On This Day: August 15
Tornado Talk Summary
Dixon-Joliet, IL F2 Tornado – Aug 15, 1958! SPC officially has this as one tornado with path of 74.5 miles. Thomas Grazulis in Significant Tornadoes states this was a tornado family. Heaviest damage at Sandwich, many trees damaged/destroyed, extensive damage at fairgrounds. Read the full summary here!
SIGTOR Spotlight
Highlighting a Tornado Before 1950
from Significant Tornadoes by Thomas Grazulis!
August 15, 1818: “The ‘Potomac Gale’ caused the death of as many as thirty people when several boats were overturned. This storm may have been a tornado or related to a tornado. The event crossed the Potomac River a few miles S of Quantico, Virginia.”
Twister From The 2000s
On this day in 2016, an EF2 tornado hit near Whitestown, IN. Extensive damage occurred to trees and a barn. Source.
Weather Rewind
Tornado and Other Weather Events From On This Day
On this day in 1787, the first known tornado outbreak in America occurred. it is known as the “Four State Tornado Swarm” and occurred in New England. Grazulis documents 5 tornadoes, and it is possible that more occurred. Source.
Pieces of the Past
A Look Back Through The Ages! On This Day In History!
Historical Event
On this day in 1620: Mayflower sets sail from Southampton, England, with 102 Pilgrims. Check out more historical events at onthisday.com!
Famous Birthday
Melinda Gates was born August 15, 1964, Dallas, Texas. She is a businesswoman and philanthropist who—with her then husband, Microsoft Corporation cofounder Bill Gates—founded the charitable Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Source: Britannica.
Film & TV
On this day in 1939: “The Wizard of Oz”, American musical fantasy film directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor, premieres at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, starring Judy Garland (Dorothy), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion), Frank Morgan (Wizard), Billie Burke (Glinda), and Margaret Hamilton (Wicked Witch). Get more daily history at onthisday.com!
Music Trivia
On this day in 1976: ABBA released ‘Dancing Queen’ as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Arrival. Dancing Queen’ (which had the working title of ‘Boogaloo’) went on to top the charts in more than a dozen countries including the United States where it became ABBA’s only No.1. Get into the groove with more music trivia at thisdayinmusic.com!
Photo of the Day
