See what the path of Dallas’ EF-3 tornado looks like from space – The Dallas Morning News

An EF-3 tornado that struck North Texas in October created such widespread damage that its path can be seen from space.

A new image taken Dec. 6 from the International Space Station captured all of Dallas-Fort Worth, including several lakes, DFW International Airport and everything in between.

Upon zooming in, the image also shows the more than 15-mile path of the Oct. 20 tornado from northwest Dallas into Richardson.

At its widest and strongest, the tornado expanded to nearly three-quarters of a mile, with estimated wind speeds of up to 140 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The Dallas tornado topped out at EF-3 but its power ebbed and flowed during its 32-minute track. Tree damage and minor roof damage near State Highway 348 and Luna Road in northwest Dallas helped storm surveyors determine the tornados starting point.

Farther east, extensive damage to businesses and homes near Harry Hines Boulevard and Walnut Hill Lane showed signs that it had strengthened to an EF-1 and then to EF-2. More than 15 miles later, east of Arapaho and Jupiter roads in Richardson, tree damage was consistent with 70 mph winds, indicating that the tornado had weakened to an EF-0 before it dissipated.

The Insurance Council of Texas has estimated about $2 billion in insured losses as a result of 11 tornadoes across North Texas on Oct. 20, including the one in Dallas. That would mean the tornadoes are the costliest severe weather event in North Texas history, according to Camille Garcia, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Council of Texas.

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See what the path of Dallas' EF-3 tornado looks like from space - The Dallas Morning News