Highland Lake Tornado - Blount County - March 15th, 2008

A National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team has surveyed the storm damage in southern a Blount County just southeast of Oneonta. It has been determined the damage was the result of a tornado.

The tornado touched down just east of County Road 27, approximately 5 miles south southeast of Oneonta. The tornado moved north of River Road and entered the Highland Lake community. The tornado crossed County Road 29 near the Appalachian Community. The Appalachian School property sustained damage, but the school was spared any significant damage. The tornado continued northeastward and strengthened as it nearly paralleled County Road 12. The tornado lifted just north of the intersection of County Road 12 and U.S. Highway 231. Along the entire path, several hundred trees were either snapped off or were uprooted. A few dozen chicken houses were damaged and many were destroyed. Many outbuildings, garages, and sheds were destroyed. At least 25 homes sustained major damage with another few dozen that received minor damage. At least one mobile home was destroyed and a few more were damaged. At least 6 cows and hundreds of chickens were killed by flying debris. In some instances, the roof debris from damaged structures was blown over one half mile downstream. A few feed silos were tipped over and one rolled at least one half mile.

Tornado Damage Path Power Line Damage Debris Chicken House Damage Chicken House Damage House Damage Farm Damage Chicken House Damage Home Damage House Damage Debris Debris Tree Damage Chicken House Damage Chicken House Damage Chicken House Damage Debris Debris Chicken House Damage Chicken House Damage Chicken House Damage Tree Damage Tree Damage Tree Damage Tree Damage Tree Damage Tree Damage Missile Storm Relative Velocity Image near touch down Reflectivity Image near touch down