Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Pennsylvania, September 27, 1993

A funnel cloud was first spotted by two police officers about 700 feet above the ground in Media. The tornado then touched down 1 mile north of the intersection of the US Route 1 bypass and Route 320. It moved northeast toward Drexel Hill and northern Springfield where apparently dissipated. The storm uprooted and twisted off several trees before tearing off part of the roof of the Marple Place apartments. The Springfield Republican Leader's home was hit hard by the tornado. More than 20 large trees (some of them were over 200 years old and more than 150 feet tall) came down in his yard, two of which crashed onto the roof of his home on Township Line road. A large tree also fell through the roof of a two story home on Spring Alley Road in Springfield causing extensive damage to the second floor. An entire row of large trees were uprooted in front of the Springfield police chief's home on Kerr Lane. Several other homes and vehicles were damaged by falling trees and blowing debris and cars were moved in the twisters path. No deaths or injuries were reported. Additionally, 40,00 customers lost power countywide.

Trees and wires were blown down in a three block area near Veree Street and Fernwood. NWS meteorologists determined that winds were straight line and not tornadic.

The tornado touched down near Neshaminy High School and moved NE through Langhorne to near Country Club in Yardley. In addition to numerous trees downed, extensive structural damage occurred as the twisted swept through the county. In one instance, the tornado ripped the roof off of an orchard warehouse on Woodbourne Road in Middletown township. The roof landed in the road over 100 feet away. One car in the parking lot was damaged. As a result of the downed utility poles and trees, 20,000 customers lost power countywide and three schools cancelled classes because of power outages. Although no injuries resulted from the tornado and associated thunderstorm, in a related incidence, a Bell of PA technician on a repair call in Eastown Township, Chester County, was killed when he came in contact with a downed power line.

A tree was uprooted and fell on a car parked along Church Road. There were no injuries. Media reports indicated that numerous trees down near the Elkins Park commuter train station, temporarily halted service on three train routes.

A minivan was hit by strong wind, lifted off the ground slightly and spun sideways as it was driven along Easton Road. Farther down the street, a flag pole was bent over and several trees were down. A NWS investigation indicated winds were straight line-- likely a downburst.

The roof of a home was blown off in Heritage Hill located at Stoney Hill Road and Heathcock. This was at first thought to be the result of another small tornado, but a NWS investigation indicated winds were straight line.