Rare tornado rips roofs in Washington state

AP Photo/The Daily News, John Markon

Workers bring roofing material to start temporary repairs on the roof of the Carl’s Towing building, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 in Longview, Wash. A rare tornado ripped down power lines and damaged property Thursday in the city of Longview in Washington state.

Associated Press

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 | 7:25 p.m.

LONGVIEW, Wash. — A rare tornado has ripped roofs off several buildings, uprooted trees and shattered windows in the southwest Washington city of Longview, but there were no reports of injuries.

Meteorologist Miles Higa says a National Weather Service storm survey team from nearby Portland, Oregon, estimates the Thursday afternoon tornado carved more than a mile-long path and packed winds of 86 to 110 mph.

Police Chief Jim Duscha tells the Daily News of Longview the full extent of damage won't be known until Friday. Crews quickly started cleaning up under sunny skies that followed the windstorm.

Tornadoes are rare in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.