On This Day: July 4
Tornado Talk Summary
It is the deadliest Independence Day tornado on record and one of the deadliest in North Dakota’s modern history (U.S. Tornadoes): The Elgin, ND F4 tornado of July 4, 1978. The tornado caused extensive damage in the small town. There were 5 fatalities. Per Thomas Grazulis in Significant Tornadoes, approximately 45 homes/trailers were damaged or destroyed. Read the full summary here!
SIGTOR Spotlight
Highlighting a Tornado Before 1950
from Significant Tornadoes by Thomas Grazulis!
July 4, 1874: Grazulis documents what may have been “one of the worst severe weather days of the century in the eastern United States.” Many cities had wind/tornado damage including Baltimore and Washington DC. At Lewistown, PA, Grazulis believes it was a tornado that struck here killing six people. 19 railroad freight cars were derailed on an near a bridge over the Juniata Rver. Over 50 buildings were destroyed.
Twister From The 2000s
On this day in 2016, an EF2 tornado tracked for 2.5 miles through parts of Louisa, KY, and Fort Gay, WV. It caused significant damage to the Walmart at Louisa, and five people were injured there. Source.
Weather Rewind
Tornado and Other Weather Events From On This Day
On this day in 1969, a devastating derecho formed over Lake Erie and blasted across northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania; it has been dubbed “the Ohio Fireworks Derecho.” 32 homes and 300 mobile homes were destroyed, and over 10,000 others were damaged, as well as widespread tree and power-line destruction. 700 boats were destroyed on Lake Erie. 46 people were killed, and 559 were injured. Three of the deaths occurred on Lake Erie when the storm struck during a fireworks display, capsizing the boat they were on. Source.
Pieces of the Past
A Look Back Through The Ages! On This Day In History!
Historical Event
On this day in 1776: US Congress proclaims the Declaration of Independence and independence from Great Britain. Check out more historical events at onthisday.com!
Famous Birthday
Calvin Coolidge was born July 4, 1872, in Plymouth, Vermont. He was the 30th president of the United States (1923–29). Coolidge acceded to the presidency after the death in office of Warren G. Harding, just as the Harding scandals were coming to light. He restored integrity to the executive branch of the federal government while continuing the conservative pro-business policies of his predecessor. He died in 1933. Source: Britannica.
Film & TV
On this day in 1989: 14 year old actress Drew Barrymore, attempts suicide. Get more daily history at onthisday.com!
Music Trivia
On this day in 2012: The debut album by Foo Fighters was released. Dave Grohl wrote and recorded the entire album himself, with the assistance of producer Barrett Jones at Robert Lang Studios in Seattle, Washington. Grohl later said he recorded the album just for fun, describing it as a cathartic experience to recover from the suicide of Nirvana bandmate Kurt Cobain. He chose the name “Foo Fighters” for the project to hide his identity. Get into the groove with more music trivia at thisdayinmusic.com!
Photo of the Day
