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{{Short description|Exceptionally strong tornado}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox weather event
{{Infobox weather event
| name = <!--1764 Woldegk tornado-->
| image = Tornado Woldegk 1764 - copperplate print.jpg
| image = Tornado Woldegk 1764 - copperplate print.jpg
| caption = A copper engraving by Gottlob Burchard Genzmer showing the tornado
| caption = A copper engraving by Gottlob Burchard Genzmer showing the tornado
Line 6: Line 7:
| formed =
| formed =
| duration = 60 minutes
| duration = 60 minutes
}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| fujita-scale = F5
| fujita-scale = F5
| torro-scale = T11
| torro-scale = T11
| largest-hail = {{convert|15|cm|in}}<ref name="ESWD"/>
| largest-hail = {{cvt|15|cm|in|0}}<ref name="ESWD"/>
| winds =
| winds = >{{convert|300|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}{{efn|The [[Fujita scale]] begins the F5 rating at {{convert|261|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, however, since the tornado was rated T11 on the [[TORRO scale]], the windspeeds must be at least {{convert|300|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} | name = winds}}
>{{cvt|300|mph|km/h|disp=flip}}{{efn|The [[Fujita scale]] begins the F5 rating at {{cvt|261|mph|km/h}}, however, since the tornado was rated T11 on the [[TORRO scale]], the wind speeds must be at least {{cvt|300|mph|-1|disp=flip}}.<ref name="300MPH"/><ref name="TORRO">{{cite web |title=The International Tornado Intensity Scale |url=https://www.torro.org.uk/research/tornadoes/tscale |publisher=[[TORRO]]|access-date=26 July 2024}}</ref>
| torro-ref = <ref>{{cite web |title=June 29, 1764 German F5/T11 Tornado |url=https://archive.org/details/june-29-1764-german-f5t11-tornado |website=European Severe Storms Laboratory |access-date=20 June 2023 |date=5 December 2022}}</ref>
}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| torro-ref = <ref>{{cite web |author1=Staff of the [[European Severe Storms Laboratory]] |title=European Severe Weather Database |url=https://eswd.eu/ |website=ESWD |publisher=[[European Severe Storms Laboratory]] |format=[[Map|Interactive map]] and [[database]] |date=2024 |access-date=2024-01-04 |archive-date=2022-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172917/https://eswd.eu/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| deaths = 1
| deaths = 1
| injuries = 3
| injuries = 3
| affected = around [[Woldegk]], [[Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz]], [[Holy Roman Empire]] (now [[Germany]])
| affected = around [[Woldegk]], [[Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz]], [[Holy Roman Empire]] (now [[Germany]])
}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}
{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}
The '''1764 Woldegk tornado''' was one of the strongest tornadoes ever documented in history, receiving the unique T11 rating on the [[TORRO scale]] along with an F5 rating on the [[Fujita scale]] and had winds estimated to be more than {{convert|300|mph|km/h}}.<ref name="ESWD">{{cite web |title=June 29, 1764 German F5/T11 Tornado |url=https://eswd.eu/ |website=European Severe Weather Database |publisher=European Severe Storms Laboratory |access-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205161334/https://eswd.eu/ |archive-date=5 December 2022 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ESSL Paper">{{cite journal |author1=Bernold Feuerstein |author2=Thilo Kühne |title=A violent tornado in mid-18th century Germany: the Genzmer Report |journal=ECSS 2015 - European Conference on Severe Storms at: Wiener Neustadt, Austria |date=September 2015 |volume=8 |doi=10.13140/RG.2.1.3733.8085 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281862975 |access-date=28 January 2023 |publisher=European Severe Storms Laboratory}}</ref> The tornado traveled {{convert|30|km|mi}} and reached a maximum width of {{convert|900|m|yd}}. Most of the information known about this tornado came from a 77-paragraph detailed study by German scientist [[Gottlob Burchard Genzmer]], which was published one year after the tornado occurred.<ref name="Genzmer">{{cite web | url = http://www.tordach.org/pdf/Genzmer1765.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051031062455/http://www.tordach.org/pdf/Genzmer1765.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = October 31, 2005 | title = Beschreibung des Orcans, welcher den 29. Jun. 1764 einen Strich von etlichen Meilen im Stargardischen Kreise des Herzogthums Mecklenburg gewaltig verwüstet hat | author = Gottlob Burchard Genzmer | date = June 9, 2005 | access-date = June 25, 2013 | language = de }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Strüber |first1=Henning |title=Der Jahrtausendtornado von Woldegk vom 29. Juni 1764 |url=https://www.ndr.de/geschichte/schauplaetze/Der-Jahrtausendtornado-von-Woldegk-vom-29-Juni-1764,tornado236.html |publisher=Norddeutscher Rundfunk |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref> The tornado completely destroyed several structures and several tree branches were believed to have been thrown into the atmosphere. Many areas were covered with up to {{convert|2|cm|in}} of ice.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> The storm which produced the violent tornado was [[Dry thunderstorm|dry]], with almost no rain reported. Large hail, reportedly reaching {{convert|15|cm|in}} in diameter covered the ground, caused significant crop and property damage, killed dozens of animals, and injured multiple people in a large stretch around the tornado and to the northwest of the tornado's path.<ref name="Genzmer"/><ref name="ESWD"/>


The '''1764 Woldegk tornado''' on June 29, 1764, was one of the strongest tornadoes ever documented in history, receiving the unique T11 rating on the [[TORRO scale]] along with an F5 rating on the [[Fujita scale]] and had winds estimated to be more than {{convert|300|mph|disp=flip}}.<ref name="ESWD">{{cite web |author1=Staff of the [[European Severe Storms Laboratory]] |title=European Severe Weather Database |url=https://eswd.eu/ |website=ESWD |publisher=[[European Severe Storms Laboratory]] |format=[[Map|Interactive map]] and [[database]] |date=2024 |access-date=2024-01-04 |archive-date=2022-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172917/https://eswd.eu/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ESSL Paper">{{cite journal |author1=Bernold Feuerstein |author2=Thilo Kühne |title=A violent tornado in mid-18th century Germany: the Genzmer Report |journal=ECSS 2015 European Conference on Severe Storms at: Wiener Neustadt, Austria |date=September 2015 |volume=8 |doi=10.13140/RG.2.1.3733.8085 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281862975 |access-date=28 January 2023 |publisher=European Severe Storms Laboratory}}</ref><ref name="300MPH">{{cite conference |last1=Feuerstein |first1=Bernold |last2=Dirksen |first2=Erik |last3=Dotzek |first3=Nikolai |last4=Groenemeijer |first4=Pieter |last5=Holzer |first5=Alois |last6=Hubrig |first6=Martin |last7=Rauch |first7=Ernst |title=An illustrated verbal description of the Torro- and Fujita-scales adapted for central Europe considering building structure and vegetation characteristics |url=https://www.essl.org/ECSS/2009/preprints/P11-06-feuerstein.pdf |publisher=[[European Severe Storms Laboratory]] |conference=5th European Conference on Severe Storms |access-date=26 July 2024 |date=15 September 2009}}</ref> The tornado traveled {{convert|30|km|mi}} and reached a maximum width of {{convert|900|m|yd}}. Most of the information known about this tornado came from a detailed 77-paragraph study by German scientist [[Gottlob Burchard Genzmer]], which was published one year after the tornado occurred.<ref name="Genzmer">{{cite web |url=http://www.tordach.org/pdf/Genzmer1765.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051031062455/http://www.tordach.org/pdf/Genzmer1765.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 31, 2005 |title=Beschreibung des Orcans, welcher den 29. Jun. 1764 einen Strich von etlichen Meilen im Stargardischen Kreise des Herzogthums Mecklenburg gewaltig verwüstet hat |author=Gottlob Burchard Genzmer |date=June 9, 2005 |access-date=June 25, 2013 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Strüber |first1=von Henning |title=Der Jahrtausendtornado von Woldegk vom 29. Juni 1764 |url=https://www.ndr.de/geschichte/schauplaetze/Der-Jahrtausendtornado-von-Woldegk-vom-29-Juni-1764,tornado236.html |website=NDR |publisher=[[Norddeutscher Rundfunk]] |access-date=26 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726032243/https://www.ndr.de/geschichte/schauplaetze/Der-Jahrtausendtornado-von-Woldegk-vom-29-Juni-1764,tornado236.html |archive-date=26 July 2024 |date=28 June 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The tornado completely destroyed several structures, and several tree branches reportedly thrown into the atmosphere. Many areas were covered with up to {{convert|2|cm|in|1}} of ice.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> The storm which produced the violent tornado was [[Dry thunderstorm|dry]], with almost no rain reported. Large hail, reportedly reaching {{convert|15|cm|in|0}} in diameter covered the ground. The hail caused significant crop and property damage, killed dozens of animals, and injured multiple people in a large stretch around the tornado and to the northwest of the tornado's path.
==Tornado summary==
The tornado touched down at F2 intensity about {{convert|1.5|km|mi}} southwest of [[Feldberger Seenlandschaft|Feldberg]], and uprooted oak trees and [[Beech|beech trees]]. The tornado escalated into F2–F3 intensity as it threw two children, who survived, into a lake. Several geese were "smashed" by hail around this time as well and the tornado grew to a width of about {{convert|100|m|yd}}.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> Continuing northeast, the tornado crossed a lake and was spotted by an eyewitness, who described it as a "wedge tornado". The eyewitness also mentioned that the lake's water level rose in what was likely a [[seiche]] and then retreated around the time of the tornado.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> After crossing the lake, the tornado struck a home where the roof was blown away and the walls were blown down. This is where the only fatality from the tornado occurred.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/>


==Tornado summary==
The tornado shifted east-northeast as it narrowed to a width of {{convert|45|m|yd}}. As the tornado reached its smallest width, still maintaining F3 intensity, a possible twin or satellite waterspout merged with the tornado along the shore of Lake Luzin.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> Immediately after the merge, the tornado changed direction to almost due north and intensified to F3–F4 intensity as it completely destroyed a beech timber forest.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> After destroying the forest, the tornado reached a width of {{convert|225|m|yd}}, snapped and uprooted several solitary oak trees, throwing them {{convert|35|m|yd}} into the air.<ref name="ESSL Paper" /> ''Soil drifting'', known today as ''ground scouring'', occurred at this time. Crops, grass and {{convert|10|cm|in}} of topsoil were removed.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> After scouring the ground, the tornado turned northeast, where it completely destroyed Lichtenberg Forest. The [[European Severe Storms Laboratory]] noted this damage was worse than the previous forestry damage.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/>
The tornado touched down at F2 intensity about {{convert|1.5|km|mi|1}} southwest of [[Feldberger Seenlandschaft|Feldberg]], and began uprooting oak and [[Beech|beech trees]]. It escalated into F2–F3 intensity, throwing two children, who survived, into a lake. Around this time, several geese were "smashed" by hail, and the tornado grew to a width of about {{convert|100|m|yd}}. Continuing northeast, the tornado crossed a lake and was spotted by a person, who described it as a "wedge tornado". The witness said the lake's water rose and then retreated around the time of the tornado. After crossing the lake, the tornado blew the roof and walls off a home. This is where the only fatality from the tornado occurred.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/>


[[File:Tornado Woldegk 1764 - contemporary illustration of damages - processed.jpg|thumb|left|A copper plate by Genzmer showing various types of forestry damage caused by the tornado]]
[[File:Tornado Woldegk 1764 - contemporary illustration of damages - processed.jpg|thumb|left|A copper plate by Genzmer showing various types of forestry damage caused by the tornado]]
The tornado increased in severity as it debarked an oak tree at F4 intensity. Shortly after debarking the tree, the tornado reached its peak intensity. A mansion with an adjacent dairy farm was completely wiped out except the mansion's ground floor. Oak tree stubs were ripped out of the ground and cobblestones weighing {{convert|75|kg|lbs}} were thrown.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/><ref name="ESWD"/> The [[European Severe Storms Laboratory]] stated the incredible damage at the mansion warranted the rating of F5/T11 with estimated windspeeds of at least {{convert|300|mph|km/h}}.<ref name="ESWD"/><ref name="ESSL Paper"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Tornado de Woldegk de 1764: el más fuerte de la historia |date=20 May 2023 |url=https://www.vistaalmar.es/medio-ambiente/fenomenos-naturales/12084-tornado-woldegk-1764-mas-fuerte-historia |publisher=Vista al Mar |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> An eyewitness who saw the tornado at this time stated the experience as being "surrounded by birds trapped in the vortex".<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> After destroying the mansion, the tornado quickly weakened to F1 and left a {{convert|500|m|yd|adj=on}} wide path of light damage in a forest.


The tornado shifted east-northeast and narrowed to a width of {{convert|45|m|yd}}. As it reached its smallest width, still maintaining F3 intensity, a possible twin or satellite waterspout merged with it along the shore of Lake Luzin. Immediately after, the tornado changed direction to almost due north and intensified to F3–F4 intensity as it destroyed a beech timber forest. It then widened to {{convert|225|m|yd}}, snapped and uprooted several solitary oak trees, throwing them {{convert|35|m|yd}} into the air. ''Soil drifting'', known today as ''ground scouring'', occurred at this time. Crops, grass and {{convert|10|cm|in|0}} of topsoil were removed. The tornado then turned northeast, where it destroyed Lichtenberg Forest.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/>
The tornado then rapidly intensified again as it struck Rothe Kirche. Here, an old oak tree was uprooted, which lifted a skeleton out of a grave at F3 intensity.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> Around this time, the tornado reached its maximum width of {{convert|900|m|yd}} as it caused severe damage to an oak and beech tree forest. The tornado then continued northeast, passing just west of [[Woldegk]], where it damaged a mansion, tore apart two barns, and overturned seven dung carts at F2–F3 intensity. Further to the northeast, the tornado struck an airborne flock of geese, killing some and injuring 60{{en dash}}100 geese.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> Isolated tree damage was seen around this time as well. The tornado then struck [[Helpt]] at F2 intensity, where a mansion and another structure sustained roof damage, as well as the upper floor being removed from a gatehouse. After striking Helpt, the tornado dissipated.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/>

{{clear}}
The tornado intensified, tearing the bark from an oak tree at F4 intensity and soon after reached its peak intensity. A mansion with an adjacent dairy farm was destroyed except for the ground floor. Oak tree stubs were ripped out of the ground, and cobblestones weighing {{convert|75|kg|lbs}} were thrown.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> The European Severe Storms Laboratory said damage at the mansion warranted a rating of F5/T11 with estimated windspeeds of at least {{cvt|300|mph|-1|disp=flip}}.<ref name="ESWD"/><ref name="ESSL Paper"/><ref name="300MPH"/> A witness described the experience as being "surrounded by birds trapped in the vortex".<ref name="ESSL Paper"/> After destroying the mansion, the tornado quickly weakened to F1 and left a {{convert|500|m|yd|adj=on}} wide path of light damage in a forest.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/>

The tornado soon intensified again as it struck Rothe Kirche and uprooted an old oak tree, which lifted a skeleton out of a grave at F3 intensity. Around this time, the tornado reached its maximum width of {{convert|900|m|yd}} and caused severe damage to an oak and beech forest. The tornado then continued northeast, passing just west of [[Woldegk]], near the settlement of Canzow, where it damaged a mansion, tore apart two barns, and overturned seven dung carts at F2–F3 intensity. Further to the northeast, the tornado caught a flock of geese in flight, killing some and injuring between 60 and 100 geese. Isolated tree damage was seen around this time as well. The tornado then struck [[Helpt]] at F2 intensity, where a mansion and another structure sustained roof damage, as well as the upper floor being removed from a gatehouse. After striking Helpt, the tornado dissipated.<ref name="ESSL Paper"/>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of F5 and EF5 tornadoes]]
* [[List of F5 and EF5 tornadoes]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
{{Notelist}}


==External links==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
* {{YouTube|k_QUJ_gBOCk|“A Tornado Raised The Dead!!!”}}

{{F5 and EF5 tornadoes}}
{{F5 and EF5 tornadoes}}


[[Category:1764 meteorology]]
[[Category:F5 tornadoes]]
[[Category:F5 tornadoes]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Europe]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Europe]]
[[Category:Weather events in Germany]]
[[Category:Weather events in Germany]]
[[Category:1764 meteorology]]

Latest revision as of 00:01, 27 July 2024

1764 Woldegk tornado
A copper engraving by Gottlob Burchard Genzmer showing the tornado
Meteorological history
Date29 June 1764
Duration60 minutes
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
T11 tornado
on the TORRO scale
Highest winds>480 km/h (300 mph)[a]
Largest hail15 cm (6 in)[3]
Overall effects
Fatalities1
Injuries3
Areas affectedaround Woldegk, Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Holy Roman Empire (now Germany)

The 1764 Woldegk tornado on June 29, 1764, was one of the strongest tornadoes ever documented in history, receiving the unique T11 rating on the TORRO scale along with an F5 rating on the Fujita scale and had winds estimated to be more than 480 kilometres per hour (300 mph).[3][4][1] The tornado traveled 30 kilometres (19 mi) and reached a maximum width of 900 metres (980 yd). Most of the information known about this tornado came from a detailed 77-paragraph study by German scientist Gottlob Burchard Genzmer, which was published one year after the tornado occurred.[5][6] The tornado completely destroyed several structures, and several tree branches reportedly thrown into the atmosphere. Many areas were covered with up to 2 centimetres (0.8 in) of ice.[4] The storm which produced the violent tornado was dry, with almost no rain reported. Large hail, reportedly reaching 15 centimetres (6 in) in diameter covered the ground. The hail caused significant crop and property damage, killed dozens of animals, and injured multiple people in a large stretch around the tornado and to the northwest of the tornado's path.

Tornado summary

[edit]

The tornado touched down at F2 intensity about 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) southwest of Feldberg, and began uprooting oak and beech trees. It escalated into F2–F3 intensity, throwing two children, who survived, into a lake. Around this time, several geese were "smashed" by hail, and the tornado grew to a width of about 100 metres (110 yd). Continuing northeast, the tornado crossed a lake and was spotted by a person, who described it as a "wedge tornado". The witness said the lake's water rose and then retreated around the time of the tornado. After crossing the lake, the tornado blew the roof and walls off a home. This is where the only fatality from the tornado occurred.[4]

A copper plate by Genzmer showing various types of forestry damage caused by the tornado

The tornado shifted east-northeast and narrowed to a width of 45 metres (49 yd). As it reached its smallest width, still maintaining F3 intensity, a possible twin or satellite waterspout merged with it along the shore of Lake Luzin. Immediately after, the tornado changed direction to almost due north and intensified to F3–F4 intensity as it destroyed a beech timber forest. It then widened to 225 metres (246 yd), snapped and uprooted several solitary oak trees, throwing them 35 metres (38 yd) into the air. Soil drifting, known today as ground scouring, occurred at this time. Crops, grass and 10 centimetres (4 in) of topsoil were removed. The tornado then turned northeast, where it destroyed Lichtenberg Forest.[4]

The tornado intensified, tearing the bark from an oak tree at F4 intensity and soon after reached its peak intensity. A mansion with an adjacent dairy farm was destroyed except for the ground floor. Oak tree stubs were ripped out of the ground, and cobblestones weighing 75 kilograms (165 lb) were thrown.[4] The European Severe Storms Laboratory said damage at the mansion warranted a rating of F5/T11 with estimated windspeeds of at least 480 km/h (300 mph).[3][4][1] A witness described the experience as being "surrounded by birds trapped in the vortex".[4] After destroying the mansion, the tornado quickly weakened to F1 and left a 500-metre (550 yd) wide path of light damage in a forest.[4]

The tornado soon intensified again as it struck Rothe Kirche and uprooted an old oak tree, which lifted a skeleton out of a grave at F3 intensity. Around this time, the tornado reached its maximum width of 900 metres (980 yd) and caused severe damage to an oak and beech forest. The tornado then continued northeast, passing just west of Woldegk, near the settlement of Canzow, where it damaged a mansion, tore apart two barns, and overturned seven dung carts at F2–F3 intensity. Further to the northeast, the tornado caught a flock of geese in flight, killing some and injuring between 60 and 100 geese. Isolated tree damage was seen around this time as well. The tornado then struck Helpt at F2 intensity, where a mansion and another structure sustained roof damage, as well as the upper floor being removed from a gatehouse. After striking Helpt, the tornado dissipated.[4]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The Fujita scale begins the F5 rating at 261 mph (420 km/h), however, since the tornado was rated T11 on the TORRO scale, the wind speeds must be at least 480 km/h (300 mph).[1][2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Feuerstein, Bernold; Dirksen, Erik; Dotzek, Nikolai; Groenemeijer, Pieter; Holzer, Alois; Hubrig, Martin; Rauch, Ernst (15 September 2009). An illustrated verbal description of the Torro- and Fujita-scales adapted for central Europe considering building structure and vegetation characteristics (PDF). 5th European Conference on Severe Storms. European Severe Storms Laboratory. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  2. ^ "The International Tornado Intensity Scale". TORRO. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Staff of the European Severe Storms Laboratory (2024). "European Severe Weather Database" (Interactive map and database). ESWD. European Severe Storms Laboratory. Archived from the original on 2022-09-20. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Bernold Feuerstein; Thilo Kühne (September 2015). "A violent tornado in mid-18th century Germany: the Genzmer Report". ECSS 2015 – European Conference on Severe Storms at: Wiener Neustadt, Austria. 8. European Severe Storms Laboratory. doi:10.13140/RG.2.1.3733.8085. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  5. ^ Gottlob Burchard Genzmer (June 9, 2005). "Beschreibung des Orcans, welcher den 29. Jun. 1764 einen Strich von etlichen Meilen im Stargardischen Kreise des Herzogthums Mecklenburg gewaltig verwüstet hat" (PDF) (in German). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 31, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  6. ^ Strüber, von Henning (28 June 2014). "Der Jahrtausendtornado von Woldegk vom 29. Juni 1764". NDR. Norddeutscher Rundfunk. Archived from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.