Posted in Connecticut Nature May 17, 2018 by Natalie Clunan

These 15 Photos Show Just How Powerful The Tornado In Connecticut Really Was

The air in the Nutmeg state is full of the sounds of chainsaws buzzing and generators humming, but Tuesday evening it was an entirely different story. Winds howling, rain pounding, and trees cracking were the noises being heard throughout the state. The Connecticut tornado and storm took many by surprise and its force was even more staggering. As people begin to pick up the pieces, let’s take a look at some absolutely riveting photos taken during and after the storm.

1. Tuesday, May 15th in Connecticut we had heard the tornado warnings being issued for most of the afternoon, but no one anticipated how quickly the storm would set in.

2. In a matter of minutes, bright skies turned dark and foreboding.

3. Many who were driving at the time were treated to ominous windshield views.

4. Residents took cover and kept a watchful eye on the skies whenever possible.

5. The severe storm raged through northern and central Connecticut, with a tornado moving through Oxford and Southbury.

6. The severe weather moved swiftly with winds up to 110 mph and the storm left a path of destruction in its wake.

7. Massive trees were uprooted seemingly as easily as a toddler pulling birthday candles out of a cake.

8. Fallen trees completely enveloped houses causing major damages to roofs, walls, and windows.

9. In many cases, residents are trapped in their own neighborhoods by trees fallen across local roadways.

10. Power lines were also damaged by the storm being buried underneath downed trees. On Wednesday afternoon there were still more than 80,000 residents without power.

11. Many vehicles became sacrificial lambs to the massive destruction of the high winds that ripped through the state.

12. Woodland areas with tall trees were particularly hard hit with trunks snapping off as if they were mere toothpicks.

13. Several state parks are currently closed due to the overwhelming amount of damage.

14. Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Wharton Brook State Park in Wallingford, Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, Kettletown State Park in Southbury, and Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield are all currently closed to the public.

15. Clean up efforts will continue throughout the week as crews try to clear roads, restore power, and deal with the huge mess left behind by the tornado and storm.

The Connecticut tornado and severe storm was a scary event for all that felt its wrath. Feel free to share your stories and pictures in the comments section below.

For a look at another severe weather event in the Nutmeg State, check out Connecticut’s year without a summer.