All Summaries

Granbury, TX EF4 Tornado – May 15, 2013

On the evening of May 15, 2013, a regional outbreak of 20 tornadoes took place in Texas and Oklahoma. Most of these twisters proved harmless and weak (rated EF0 and EF1). However, the southwestern fringes of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex saw two, rated EF3 and EF4, which accounted for most of the outbreak’s property losses and injuries. The latter, and the focus of this summary, only needed 2.5 miles to devastate the community of Granbury, TX, where six people lost their lives.

By Zachary Reichle, ago

Luther, TX F2 Tornado – June 5, 2005

During the evening of June 5, 2005, a massive, discrete supercell meandered across the arid plains of west-central Texas. With a forward speed of just 5 mph, it spent more than five hours over almost total wilderness in Borden and Howard Counties. The storm produced six tornadoes, the strongest of which is the focus of this summary.

By Nelson Tucker, ago

Hazel Green, AL-Vanntown, TN EF3 Tornado – April 1, 2023

On March 31 and April 1, 2023, a large and widespread tornado outbreak took place over the Midwestern and Southern regions of the United States, stretching over to the Atlantic Coast. For two days, 145 twisters contributed to one of the most sizable events on record, taking 27 lives and affecting many more. Twelve of these were rated EF3 or greater across seven states. This summary focuses on a deadly EF3 that took place in northern Alabama and southern Tennessee.

By Jen Narramore-Zachary Reichle, ago

Cary-Pugh City-Tillatoba, MS, F4 Tornado – February 21, 1971 (PREMIUM)

The second of the “big three” twisters in the 1971 Delta Outbreak was the deadliest United States tornado of the 1970s. In fact, it was the last to cause more than 50 fatalities in the country until 2011. This vortex struck no major population centers, but its longevity and ferocity were of the kind that is rarely matched. The profoundly moving accounts we have compiled tell the story of what is nationally the worst single tornado track of the late 20th century.

By Nelson Tucker, ago

Laramie, WY EF3 Tornado – June 6, 2018

Wyoming isn’t typically renowned for grand, photogenic twisters. With just an average of twelve per year, most, if not all, are small, weak, short-lived, and unremarkable. It is easy to see why folks don’t recognize the state as tornado country. However, in 2018, Wyoming would experience a year unlike any before. In contrast, traditional states such as Oklahoma would experience an unusual lull in activity. Wyoming became a major hotspot, with over twenty twisters documented and three reaching EF3 intensity. But on June 6, 2018, an incredible storm drew international attention and created a spectacle for residents and storm chasers in and around Laramie and beyond.

By William Dunn, ago

“Whippoorwill”-Pomona Lake, KS F1 Tornado – June 17, 1978

On the evening of June 17, 1978, a small outbreak of eight tornadoes occurred between the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States. The highest-rated twister occurred in Wisconsin at F2 strength, with the remaining seven only inflicting F0-F1 damage in Michigan, Iowa, and Kansas. These statistical values accepted at face value would not suggest the possibility of a historic tragedy having occurred on this day. However, just off the shores of Pomona Lake in the state of Kansas, unlikely circumstances led to one of the most bizarre catastrophes. In its wake, a glorious spectacle lay tarnished, sixteen lives lost, and much more stunned with heartache and confusion.

By Zachary Reichle, ago

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