State

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

Taylorville, IL EF3 Tornado – December 1, 2018

On December 1, 2018, a regional outbreak unfolded across Illinois, resulting in 29 total tornadoes in the late afternoon and evening hours. Of the twisters that occurred, one was rated EF3, with three more being rated EF2. This summary will focus on the EF3 tornado that struck Taylorville, IL, with the most intense damage being southwest of the city in the unincorporated community of Hewittsville.

By Sean Ross, ago

Preston Island-South Sauty-Powell-Sylvania, AL EF3 Tornado – April 10, 2009

On April 10, 2009, a significant tornado outbreak raked across portions of the South. This summary will focus on a tornado that skipped its way through the rolling terrain of northeast Alabama. This event had initially been documented as a single long-tracked EF3. However, due to lengthy research and satellite analysis, we proposed two separate tornado paths, with an approximate 2.2-mile damage gap near and along the Jackson/DeKalb County line.

By Zachary Reichle-Nelson Tucker, ago

Pisgah-Rosalie, AL EF4 Tornado – February 6, 2008

Between February 5-6, 2008, a historic record-breaking swarm of 86 twisters swept across large portions of the South and Midwest. The event became known as the 2008 Super Tuesday tornado outbreak, as it began on a day when the focus was supposed to be on 24 U.S. states hosting their presidential primary elections. Meanwhile, the deadliest outbreak in nearly 23 years stole the spotlight, killing 57 people and injuring many more in four states. This summary will focus on the last of ten killer funnels.

By Zachary Reichle, ago

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