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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Allentown tornado packed 100 mph winds

The National Weather Service said last Wednesday that an EF-1 tornado with 100 mph winds moved through primarily the Midway Manor neighborhood of Allentown the night of Aug. 7.

The tornado began near East Pennsylvania Street between North Ulster and North Van Buren streets, damaging the roof of a church and a neighboring shed.

A large hardwood tree was also uprooted in this area. The tornado continued to the northeast toward East Lily Street and North Wahneta Street, causing sporadic tree damage along the way. As the tornado crossed North Wahneta Street, damage increased, with a shed removed from its foundation and tossed about 50 feet northwest. Multiple trees were uprooted or snapped in this area as well.

As the tornado continued to the northeast, approaching and crossing East Fairmont Street, it reached its maximum width, around 160 yards. It also reached its maximum intensity, causing damage to multiple homes. The greatest damage was to homes along the west side of Club Avenue, where several homes lost between 30 and 50 percent of their roof covering.

One home had a front porch awning taken off the east side of the house, lofted, then landed about 100 feet away in the backyard of a house two doors down.

The tornado continued northeast across Club Avenue, crossing into Bethlehem. Here, the tornado weakened, but still snapped or took large branches down on multiple trees.

The tornado then dissipated as it approached Pennsylvania Avenue. There were no known injuries or deaths.

A tornado also hit in Holland Township, Hunterdon County, N.J., the weather service said.