Marek Kučera 
Strong IF1.5 Tornado Strikes Potëmino, Nizjnij Novgorod Region, Russia — June 7, 2025
Potëmino, Nizjnij Novgorod, Russian Federation (56.43°N, 44.31°E) — On Saturday, June 7, 2025, around 12:00 UTC (+/- 15 minutes), a powerful tornado with an intensity rating of IF1.5 touched down near Potëmino in the Nizjnij Novgorod region. The tornado caused significant damage to forests and trees, as documented by eyewitnesses and verified by photographic and video evidence.
Tornado Characteristics and Damage
The tornado was rated IF1.5 based on damage indicators related to trees and woodland areas (Damage Indicator: TSW) with a Degree of Damage of 4, indicating severe destruction. Impacts included:
- Numerous large trees uprooted or snapped
- Extensive damage and destruction within forested areas
Eyewitnesses described the tornado as small in size but extremely powerful, with reports comparing the force capable of breaking centuries-old pine trees as if they were matchsticks.
Documentation and Verification
The event was widely reported on local media and online platforms. SETINN.tv published a detailed news report on June 10, 2025, highlighting the tornado’s destructive effects in the Borsky district. The coverage included dramatic photos and video footage illustrating the scale of forest damage.
The European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL) and the European Severe Weather Database (ESWD) confirmed the tornado report with a quality control status of QC1, based on reliable photographic evidence and consistent eyewitness accounts.
Community and Environmental Impact
The tornado’s impact on the local forested environment was significant, with numerous large trees destroyed, posing potential risks to nearby communities and ecosystems. Emergency services and environmental authorities have been alerted to assess damage and plan cleanup and reforestation efforts.
Summary
| Location | Potëmino, Nizjnij Novgorod, Russian Federation (56.43°N, 44.31°E) |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | June 7, 2025, 12:00 UTC (+/- 15 minutes) |
| Tornado Intensity | IF1.5 (Moderate-Strong) |
| Damage Indicator | Trees/Forests (TSW) |
| Degree of Damage | 4 (Severe) |
| Impacts | Uprooted/snapped trees, forest damage/destruction |
| Report Status | Confirmed by reliable sources (QC1) |
| Sources | Eyewitnesses, photographs, videos, SETINN.tv |
| Contact | Thilo Kühne (ESWD/ESSL) |
Reference
- “Маленький, но очень сильный смерч, ломал вековые сосны как спички в Борском районе,” SETINN.tv, 10 June 2025
https://setinn.tv/novosti/malenkij-no-ochen-silnyj-smerch-lomal-vekovye-sosny-kak-spichki-v-borskom-rajone/
Illustration picture: https://physicsworld.com/a/new-insights-into-what-triggers-lightning/
