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An EF2 tornado with winds reaching 115 miles per hour hit Erie County, Pennsylvania, on Monday, causing significant damage, particularly in Venango Township. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado's presence, which had a path length of 1.06 miles and a maximum width of 150 yards. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Seabury family, residing on Knoyle Road, experienced severe damage to their property. Elizabeth Seabury recounted how her husband, Sean, urged her to seek shelter in the basement as the tornado approached. The storm destroyed their barn, resulting in the loss of two horses. Despite the devastation, the Seaburys received overwhelming support from their community. Neighbors quickly arrived to help clear debris and offer assistance.
Jessica Curry Carlson, a neighbor, expressed her admiration for the community's response, saying, "It should have been a scene of despair but instead it was inspiring because at least 100 people were there cutting down trees, helping the horses that were still there, collecting debris." Shane Kosterman, another neighbor, also suffered damage to his barn but was thankful for the community's support.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Seabury family recover from the damages, raising over $17,000 as of Tuesday. The tornado was part of a line of thunderstorms that moved through the area, prompting a tornado warning from the National Weather Service. The storm's most organized phase occurred between 5:10 and 5:30 p.m.