NWS calls Wash. tornado ‘significant’ EF2

(Update: NWS classifies tornado as ‘significant’ EF2)

SEATTLE (AP) – The National Weather Service says preliminary investigation shows an extremely rare tornado that touched down west of Seattle Tuesday was rated an EF2.

That means it is considered to have been a significant tornado. Estimated peak winds during the tornado were up to 130 mph.

The Weather Service surveyed the damage in Port Orchard and found homes without roofs, trees torn out of the ground and windows blown out of cars. It says significant tree and structure damage was noted along the twister’s path.

No injuries have been reported.

Kitsap County Search and Rescue workers along with search dogs worked into Tuesday night. They swept the area checking for people who may have been injured or stranded but found none.

Authorities say as many as 250 homes may have suffered damage.

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office told local media the damage was confined to neighborhoods east and south of a Walmart in Port Orchard.

The sheriff’s office says power lines were down and roads were closed in the area.