A National Weather Service damage survey conducted in Millard County identified a destructive thunderstorm and wind event that impacted the town of Lynndyl. The survey found evidence of straight-line winds estimated at 100 mph and significant damage caused by wind-driven hail.
According to the National Weather Service Salt Lake City, the event produced a damage swath approximately 17.42 miles long and 2 miles wide. The survey noted that 34 empty rail cars were blown over toward the east-southeast near the northwest side of Lynndyl. In the town, homes sustained damage to siding, windows, and roofs on west-facing sides due to wind-driven hail.
Vegetation was heavily impacted, as the wind-driven hail stripped trees and much of the town's vegetation of their leaves. Numerous trees were uprooted, and some were snapped. In a corn field south and east of town, wind-driven hail shredded corn stalks, laying them flat from west to east. The survey also observed sagebrush stripped of vegetation along a 2-mile wide swath near route 174, approximately 8 miles southwest of Lynndyl.
The maximum wind speed estimate of 100 mph was derived from several indicators, including uprooted and snapped hardwood trees, fallen free-standing power poles, and damage to home shingles and a structural awning. The survey team noted a divergent wind pattern on the north end of town, where trees were downed toward the northeast, while trees to the south were downed toward the east and east-southeast.
Destructive indicators included a flattened metal carport and a destroyed pole barn. The survey team identified the event as consistent with a significant microburst involving downward and outward wind patterns.
The storm resulted in one injury and no fatalities. The National Weather Service noted that the information in the statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review.
