Tornado in Yellowstone?

My job as an all hazards planner for public health emergencies is pretty interesting, and September is National Preparedness Month (mostly because of hurricane season).

We all know wildfires are a big concern in the park, and not only should you be careful not to start a fire, you have to be careful about spotting fires in the backcountry so you can stay safe.

But did you know you have to watch out for tornados, too? I've been in some horrific thunderstorms in Yellowstone, but I never thought about tornados at that altitude.

Click to the link for some info about a huge tornado in the park in 1987.  After that, make sure you have your own readiness kits in place for whatever threats are in your area.

http://www.ready.gov/wyoming

Wyoming

Jul 21, 1987

A 1.5 mile-wide EF4 tornado churned through Yellowstone National Park for 24 miles. Over 1 million trees were uprooted and discarded by this rare high altitude tornado, the highest ever recorded. The tornado began at roughly 7,000 feet above sea level and then climbed several thousand feet to crest at over 10,000. Despite no injuries, fatalities and limited infrastructure damage, the tornado was responsible for $2.5 million in damage.