com/fMrTjQj2Ki
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 19, 2023
Aftermath of a tornado moved through Suqian, Jiangsu Province hrs ago. Cars tossed, houses on fire, people lying on the ground. pic.twitter.com/x80Qwh59LN
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 19, 2023
Upclose footage of the tornado in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, sadly one fatality has already confirmed, with additional three critical injuries. pic.twitter.com/tqvv016kIu
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 19, 2023
Power flash and debris when the big cone tornado moved into Suqian, Jiangsu Province this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/ikLEH1ZUcH
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 19, 2023
According to the latest news, two tornadoes in Suqian, Jiangsu Province yesterday had led to 5 fatalities and 4 injuriess, over 1600 houses were damaged or destroyed, truly heartbreaking💔 pic.twitter.com/ovMYwRMN1a
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 20, 2023
Major brick residence damage in Funing during last night EF3 tornado. one of the hardest hit village, Banhu village was hit by the powerful EF4 tornado seven years ago, what a coincidence! This tornado has already led to five fatalities. pic.twitter.com/qch1uSI4ih
— Eric Wang (@Ericwang1101) September 20, 2023
Tornadoes are relatively rare in China compared to places like the United States, which has the highest occurrence of tornadoes in the world. However, certain provinces, including Jiangsu, have experienced tornadoes more frequently than other regions in China.
In recent years, there have been notable tornado events in Jiangsu. For example, in June 2016, a deadly tornado and hailstorm hit parts of Jiangsu Province, particularly in Yancheng city, resulting in significant fatalities and damage. This event was one of the deadliest tornadoes in China’s recent history.
Featured image credit: Eric Wang (stillshot)
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