On This Day: April 5
Tornado Talk Summary
On this day in 1936, an F5 tornado devastated Tupelo, MS. It officially ranks as the 4th deadliest tornado in US history. At least 216 people were killed though it is likely that more died, and at least 700 people were injured. Read the full summary here!
SIGTOR Spotlight
Highlighting a Tornado Before 1950
from Significant Tornadoes by Thomas Grazulis!
April 5, 1873: An F2 tornado moved east across Burlington, IA. Seven people were killed when the Pond’s Butter and Egg Depot collapsed. Two others died in a nearby home. The roof of school was “blown all over the hillside.”
Twister From The 2000s
On this day in 2017, an EF2 tornado tracked for 15 miles across parts of Randolph, Stewart, and Webster Counties in Georgia. The funnel was up to 3/4-mile wide. Extensive tree damage occurred, and trailers and farm buildings were damaged or destroyed. Source.
Weather Rewind
There is more weather phenomenon than just tornadoes?
On This Day in OTHER weather history!
On this day in 1972, an F3 tornado tracked for nine miles through Portland, OR, and into Vancouver, WA. A grocery store, elementary school, and bowling alley were destroyed. Over 100 other homes and buildings were damaged. Six people were killed and 300 were injured. Source.
Pieces of the Past
A Look Back Through The Ages! On This Day In History!
Historical Event
On this day in 1879: Chile declares war on Bolivia and Peru, starting the War of the Pacific. Check out more historical events at onthisday.com!
Famous Birthday
Colin Powell was born April 5, 1937, in New York, NY. He was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and secretary of state (2001–05), the first African American to hold either position. Powell passed away in 2021. Source: Britannica.
Film & TV
On this day in 1934: Baseball superstar Babe Ruth agrees to do three 15-minute broadcasts a week over NBC for a fee of $39,000 for 13 weeks; $4,000 more than his NY Yankees playing contract. Get more daily history at onthisday.com!
Music Trivia
On this day in 1994: Kurt Cobain committed suicide by shooting himself in the head at his home in Seattle. Cobain’s body wasn’t discovered until April 8, by an electrician who had arrived to install a security system, who initially believed that Cobain was asleep, until he saw the shotgun pointing at his chin. A suicide note was found that said, “I haven’t felt the excitement of listening to as well as creating music, along with really writing . . . for too many years now”. A high concentration of heroin and traces of Valium were found in Cobain’s body. His death was officially ruled as suicide by a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head. Get into the groove with more music trivia at thisdayinmusic.com!
Photo of the Day
