NWS Confirms Tornado Tore Across Thornton Gap near Luray
LURAY, Va. — The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that a tornado touched down at Thornton Gap in Shenandoah National Park during severe storms that moved through the region July 21.
In a storm survey released July 29, 2026, the NWS said the EF-0 tornado touched down near the park’s Thornton Gap entrance at about 8:45 p.m., near the intersection of Skyline Drive and U.S. 211.
The tornado had estimated peak winds of 80 mph and traveled approximately 2.3 miles, with a maximum path width of 75 yards.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
According to the NWS, numerous trees and large branches were snapped as the tornado moved from near the top of the ridgeline toward the eastern side of the mountain.
Several metal signs at the Thornton Gap entrance were also blown over.
Weather radar detected rotation and a debris signature as the storm crossed the area. The tornado dissipated in a wooded area before reaching Sperryville.
The NWS also confirmed additional tornadoes from the same evening, including one near New Market in Shenandoah County.
That tornado touched down on a farm in the 19300 block of Mechanicsville Road, where numerous trees were damaged and farm equipment, including trailers and carts, was tossed around.
The tornado continued through wooded areas and fields, uprooting and snapping trees as it moved east.
Damage was documented along Cold Spring Road, Ridge Road, New Market Depot Road and Hayneswood Lane.
Approximately 50 trees were downed along portions of Ridge Road, including one that fell onto a chicken coop.
The National Weather Service thanked local broadcast media and National Park Service personnel for assisting with damage reports used in its investigation.
