Tornado outbreak of April 2–3, 1956
![]() F5 tornado damage in Standale, Michigan, on April 3 | |
Tornado outbreak | |
---|---|
Tornadoes | 55 |
Maximum rating | F5 tornado |
Duration | April 2–3, 1956 |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 39 |
Injuries | 790 |
Damage | ≥ $8,035,530 ($90,050,000 in 2024 USD) |
Areas affected | Central United States |
Part of the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1956 |
From April 2–3, 1956, a large, deadly tornado outbreak affected the Great Plains, parts of the South, and the upper Midwest in the contiguous United States, especially the Great Lakes region. The outbreak produced at least 55 tornadoes, including an F5 that devastated the Grand Rapids metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Michigan on April 3. It was one of three tornadoes to move across southwest Lower Michigan on that day. A fourth tornado struck north of the Manistee area, in the northern part of the peninsula. The Hudsonville–Standale tornado killed 18 and injured 333. It remains the fourth deadliest tornado on record in Michigan and is the most recent F5 on record there. Several other deadly, intense, long-tracked tornadoes also occurred during the outbreak. In addition to the fatalities in Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan and Berlin, Wisconsin, three people were killed in Tennessee, one person in Kentucky and two more people in Wisconsin. In total, 39 were killed during the entire event.[nb 1]
Background
Tuesday, April 3, 1956, was a warm and humid day across most of the Midwestern U.S., the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley. Temperatures in the areas affected by the worst of the outbreak were well into the 70s °F, approaching 80 °F (27 °C) in Michigan, with anomalously high dew points—the latter exceeding 60 °F (16 °C) near the shoreline of Lake Michigan. A potent low-pressure area accompanied an intense mid-latitude cyclone with a pronounced dry line located near the western Great Lakes. An attendant warm front extended eastward over Wisconsin, a vigorous cold front southward through Illinois. In tandem with the advancing trough, a strong jet stream with winds up to 135 kn (155 mph; 250 km/h) extended over Little Rock, Arkansas, and impinged on the Upper Midwest. Prior to the arrival of the storms in the region, schools had closed earlier than usual due to the threat of severe weather. By late afternoon, the cold front crossed over the western Great Lakes including Lake Michigan.[2]
Outbreak statistics
Date[nb 2] | Total | F-scale rating[nb 3] | Deaths | Injuries | Damage[nb 4] | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | |||||
April 2 | 20 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 144 | ≥ $1,657,530 |
April 3 | 35 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 32 | 646 | $6,378,000 |
Total | 55 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 25 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 39 | 790 | ≥ $8,035,530 |
Confirmed tornadoes
FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 4 | 6 | 25 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 55* |
Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of NEXRAD Doppler weather radar in 1990–1991.[10][nb 5] 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of Fujita scale assessments.[14][nb 3] Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.
- In addition to confirmed tornadoes, a funnel cloud near Jenera, Ohio, was officially but incorrectly listed as a tornado.[15][16]
Color / symbol | Description |
---|---|
† | Data from Grazulis 1990/1993/2001b |
¶ | Data from a local National Weather Service office |
※ | Data from the 1956 Climatological Data National Summary publication |
‡ | Data from the NCEI database |
♯ | Maximum width of tornado |
± | Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable. |
F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord.[nb 6] | Date[nb 2] | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width[nb 7] | Damage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F1 | SE of Allendale | Worth | Missouri | 40°26′N 94°15′W / 40.43°N 94.25°W / 40.43; -94.25 (Allendale (April 2, F1)) | April 2 | 07:00–? | 3 mi (4.8 km)※ | 30 yd (27 m) | $2,500‡ |
A tornado intermittently damaged outbuildings on three farms.[20][21] | |||||||||
F1 | Wilmette | Cook | Illinois | 42°04′N 87°44′W / 42.07°N 87.73°W / 42.07; -87.73 (Wilmette (April 2, F1)) | April 2 | 07:30–? | 2 mi (3.2 km) | 10 yd (9.1 m) | $250,000‡ |
A small, short-lived tornado generated minor damage.[20][22] | |||||||||
F1 | Owasso | Tulsa | Oklahoma | 36°16′N 95°50′W / 36.27°N 95.83°W / 36.27; -95.83 (Owasso (April 2, F1)) | April 2 | 16:30–? | 0.25 mi (0.40 km)※ | 33 yd (30 m) | Unknown |
A few outbuildings were destroyed in a brief touchdown over remote areas.[20][23] | |||||||||
F0 | NW of Pawnee Rock | Barton | Kansas | 38°17′N 99°00′W / 38.28°N 99.00°W / 38.28; -99.00 (Pawnee Rock (April 2, F0)) | April 2 | 00:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | Unknown |
A farm was damaged.[24][25] | |||||||||
F2† | NW of Ellinwood to E of Claflin to NE of Holyrood† | Barton, Ellsworth† | Kansas | 38°21′N 98°34′W / 38.35°N 98.57°W / 38.35; -98.57 (Elinwood (April 2, F2)) | April 2 | 00:30†–? | 30 mi (48 km)† | 50 yd (46 m)† | ≥$30,000† |
This long-tracked tornado family first produced F1-level damage to hangars and aircraft at the Ellinwood airport. It then damaged drilling rigs, small homes, and utility lines in and near an oil camp on K-4. In southern Holyrood the tornado shifted five homes on their foundations, and a gym and bleachers were wrecked. One person was injured.[26][27][28][29][30][24] | |||||||||
F3 | Hopeton to W of Burlington※ | Woods, Alfalfa | Oklahoma | 36°41′N 98°40′W / 36.68°N 98.67°W / 36.68; -98.67 (Hopeton (April 2, F3)) | April 2 | 01:05–? | 20 mi (32 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $250,000† |
This tornado damaged or destroyed 30 buildings, including 20 homes, and a grain elevator. Three people were injured.[26][31][32][33] | |||||||||
F0 | WNW of Attica | Harper | Kansas | 37°15′N 98°15′W / 37.25°N 98.25°W / 37.25; -98.25 (Attica (April 2, F0)) | April 2 | 01:10–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | Unknown |
Trees were felled and structures shifted on their foundations.[34][33] | |||||||||
F0 | N of Hunter | Mitchell | Kansas | 39°16′N 98°24′W / 39.27°N 98.40°W / 39.27; -98.40 (Hunter (April 2, F0)) | April 2 | 01:30–? | 3 mi (4.8 km)※ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | Unknown |
A tornado damaged agricultural outbuildings and transmission lines.[35][36][33] | |||||||||
F3† | W of Kremlin to S of Medford† | Garfield, Grant | Oklahoma | 36°33′N 97°51′W / 36.55°N 97.85°W / 36.55; -97.85 (Kremlin (April 2, F3)) | April 2 | 01:45–? | 18 mi (29 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m) | $100,000† |
Eight farmsteads were impacted, a few of which incurred borderline-F4 damage. A home near the end of the path was wrecked as well. Three head of cattle perished in a collapsed barn. Four injuries were confirmed.[26][37][38][33] | |||||||||
F2± | N of Billings | Kay | Oklahoma | 36°39′N 97°27′W / 36.65°N 97.45°W / 36.65; -97.45 (Billings (April 2, F2)) | April 2 | 02:45–? | 4 mi (6.4 km)※ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $30‡ |
Every building on a farm was wrecked except for the farmhouse. Chickens were killed, and agricultural machinery was also destroyed.[39][33] | |||||||||
F1 | Northern Tishomingo | Johnston | Oklahoma | 34°15′N 96°40′W / 34.25°N 96.67°W / 34.25; -96.67 (Tishomingo (April 2, F1)) | April 2 | 03:29–? | 8 mi (13 km) | 25 yd (0.023 km)※ | $2,500‡ |
Many outbuildings, a metal fence, and a concession stand at a drive-in theater were destroyed. Posts at the theater were broken off as well.[40][33] | |||||||||
F3† | E of Skedee to E of Fairfax‡ | Pawnee, Osage | Oklahoma | 36°23′N 96°42′W / 36.38°N 96.70°W / 36.38; -96.70 (Skedee, (April 2, F3)) | April 2 | 03:30–? | 10 mi (16 km)† | 100 yd (91 m) | $20,000† |
This tornado destroyed a home and unroofed a pair of others. Barns were leveled, outbuildings damaged, and livestock killed as well. One injury occurred.[26][41][42][33] | |||||||||
F4 | ENE of Kildare (OK) to NW of Howard (KS)† | Kay (OK), Cowley (KS), Chautauqua (KS), Elk (KS) | Oklahoma, Kansas | 36°49′N 96°58′W / 36.82°N 96.97°W / 36.82; -96.97 (Kildare (April 2, F4)) | April 2 | 03:30–04:10 | 60 mi (97 km)† | 800 yd (730 m)† | Unknown |
This was the first member of a long-lived, violent tornado family and likely consisted of multiple tornadoes. Near Hardy several funnel clouds were seen to form a single large tornado. In this area, just south of the Oklahoma–Kansas state line, a home incurred near-F5-level damage, and numerous trees nearby were entirely stripped of their bark. Several outbuildings were wrecked as well, debris strewn over a large area, and a horse and six cattle killed. Only a few people were injured before the tornado entered Kansas. In the latter state F4 damage was reported south of Grenola. Along the entire path 25 people were injured.[43][26][44][45][46][47][48] | |||||||||
F2† | Between Elbing and Whitewater to ENE of Florence† | Butler, Marion | Kansas | 37°58′N 97°08′W / 37.97°N 97.13°W / 37.97; -97.13 (Whitewater (April 2, F2)) | April 2 | 03:30–? | 16 mi (26 km)† | Unknown | Unknown |
Many sheds and barns were destroyed, debris of which was carried for miles. A 90-pound (41 kg) stone penetrated the roof of a home. One injury was reported.[26][49][50][51][52] | |||||||||
F4† | Jacktown to Davenport† to Drumright※ | Lincoln, Creek | Oklahoma | 35°30′N 97°00′W / 35.50°N 97.00°W / 35.50; -97.00 (Jacktown (April 2, F4)) | April 2 | 03:33–? | 50 mi (80 km)† | 300 yd (270 m) | $1,000,000† |
5 deaths – A long-tracked, violent tornado began east of Fowler. Eight injuries occurred in Davenport. The tornado passed west of Stroud and continued into Drumright. In Drumright, 63 homes were destroyed and 203 damaged, with five deaths, four of which were in one family. A church and numerous rural farms were destroyed as well. In all, 98 people were injured.[26][53][54][55][56][48] | |||||||||
F2† | Near Cedar Point† | Chase | Kansas | Unknown | April 2 | 03:50–?† | 6 mi (9.7 km)† | Unknown | Unknown |
A barn was unroofed and a home wrecked. This is believed to be the first member of a long-tracked family, with five or more tornadoes along the same path, all spawned from the same supercell.[26][57] | |||||||||
F2† | W of Strong City (1st tornado)† | Chase | Kansas | 38°23′N 96°33′W / 38.38°N 96.55°W / 38.38; -96.55 (Strong City #1 (April 2, F2))‡ | April 2 | 04:40–?† | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
An automobile was tossed 250 ft (83 yd) and its driver injured.[26][58][57] | |||||||||
F2† | W of Strong City (2nd tornado) to N of Dover† | Chase, Lyon, Wabaunsee, Osage, Shawnee† | Kansas | Unknown | April 2 | 04:40–05:30※ | 55 mi (89 km)† | Unknown | Unknown |
This was possibly a family of several tornadoes or a multiple-vortex event. As the tornado crossed Lake Kahola, 16 lakefront summer houses were wrecked. A number of trailers were turned onto their sides as well. Six people were injured, among them a boy near Bushong who was blown through a window and whose leg was injured, along with four men at a quarry near Eskridge.[26][59][60][57] | |||||||||
F2± | SE of Auburn | Nemaha | Nebraska | 40°22′N 95°50′W / 40.37°N 95.83°W / 40.37; -95.83 (Auburn (April 2, F2)) | April 2 | 04:45–? | 3 mi (4.8 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m) | $2,500‡ |
A garage was destroyed.[61][52] | |||||||||
F4† | SW of Toronto to SE of Gridley | Greenwood, Woodson, Coffey | Kansas | 37°36′N 96°08′W / 37.60°N 96.13°W / 37.60; -96.13 (Toronto (April 2, F4)) | April 2 | 04:58–?※ | 23 mi (37 km)† | 400 yd (370 m)† | Unknown |
2 deaths – This was likely a family of tornadoes. A trailer and a seven-room house were leveled. One of the dead was reportedly found more than 1 mi (1.6 km) away. Four injuries were reported.[26][62][63][64][65][52] | |||||||||
FU※ | E of Harveyville to southwestern Topeka | Osage, Shawnee | Kansas | Unknown | April 3 | 05:30–05:47 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
This tornado passed west of Auburn and through the Seabrook section of Topeka. In Seabrook, the tornado broke glass, blew out bricks, and damaged television antennae and trees. Crops were impacted as well.[57] | |||||||||
F3† | Near Meriden to NW of Nortonville† | Jefferson, Atchison | Kansas | 39°21′N 95°28′W / 39.35°N 95.47°W / 39.35; -95.47 (Meriden (April 3, F3)) | April 3 | 05:55–?† | 20 mi (32 km)† | 300 yd (270 m)† | ≥$250,000† |
This was the last member of a 150-mile-long (240 km) tornado family. Several farmhouses were wrecked and 19 cattle were killed in a barn. Two people were injured.[26][66][57] | |||||||||
F2† | Sobol※ | Pushmataha | Oklahoma | 34°09′N 95°13′W / 34.15°N 95.22°W / 34.15; -95.22 (Sobol (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 06:05–? | 2 mi (3.2 km) | 100 yd (91 m) | $20,000† |
An entire farmstead was wrecked and a school, house, and various outbuildings damaged. Three injuries were reported.[26][67][68] | |||||||||
F4 | SW of Narcissa (OK) to SE of Carterville (MO)‡ | Ottawa (OK), Cherokee (KS), Jasper (MO) | Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri | 36°46′N 94°58′W / 36.77°N 94.97°W / 36.77; -94.97 (Narcissa (April 3, F4)) | April 3 | 06:10–? | 40 mi (64 km)† | 800 yd (730 m)† | $725,000† |
This violent, long-tracked tornado affected the Joplin, Missouri, metropolitan area. A home sustained F4 damage in the Quapaw–Miami area, its debris being dispersed 500 ft (170 yd). 61 homes were destroyed or damaged in this area. The tornado then crossed the Oklahoma–Kansas state line into Baxter Springs, destroying or damaging 27 homes, along with a grandstand at a baseball field, and felling trees. The tornado crossed into Missouri west of Joplin and passed through Webb City, damaging 30 homes and several businesses. In all, 54 people were injured.[43][26][69][70][71][72][73] | |||||||||
F2† | S of Noel to Pineville‡ | McDonald | Missouri | 36°30′N 94°29′W / 36.50°N 94.48°W / 36.50; -94.48 (Noel (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 06:30–? | 8 mi (13 km)† | 35 yd (32 m)† | $25,000‡ |
Five barns were wrecked and roofing of homes damaged. One person was injured.[26][74][75] | |||||||||
F2 | NE of Highland† | Iowa | Wisconsin | 43°06′N 90°15′W / 43.10°N 90.25°W / 43.10; -90.25 (Highland (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 17:00–? | 4 mi (6.4 km)※ | 200 yd (180 m) | $100,000† |
A tornado leveled a pair of barns, one of which had its CBU foundation dislodged.[76][77][75] | |||||||||
F2± | Thebes※ | Ashley | Arkansas | 33°18′N 91°35′W / 33.30°N 91.58°W / 33.30; -91.58 (Thebes (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 18:25–? | 2 mi (3.2 km)※ | 200 yd (180 m)※ | $2,500‡ |
Several sheds and a barn were destroyed. A home sustained damage as well.[78][75] | |||||||||
F3† | Western Bancroft to NW of Amherst† | Portage | Wisconsin | 44°15′N 89°31′W / 44.25°N 89.52°W / 44.25; -89.52 (Bancroft (April 3, F3)) | April 3 | 18:50–? | 18 mi (29 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m) | $180,000† |
2 deaths – Various outbuildings and barns were destroyed at eight different locations. The deaths occurred separately in homes that were destroyed. Seven injuries were reported.[76][79][75] | |||||||||
F2 | SSW of Lake Village† | Chicot | Arkansas | 33°15′N 91°26′W / 33.25°N 91.43°W / 33.25; -91.43 (Lake Village (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 19:00–? | 1 mi (1.6 km) | 20 yd (18 m) | $20,000† |
A pair of homes were destroyed and another pair damaged. Sheds and barns were wrecked as well.[76][80][75] | |||||||||
F4 | SSW of Berlin to northwestern Omro‡ | Green Lake, Waushara‡, Winnebago※ | Wisconsin | 43°59′N 88°56′W / 43.98°N 88.93°W / 43.98; -88.93 (Berlin (April 3, F4)) | April 3 | 19:30†–20:05※ | 12 mi (19 km)※ | 400 yd (370 m)※ | $1,000,000† |
7 deaths – 20 or more homes and a factory were destroyed; many of the homes were leveled, sustaining F4 damage. Lightweight items from Berlin were found up to 75 mi (121 km) away. 50 injuries were confirmed.[81][76][82][83][84] | |||||||||
F2† | E of Ogdensburg to near Symco | Waupaca | Wisconsin | Unknown | April 3 | 19:45–? | 7 mi (11 km) | 100 yd (91 m) | Unknown |
Nine barns, a rural school, and a general store were wrecked.[76] | |||||||||
F2 | Linn† | Sunflower | Mississippi | 33°33′N 90°36′W / 33.55°N 90.60°W / 33.55; -90.60 (Linn (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 20:30–? | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
This strong tornado wrecked a pair of homes, injuring a few people. It was the first member of a long-tracked tornado family that began west of Sunflower, passed near Chesterville, and continued to Belden and Saltillo.[85][86][84] | |||||||||
F2± | NE of Lawrenceville※ | Lawrence | Illinois | 38°44′N 87°41′W / 38.73°N 87.68°W / 38.73; -87.68 (Lawrenceville (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 20:30–? | 3 mi (4.8 km)※ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $25,000‡ |
This strong tornado struck a sawmill, wrecking a spacious outbuilding there. A concrete structure was also damaged, with packaged lumber strewn all about. Several windows were broken as well.[87][84] | |||||||||
F2± | ESE of Kempton | Ford | Illinois | 40°55′N 88°12′W / 40.92°N 88.20°W / 40.92; -88.20 (Kempton (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 22:00–? | 2 mi (3.2 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | $25,000‡ |
A barn was unroofed, other structures damaged, a newly-built chicken coop destroyed, and windows shattered.[88][84] | |||||||||
F3 | E of Dixon to NNE of Zion‡ | Webster, Henderson | Kentucky | 37°31′N 87°40′W / 37.52°N 87.67°W / 37.52; -87.67 (Dixon (April 3, F3)) | April 3 | 22:00–? | 10 mi (16 km)※ | 200 yd (180 m)† | $25,000† |
1 death – One home and several barns were wrecked. Many livestock were killed as well. The lone victim was thrown 250 feet (83.3 yd) from her home. Two other individuals were injured.[76][89][90][84] | |||||||||
F2± | NE of Klondyke※ | Vermillion※ | Indiana | 39°25′N 86°58′W / 39.42°N 86.97°W / 39.42; -86.97 (Klondyke (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 22:00–?※ | 0.284 mi (0.457 km)※ | 10 yd (9.1 m) | $25,000‡ |
A brief tornado unroofed a barn and stripped a farmhouse of some roof shingles. A window was smashed as well.[91][92] | |||||||||
F2 | SW of Weldon to E of De Land‡ | De Witt, Piatt | Illinois | 40°06′N 88°47′W / 40.10°N 88.78°W / 40.10; -88.78 ((April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 22:08–? | 10 mi (16 km)※ | 40 yd (37 m) | $30,000† |
Buildings were wrecked on four farmsteads and other structures were unroofed.[76][93][84] | |||||||||
F4¶ | Western Saugatuck to Gibson to southwestern Holland | Allegan | Michigan | 42°40′N 86°13′W / 42.67°N 86.22°W / 42.67; -86.22 (Saugatuck (April 3, F4) | April 3 | 22:45–23:00 | 9 mi (14 km) | 100 yd (91 m) | Unknown |
See section on this tornado – Seven people were injured. | |||||||||
F4 | SE of Chapel Hill to Lexington to Alberton‡ | Henderson | Tennessee | 35°35′N 88°28′W / 35.58°N 88.47°W / 35.58; -88.47 (Lexington (April 3, F4)) | April 3 | 22:45–23:00※ | 12 mi (19 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m) | $1,250,000† |
3 deaths – A violent tornado destroyed a pair of businesses, along with 46 homes, a number of which received F4 damage. Additionally, 250 homes and 20 businesses were damaged. Bodies were tossed 100 yd (300 ft), and 60 people were injured as well.[81][94][95][84] | |||||||||
F3† | SW of Salem to Canton to near Little York† | Washington | Indiana | 38°36′N 86°07′W / 38.60°N 86.12°W / 38.60; -86.12 (Salem (April 3, F3)) | April 3 | 22:45–?※ | 23 mi (37 km)※ | 150 yd (140 m)※ | $600,000† |
This intense tornado shifted a large bridge and destroyed or damaged more than 100 structures, including numerous barns. One of the victims later died in another tornado on March 19, 1963. A freezer was reportedly thrown a 1⁄2 mi (0.80 km). A dozen injuries were reported.[94][96][97] | |||||||||
F1 | Pana※ | Christian※ | Illinois | 39°39′N 88°30′W / 39.65°N 88.50°W / 39.65; -88.50 (Pana (April 3, F1)) | April 3 | 23:00–? | 5 mi (8.0 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m) | $25,000‡ |
Trees were felled and a pair of outbuildings overturned.[98][84] | |||||||||
F2† | NW of Silver Lake† | Kosciusko | Indiana | 40°59′N 85°58′W / 40.98°N 85.97°W / 40.98; -85.97 (Silver Lake (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 23:04–?※ | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) | 70 yd (64 m) | $50,000† |
10 cottages on Yellow Creek Lake received damage, half of which were flattened.[94][99][97] | |||||||||
F5 | E of Vriesland to Hudsonville to Standale to N of Trufant¶ | Ottawa, Kent, Montcalm | Michigan | 42°46′N 85°59′W / 42.77°N 85.98°W / 42.77; -85.98 (Vriesland (April 3, F5)) | April 3 | 23:30¶–00:41※ | 48 mi (77 km)¶ | 400 yd (370 m)¶ | Unknown |
18 deaths – See section on this tornado – 333 people were injured. | |||||||||
F0 | SW of Pride‡ | Union | Kentucky | 37°33′N 87°54′W / 37.55°N 87.90°W / 37.55; -87.90 (Pride (April 3, F0)) | April 3 | 23:30–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $2,500‡ |
A brief tornado, probably spawned by the same storm as the Dixon–Zion F3, damaged a garage, a barn, and a number of homes.[100][16] | |||||||||
F4 | Portage Point to E of Suttons Bay¶ | Manistee, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau※ | Michigan | 44°22′N 86°14′W / 44.37°N 86.23°W / 44.37; -86.23 (Portage Point (April 3, F4)) | April 3 | 23:35–00:45¶ | 50 mi (80 km)¶ | 200 yd (180 m)† | $400,000† |
1 death – This possible tornado family, which passed northwest of Onekama, destroyed 13 homes and at least 26 barns before ending over Grand Traverse Bay. Two homes in Benzie County were leveled, one of which was a multi-story building, resulting in the lone death. Other homes were wrecked at Lake Ann, at Cedar Run, and near Solon, along with a barn at Bear Lake. The tornado affected very rural areas for most of its life, and was rated F3 by Grazulis. However, a reanalysis by the National Weather Service in 2008 reaffirmed the official F4 rating. 25 people were injured.[94][101][102][103][104][97] | |||||||||
F2† | Near Chesterville to Belden to Saltillo† | Pontotoc, Lee | Mississippi | Unknown | April 3 | 00:00–?† | 15 mi (24 km)† | 200 yd (180 m)† | Unknown |
A gym at a school was wrecked, along with four homes. Four injuries occurred.[94][105][106][84] | |||||||||
F3 | SW of Bangor to S of Lowell※ | Van Buren, Allegan, Barry, Kent | Michigan | 42°16′N 86°08′W / 42.27°N 86.13°W / 42.27; -86.13 (Bangor (April 3, F3)) | April 3 | 00:15–01:30※ | 55 mi (89 km)¶ | 150 yd (140 m)† | $1,000,000† |
See section on this tornado – 12 people were injured. | |||||||||
FU※ | Emma | LaGrange | Indiana | Unknown | April 3 | 00:20–? | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
A brief tornado threw two people from a horse and buggy, neither of whom was injured. Several structures were impacted as well.[97] | |||||||||
F1 | ESE of Fountain Head‡ | Sumner | Tennessee | 36°32′N 86°27′W / 36.53°N 86.45°W / 36.53; -86.45 (Fountain Head (April 3, F1)) | April 3 | 00:45–?※ | 0.2 mi (0.32 km)‡ | 7 yd (6.4 m)‡ | $25,000‡ |
A dozen barns and many homes were wrecked.[107][16] | |||||||||
F2 | Northern Topeka to W of LaGrange† | LaGrange | Indiana | 41°38′N 85°29′W / 41.63°N 85.48°W / 41.63; -85.48 (Topeka (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 01:05–?† | 7 mi (11 km)† | Unknown | $118,000† |
A number of spacious homes lost part of their roofs and were otherwise damaged or moved. Four barns were wrecked as well.[94][108][97] | |||||||||
F2 | Cedarbluff to Siloam※ | Clay | Mississippi | 33°35′N 88°50′W / 33.58°N 88.83°W / 33.58; -88.83 (Cedarbluff (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 01:30–? | 6 mi (9.7 km)※ | 200 yd (180 m)† | $150,000† |
Many barns and homes were wrecked, along with a pair of churches. A few people were injured, and livestock was killed as well.[94][109][16] | |||||||||
F2± | E of Leiters Ford to WNW of Richland Center‡ | Fulton | Indiana | 41°07′N 86°23′W / 41.12°N 86.38°W / 41.12; -86.38 (Leiters Ford (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 01:30–? | 4.1 mi (6.6 km)‡ | 50 yd (46 m)‡ | $25,000‡ |
This tornado damaged many barns.[110][16] | |||||||||
F2† | W of Wawaka※ | Noble | Indiana | 41°26′N 85°30′W / 41.43°N 85.50°W / 41.43; -85.50 (Wawaka (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 01:50–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 75 yd (69 m)※ | $30,000† |
A brief tornado destroyed or damaged six barns, lifting one onto a highway. Another barn was blown to pieces.[94][111][97] | |||||||||
F2± | WSW of Boston | Wayne | Indiana | 39°44′N 84°53′W / 39.73°N 84.88°W / 39.73; -84.88 (Boston (April 3, F2)) | April 3 | 02:30–? | 5 mi (8.0 km)※ | 50 yd (46 m)※ | $250,000‡ |
Farmsteads and homes received damage.[112][97] | |||||||||
FU† | Unknown | Leflore, Grenada, Yalobusha, Calhoun | Mississippi | 33°36′N 90°27′W / 33.60°N 90.45°W / 33.60; -90.45 ((April 3, FU)) | April 3 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
One or more tornadoes occurred along the path.[85][113][84] |
Saugatuck–Gibson–Graafschap–Holland, Michigan
![]() View of the Saugatuck F4 tornado | |
F4 tornado | |
---|---|
on the Fujita scale | |
Overall effects | |
Injuries | 7 |
This violent tornado was the first member of a long-lived, destructive family. It and the Hudsonville–Standale F5 are officially listed as a single, long-tracked, continuous tornado with a 58.8-mile-long (94.6 km) path, but were retrospectively and separately determined by Thomas P. Grazulis and the National Weather Service to have been a family of two or more tornadoes, one of which was a 9-mile-long (14 km) F4 (possibly an F5 as well) and the other a 48-mile-long (77 km) F5, the latter being the most recent F5 tornado on record in the U.S. state of Michigan. The first tornado may have passed through or near Gibson and Graafschap, lifted near Holland, and passed aloft over Zeeland Charter Township before reforming into and touching down as a second tornado just east of town. This second tornado then continued northeast before lifting a short distance north of Trufant.
The first member of the family developed over Lake Michigan and moved ashore a short distance south of Oval Beach, damaging a CBU building and several summer houses at Camp Gray. Heading north-northeastward, it passed near Mount Baldhead, wrecking a wooden beachfront home. An old, well-constructed, anchor-bolted lighthouse, fastened by a dozen iron pylons, was leveled, along with a trio of outbuildings and a cabin; all the pylons at the lighthouse were snapped or dislodged, indicating F4 winds. The tornado crossed part of the present-day Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Along the rest of its path, the tornado wrecked three homes—one brick, a pair frame, a twin-storied among the latter—and unroofed or destroyed a few barns. A few of the homes sustained at least F4 damage. Windows were smashed at a multi-story retail structure as well. Barns, outbuildings, and garages were wrecked along the path. Seven people were injured.[114]
Vriesland–Hudsonville–Standale–Comstock Park–Trufant, Michigan
F5 tornado | |
---|---|
on the Fujita scale | |
Highest winds | >261 mph (420 km/h) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 18 |
Injuries | 333 |
Beginning a short distance east of Vriesland in Ottawa County, Michigan, this extremely violent tornado formed shortly after the dissipation of the Saugatuck F4. Rapidly intensifying, it moved northeastward over the southwestern and northern suburbs of Grand Rapids, causing F5 damage to businesses and homes there. Within half an hour the tornado killed 13 people as it tracked from Hudsonville to Standale and thence to Comstock Park, the last of which would be hit by an F4 tornado on Palm Sunday in 1965. Homes in Hudsonville and Standale were cleanly swept away from their foundations, with only small pieces of debris recovered in some locations. At least one home was so obliterated that all the floor tiles had been completely scoured from the foundation. Vehicles nearby were tossed hundreds of yards and mangled beyond recognition. Extensive wind-rowing of debris was observed, and hundreds of trees were snapped and debarked as well. After devastating the Hudsonville–Standale area, the tornado continued northeastward, past Rockford, obliterating a home, destroying a mobile home park, and damaging several farmsteads before dissipating. 18 people were killed and 333 others were injured by the storm. This, the fourth deadliest tornado in Michigan on record, was the last F5 (confirmed and/or possible) in the U.S. state of Michigan and occurred three years after the Flint–Beecher tornado that killed 116. The tornado that struck the Grand Rapids area was the inspiration for the La Dispute song "Hudsonville, MI 1956". Meanwhile, Hudsonville would be hit directly by a brief-but-strong F2 tornado just one year later, although that tornado caused no casualties.[115]
Bangor–Allegan–Lowell, Michigan
F3 tornado | |
---|---|
on the Fujita scale | |
Overall effects | |
Injuries | 12 |
Damage | $1,000,000 ($11,210,000 in 2024 USD) |
This intense, long-lived tornado family passed through or near Bangor, Bloomingdale, and the southern half of Allegan. Near the Van Buren–Allegan County line, it leveled a farmhouse and swept away several lakeside cabins; the farmhouse may have sustained F4 damage, but may not have been sufficiently well built, so only F3 damage is confirmable. In Allegan, the tornado mostly unroofed a road commission building and a factory, and 12 or more farms reported severe losses to livestock. Afterward, the tornado weakened, veered rightward, and may have lifted and reformed into a new event, as no structural damage occurred and damage to vegetation was lighter than elsewhere along the path. The tornado then re-intensified in Barry and Kent counties, badly damaging many farms. In all, the tornado destroyed 29 homes, mostly at low-end F3 intensity. A dozen people were injured.[116]
See also
- List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
- List of F5 and EF5 tornadoes
- 1920 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak — Also produced multiple violent tornadoes in Michigan
- 2011 Joplin tornado — Also affected the Joplin metropolitan area
Notes
- ^ An outbreak is generally defined as a group of at least six tornadoes (the number sometimes varies slightly according to local climatology) with no more than a six-hour gap between individual tornadoes. An outbreak sequence, prior to (after) the start of modern records in 1950, is defined as a period of no more than two (one) consecutive days without at least one significant (F2 or stronger) tornado.[1]
- ^ a b All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time and dates are split at midnight CST/CDT for consistency.
- ^ a b The Fujita scale was devised under the aegis of scientist T. Theodore Fujita in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.[3][4] Tornado ratings were retroactively applied to events prior to the formal adoption of the F-scale by the National Weather Service.[5] While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the Enhanced Fujita scale in the U.S. since February 1, 2007,[6] Canada used the old scale until April 1, 2013;[7] nations elsewhere, like the United Kingdom, apply other classifications such as the TORRO scale.[8]
- ^ The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Data publication does not list exact damage totals for every event, instead giving damage categories. As such, damage for individual tornadoes is not comprehensive.[9]
- ^ Historically, the number of tornadoes globally and in the United States was and is likely underrepresented: research by Grazulis on annual tornado activity suggests that, as of 2001, only 53% of yearly U.S. tornadoes were officially recorded. Documentation of tornadoes outside the United States was historically less exhaustive, owing to the lack of monitors in many nations and, in some cases, to internal political controls on public information.[11] Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.[12] Significant low biases in U.S. tornado counts likely occurred through the early 1990s, when advanced NEXRAD was first installed and the National Weather Service began comprehensively verifying tornado occurrences.[13]
- ^ All starting coordinates are based on the NCEI database and may not reflect contemporary analyses
- ^ The listed width values are primarily the average/mean width of the tornadoes, with those having known maximum widths denoted by ♯. From 1952 to 1994, reports largely list mean width whereas contemporary years list maximum width.[17] Values provided by Grazulis are the average width, with estimates being rounded down (i.e. 0.5 mi (0.80 km) is rounded down from 880 yards to 800 yards.[18][19]
References
- ^ Schneider, Russell S.; Brooks, Harold E.; Schaefer, Joseph T. (2004). Tornado Outbreak Day Sequences: Historic Events and Climatology (1875–2003) (PDF). 22nd Conf. Severe Local Storms. Hyannis, Massachusetts: American Meteorological Society. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
- ^ Multiple sources:
- "1956 Tornado Outbreak Overview". Grand Rapids, MI Weather Forecast Office. Grand Rapids, Michigan: National Weather Service. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- "Hudsonville-Standale tornado". WOOD-TV. Grand Rapids, Michigan: WorldNow. 3 April 2006. Archived from the original on 9 September 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- Ostuno 2008, pp. 8–9
- ^ Grazulis 1993, p. 141.
- ^ Grazulis 2001a, p. 131.
- ^ Edwards et al. 2013, p. 641–642.
- ^ Edwards, Roger (March 5, 2015). "Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage". The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC). Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
- ^ "Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale)". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada. June 6, 2013. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
- ^ "The International Tornado Intensity Scale". Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. 2016. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, Events reported
- ^ Agee and Childs 2014, p. 1496.
- ^ Grazulis 2001a, pp. 251–4.
- ^ Edwards, Roger (March 5, 2015). "The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)". Storm Prediction Center: Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes. Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
- ^ Cook & Schaefer 2008, p. 3135.
- ^ Agee and Childs 2014, pp. 1497, 1503.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10083356
- ^ a b c d e USWB 1956, p. 114.
- ^ Agee and Childs 2014, p. 1494.
- ^ Brooks 2004, p. 310.
- ^ Grazulis 1990, p. ix.
- ^ a b c USWB 1956, p. 106.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10063704
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10007475
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092621
- ^ a b USWB 1956, p. 107.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025422
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Grazulis 1993, p. 993.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025425
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025434
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025435
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025436
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092622
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092623
- ^ a b c d e f g USWB 1956, p. 108.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025427
- ^ "Severe Weather Database Files (1950-2021)". Storm Prediction Center Maps, Graphics, and Data Page. Norman, Oklahoma: Storm Prediction Center. July 11, 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025429
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092624
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092625
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092627
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092628
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092629
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092632
- ^ a b Grazulis 1984, p. A-65.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092630
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025440
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025445
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025447
- ^ a b USWB 1956, pp. 108–9.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025437
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025441
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025444
- ^ a b c USWB 1956, p. 109.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10092631
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10093492
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10093493
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10093494
- ^ a b c d e USWB 1956, pp. 109–10.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025446
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025449
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025453
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10069400
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025451
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025452
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025455
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025457
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025456
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10093496
- ^ USWB 1956, p. 110.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10093497
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025458
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10025459
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10063708
- ^ USWB 1956, pp. 110–1.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10063707
- ^ a b c d e USWB 1956, p. 111.
- ^ a b c d e f g Grazulis 1993, p. 994.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10147919
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #9983100
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10147920
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #9983101
- ^ a b Grazulis 1984, p. A-66.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10147921
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10147922
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j USWB 1956, p. 112.
- ^ a b Grazulis 1993, pp. 994–5.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10049838
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10007476
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10007478
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10037016
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10037017
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10005193
- ^ USWB 1956, pp. 112, 126.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10007479
- ^ a b c d e f g h Grazulis 1993, p. 995.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10127395
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10005194
- ^ a b c d e f g USWB 1956, p. 113.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10007480
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10005195
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10037018
- ^ Ostuno 2008, pp. 3, 13–4, 16.
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040544
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040546
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040549
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10049839
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10049840
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10127396
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10005198
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10049841
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10005196
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10005197
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10005199
- ^ Storm Data Publication 1956, #10049839
- ^ Multiple sources:
- Grazulis 1993, p. 995
- Grazulis 2001b, p. 22
- Hayden, Jim (3 April 2006). "Five decades ago, titanic tornado took out century-old lighthouse". The Holland Sentinel. Holland, Michigan: Gatehouse Media. Archived from the original on 4 April 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- Ostuno 2008, pp. 11–2, 15–6
- Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040545
- "The Saugatuck to Holland Tornado". Grand Rapids, MI Weather Forecast Office. Grand Rapids, Michigan: National Weather Service. 2 August 2007. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- "Vriesland to Trufant". Grand Rapids, MI Weather Forecast Office. Grand Rapids, Michigan: National Weather Service. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- USWB 1956, p. 113
- ^ Multiple sources:
- Edwards, Roger, ed. (March 19, 2021). "F5 and EF5 Tornadoes of the United States, 1950-present". The Online Tornado FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes. Norman, Oklahoma: Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
- Grazulis 1993, p. 995
- Grazulis 2001b, p. 22
- Grazulis, Thomas P.; Grazulis, Doris (26 April 2000). "The Most "Important" US Tornadoes by State". The Tornado Project Online. The Tornado Project. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
- Hayden, Jim (3 April 2006). "Five decades ago, titanic tornado took out century-old lighthouse". The Holland Sentinel. Holland, Michigan: Gatehouse Media. Archived from the original on 4 April 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- Ostuno 2008, pp. 2, 12–3, 16
- Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040547
- Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040550
- Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040553
- "The Saugatuck to Holland Tornado". Grand Rapids, MI Weather Forecast Office. Grand Rapids, Michigan: National Weather Service. 2 August 2007. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- "Vriesland to Trufant". Grand Rapids, MI Weather Forecast Office. Grand Rapids, Michigan: National Weather Service. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- USWB 1956, p. 113
- ^ Multiple sources:
- "Bangor to Lowell". Grand Rapids, MI Weather Forecast Office. Grand Rapids, Michigan: National Weather Service. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- Grazulis 1993, p. 995
- Ostuno 2008, pp. 3, 14, 16
- Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040548
- Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040551
- Storm Data Publication 1956, #10040552
- USWB 1956, p. 113
Sources
- Agee, Ernest M.; Childs, Samuel (June 1, 2014). "Adjustments in Tornado Counts, F-Scale Intensity, and Path Width for Assessing Significant Tornado Destruction". Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology. 53 (6). American Meteorological Society: 1494–1505. doi:10.1175/JAMC-D-13-0235.1.
- Brooks, Harold E. (April 2004). "On the Relationship of Tornado Path Length and Width to Intensity". Weather and Forecasting. 19 (2): 310–19. Bibcode:2004WtFor..19..310B. doi:10.1175/1520-0434(2004)019<0310:OTROTP>2.0.CO;2.
- Cook, A. R.; Schaefer, J. T. (August 2008). "The Relation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to Winter Tornado Outbreaks". Monthly Weather Review. 136 (8): 3121–3137. Bibcode:2008MWRv..136.3121C. doi:10.1175/2007MWR2171.1.
- Edwards, Roger; LaDue, James G.; Ferree, John T.; Scharfenberg, Kevin; Maier, Chris; Coulbourne, William L. (May 1, 2013). "Tornado Intensity Estimation: Past, Present, and Future". Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 94 (5). American Meteorological Society: 641–653. doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-11-00006.1.
- Grazulis, Thomas P. (May 1984). Violent Tornado Climatography, 1880–1982. OSTI (Technical report). NUREG. Washington, D.C.: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. OSTI 7099491. CR-3670.
- — (November 1990). Significant Tornadoes 1880–1989. Vol. 2. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: The Tornado Project of Environmental Films. ISBN 1-879362-02-3.
- — (July 1993). Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: The Tornado Project of Environmental Films. ISBN 1-879362-03-1.
- — (2001a). The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 978-0-8061-3538-0.
- — (2001b). F5-F6 Tornadoes. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: The Tornado Project of Environmental Films.
- National Weather Service (April 1956). Storm Data Publication (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information – via Storm Events Database.
- Ostuno, E. J. (2008). Written at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Roger Edwards (ed.). "A Case Study in Forensic Meteorology: Investigating the 3 April 1956 Tornadoes in Western Lower Michigan". e-Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology. 3 (1). Norman, Oklahoma: 1–33. doi:10.55599/ejssm.v3i1.14. S2CID 109690212. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- U.S. Weather Bureau (April 1956). "Storm data and unusual weather phenomena". Climatological Data National Summary. 7 (4). Asheville, North Carolina: National Climatic Data Center: 106–14.
- v
- t
- e
- Woldegk 1764
- Hainichen 1800
- Montville 1845
- Bowen 1876
- Montello 1930
- Waco 1953
- Fort Rice 1953
- Flint 1953
- Anita 1953
- Vicksburg 1953
- Blackwell 1955
- Udall 1955
- Hudsonville 1956
- Ruskin Heights 1957
- Fargo 1957
- Sunfield 1957
- Colfax 1958
- Prague 1960
- Wichita Falls 1964
- Bradshaw 1964
- Gregory 1965
- Jackson 1966
- Topeka 1966
- Belmond 1966
- Palluel 1967
- Wheelersburg 1968
- Hansell-Charles City 1968
- Oelwein 1968
- Tracy 1968
- Lubbock 1970
- Waverly 1971
- San Justo 1973
- Valley Mills 1973
- Depauw 1974
- Xenia 1974
- Brandenburg 1974
- Sayler Park 1974
- Tanner 1974 (1st, 2nd)
- Guin 1974
- Spiro 1976
- Brownwood 1976
- Jordan 1976
- Birmingham 1977
- Messer 1982
- Barneveld 1984
- Niles 1985
- Hesston 1990
- Goessel 1990
- Plainfield 1990
- Andover 1991
- Chandler 1992
- Oakfield 1996
- Jarrell 1997
- Oak Grove 1998
- Lawrence County 1998
- Bridge Creek 1999
- Greensburg 2007
- Elie 2007
- Parkersburg 2008
- Philadelphia 2011
- Hackleburg–Phil Campbell 2011
- Smithville 2011
- Rainsville 2011
- Joplin 2011
- El Reno 2011
- Moore 2013