A major tornado outbreak impacted the Midwest and Ohio Valley on November 17th. A powerful low pressure system across the plains states steered warmth and moisture northward for nearly two days, with dew points rising into the mid 60s. This coupled with temperatures around 70�� resulted in unseasonably strong instability for thunderstorms to develop. High wind shear and a cold front sweeping eastward made up the remaining ingredients of an environment favorable for supercells capable of long-lived significant tornadoes. Within the WFO LOT county warning area, ten tornadoes were confirmed, including three EF-2 tornadoes. As the event evolved, the system became linear with numerous reports of straight line wind damage. Behind the thunderstorms, a wake low developed with wind gusts to around 60 mph.

Tornado in BENTON, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 14:40:00 to 17-NOV-13 14:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: TEMPLETON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50000
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado heavily damaged an outbuilding with several wood projectiles from the building stuck into a nearby garage roof. Debris from the outbuilding was lofted at least three miles downstream. Another outbuilding was heavily damaged and multiple trees were blown down or snapped. Maximum winds were estimated to be 95 mph. The tornado continued into White County (NWS Northern Indiana).

Tornado in JASPER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:50:00 to 17-NOV-13 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: RENSSELAER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Multiple empty grain bins and outbuildings were destroyed across four farmsteads with large paths of debris thrown two miles downstream.  Utility poles were blown down along with dozens of trees that were snapped.  Maximum winds were estimated to 100 mph.

High Wind in PORTER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 16:00:00 to 17-NOV-13 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: C-MAN Station

Thunderstorm Wind in LAKE, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:13:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: CROWN PT
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Around a dozen tall utility poles were blown down, including several that were snapped near I-65.  Signs were blown down and a billboard was damaged.  A semi-truck was blown over on I-65.

Thunderstorm Wind in PORTER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:22:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOUTH HAVEN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree and a power line were blown onto a house.

Thunderstorm Wind in PORTER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:25:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: VALPARAISO
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

On the east side of Valparaiso, numerous power poles were snapped and trees were blown down.  County Road 600N was closed between 300E and 400E due to several high tension poles and power lines down across the road.

Thunderstorm Wind in PORTER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:34:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHESTERTON
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Large limbs and power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in JASPER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:36:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: RENSSELAER
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several grain bins were knocked down.  Trees and power lines were blown down on the east side of Rensselaer.  Roof damage occurred to several businesses and outbuildings.

Thunderstorm Wind in PORTER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:40:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: KOUTS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

On Indiana Avenue, a quarter of a roof on an apartment building was ripped off.

Tornado in NEWTON, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:27:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOODLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down in Goodland causing several large grain bins to cave in on themselves with some of the surrounding scaffolding collapsing.  This portion of the storm was consistent with high-end EF-0 damage with estimated winds to 85 mph.  The tornado continued into Jasper County around 1:29 PM CST where it further intensified to EF-1.

High Wind in LAKE, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 15:45:00 to 17-NOV-13 15:45:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Tornado in JASPER, INDIANA
From 17-NOV-13 13:29:00 to 17-NOV-13 13:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: REMINGTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This is a continuation of a tornado that touched down in Newton County at 1:27 PM CST.  The tornado mainly passed over open fields; however, near the end of the path an outbuilding was destroyed and small farm equipment moved, including one piece that was rolled into a grain storage bin.  Debris was noted as far as a mile downstream.  The highest winds were estimated to around 100 mph.