Tornado Set Width Record in Utah Mountains

A powerful storm in Davis and Morgan counties reached a state-record width of 1.1 miles.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Severe Weather

A wide view of a forest path showing uprooted pine trees and debris across a rocky, high-altitude mountain slope under a hazy sky. — A tornado reaching a record width of 1.1 miles tracked through Utah's Davis and Morgan counties, causing extensive damage to high-elevation forest regions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A tornado tore through mountain terrain in Utah, reaching a record-breaking width of 1.1 miles. The storm carved a path of destruction through high-elevation forests without causing any injuries or deaths.

Why it matters

The event set a new benchmark for tornado size in Utah, highlighting the potential for extreme weather even in high-altitude mountain regions. The storm caused significant damage to old-growth timber, illustrating the physical force of the system.

The tornado spanned a total path of 5.93 miles and reached a maximum elevation of 9,500 feet. It remained on the ground for 16 minutes after touching down at an elevation of 6,000 feet.

The details

The storm system touched down in Bair Canyon and tracked northeast toward Middle Smith Lake and Peterson. It caused extensive damage to 100 to 200-year-old pine trees and aspen groves during its duration.

September 18, 2026: The tornado touched down at 1:44 p.m.
September 18, 2026: The storm dissipated near Peterson at 2:00 p.m.

Seasonal Patterns

This event updates the National Weather Service's historical Utah tornado track database by establishing a new state maximum for tornado width. It marks a significant outlier for high-altitude weather occurrences compared to historical averages for the region.

Residents in the area should remain aware of potential debris and unstable ground conditions in forested tracks affected by the storm. While no injuries occurred, hikers and locals should report any damaged trails to the relevant regional land management authorities.

The takeaway

This rare mountain storm serves as a reminder that severe weather can impact remote, high-altitude regions unexpectedly. Travelers and residents in elevated terrains should always monitor local weather alerts regardless of their distance from urban areas.