Salt Lake City residents have long been worried about the “big” earthquake that could occur at any time along the Wasatch Front. The one thing we haven’t been worried about is tornadoes. Most people figured that the Wasatch mountains protected the valley from that particular natural disaster. Unfortunately, on August 11, 1999, the unthinkable happened.
Public Domain/Wikimedia The weather was cloudy on the morning of August 11th. By 12:40 p.m., it was hailing in the south part of the Salt Lake Valley. At 1:00 p.m., many residents of Salt Lake City began reporting a funnel cloud.
National Weather Service/Public Domain The tornado traveled from the west side of Salt Lake City, headed northwest, then stopped at Memory Grove.
Scott Catron Creative Commons The Outdoor Retailers Association was preparing for its convention that day. Allen Crandy, from Las Vegas, was setting up a tent when the tornado ripped across the street. He was killed by debris. The Delta Center suffered minor exterior damage, as did several other buildings downtown.
Jill/flickr These trees in front of the Capitol building were ripped right out of the ground.
Jill/flickr The tornado passed through this salt lake resident’s front yard. The total damage of the tornado was estimated at $170 million.
Final Touch Film was capturing video for a wedding at the Salt Lake Temple when the tornado hit the downtown area. This footage shows the force of the winds and some of the damage. Luckily, the bridal party was unhurt.
Public Domain/Wikimedia
The weather was cloudy on the morning of August 11th. By 12:40 p.m., it was hailing in the south part of the Salt Lake Valley. At 1:00 p.m., many residents of Salt Lake City began reporting a funnel cloud.
National Weather Service/Public Domain
The tornado traveled from the west side of Salt Lake City, headed northwest, then stopped at Memory Grove.
Scott Catron Creative Commons
The Outdoor Retailers Association was preparing for its convention that day. Allen Crandy, from Las Vegas, was setting up a tent when the tornado ripped across the street. He was killed by debris. The Delta Center suffered minor exterior damage, as did several other buildings downtown.
Jill/flickr
These trees in front of the Capitol building were ripped right out of the ground.
The tornado passed through this salt lake resident’s front yard. The total damage of the tornado was estimated at $170 million.
Where were you on the day of the tornado?
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