A tornado touched down and destroyed three homes on Saturday in eastern Utah. There were no reported injuries, but three trailers, a hay barn and multiple power poles were damaged. Some livestock and pets from the area are still reported missing.
While most San Juan residents were unprepared for the tornado due to the uncommon conditions required for its formation, the relief effort has already started. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren says the American Red Cross, Montezuma Elementary School and the local Aneth government are helping displaced San Juan residents find temporary housing.
Benjamin Donner, executive director of the American Red Cross in central and southern Utah, said this is a sign to increase preparedness. He suggests that Utah residents should download the Red Cross app to be alerted to any emergencies.
Donner also recommended that anyone caught in a tornado should find the lowest place in their home, like a basement, and a room preferably without windows. He warned Utah residents should prepare for and know what to do in the event of a natural disaster, no matter the likelihood of the occurrence.
“Use this as a teaching moment to say, ‘If something were to happen, what would we do?’” Donner said.
Tornadoes are rare in Utah due to the mountains and arid climate. Wind and an abundance of moisture in the air are required to form supercells, which are storms with strong rotating currents. Supercells are the most common source of tornadoes, but because of the dry air in Utah and the mountains, they’re rare.
The National Weather Service is reviewing the event to determine the tornado’s strength and path, as well as the extent of the damage caused.
Author: Payson Davis
Editor: Hannah Clove
Photo: Courtesy of San Juan County
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