Today in Severe Weather History for August 7

On this date in 1986, a rare outbreak of at least 7 tornadoes took place in the New England area of the Northeast U.S.  A tornado had not been reported in all of Rhode Island for 15 years until a total of 3 touched down that day!


The longest track tornado, approximately 4 miles, is believed to have taken place from Cranston through Providence, where 20 people were injured and damage was widespread.  This tornado was estimated at F2 intensity and caused $2.5 million in damage (this would equate to approximately $4.5 million in today's dollars).