The line of thunderstorms that moved through our area on Sunday night (October 6th) produced a brief tornado that lasted 1 minute and was located 5 miles northwest of Spiro. The tornado was estimated to have winds of 85-90mph and damaged a chicken house and several trees. No tornado warning was in effect at the time of the tornado, but a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect.
Earlier today, I spoke with Steve Piltz at the National Weather Service who said the brief tornado likely occurred where an existing outflow boundary intersected with a bow echo.
On Monday, 5NEWS spoke with emergency managers who sounded the emergency sirens in Leflore County despite no tornado warnings being in effect. While many questioned the decision they emphasised that the siren means dangerous weather could be occuring.
-Garrett
