January
January 17 event
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January 22 event
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January 26 event
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January 28 event
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This page documents all U.S. tornadoes confirmed in 1952. Due to lack of modern radar and storm spotters, tornado counts from this period are much lower than what we see today.
| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 32 | 82 | 72 | 36 | 18 | 0 | 240 |
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| Color / symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| † | Data from Grazulis 1990/1993/2001b |
| ¶ | Data from a local National Weather Service office |
| ※ | Data from the 1952 Climatological Data National Summary publication |
| ‡ | Data from the NCEI database |
| ♯ | Maximum width of tornado |
| ± | Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable. |
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord. [nb 1] | Time (UTC) [nb 2] | Path length | Width [nb 3] | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F0 | Northern Rodessa | Caddo | Louisiana | 32°59′N94°00′W / 32.98°N 94.00°W | 10:00–? | 1 mi (1.6 km)‡ | 133 yd (122 m)‡ | $25,000 |
| This tornado may have started in McLeod, Texas. A barn was shifted off its foundation, a garage lost a wall, and a trio of oil rigs were toppled. Lightning from the storm also burned down a home. [4] [5] [6] | ||||||||
| F3† | N of Buckeye† | Mississippi | Arkansas | 35°57′N90°09′W / 35.95°N 90.15°W | 22:53–?† | 0.3 mi (0.48 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | Unknown |
| This short-lived, intense tornado obliterated a five-room home, debris of which was found 3 mi (4.8 km) away. The tornado also unroofed a home nearby and wrecked many outbuildings. All five injuries, two of which were serious, came from one family, but no damage estimate was given. The funnel cloud from this storm was seen in Manila and passed east-northeast of Leachville. [7] [8] [6] | ||||||||
| F2 | S of Camden | Benton | Tennessee | 36°00′N88°07′W / 36.00°N 88.12°W | 23:00–?† | 1 mi (1.6 km)† | 300 yd (270 m) | $20,000† |
| This small-but-strong tornado damaged or destroyed nine homes and half a dozen other structures, affecting a total of nine families. [7] [9] [10] | ||||||||
| F2 | NW of Holland to Denton to E of Braggadocio | Pemiscot | Missouri | 36°04′N89°56′W / 36.07°N 89.93°W | 23:10–? | 6 mi (9.7 km)† | 100 yd (91 m) | $3,000※ |
| This tornado wrecked a few spacious barns and a small home while damaging several other barns and houses west of Steele. The funnel reportedly touched down a few times, producing intermittent damage. Large, 1-inch-diameter (2.5 cm) hail accompanying the storm caused additional damage. [7] [11] [6] | ||||||||
| F0 | NNE of House※ | Neshoba | Mississippi | 32°46′N89°06′W / 32.77°N 89.10°W | 01:30–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $15,000※ |
| A brief tornado formed southeast of Philadelphia, mangling a windmill. Windows and vehicles nearby were smashed or otherwise damaged by hail. Lightning damaged radio towers as well. Oats and gardens were also damaged. [4] [12] [6] | ||||||||
| F2† | Between Linton and Newsom | Davidson | Tennessee | 36°03′N87°02′W / 36.05°N 87.03°W | 01:45–? | 1 mi (1.6 km)† | 200 yd (180 m) | $15,000※ |
| A "'baby twister'" traversing a narrow valley struck the Poplar Farm, severely damaging a corn crib, a pair of farmhouses, and a shed laden with agricultural implements. [7] [13] [6] | ||||||||
| F3 | New Lexington to S of Berry† | Fayette, Tuscaloosa | Alabama | 33°34′N87°40′W / 33.57°N 87.67°W | 02:30–?† | 5 mi (8.0 km)† | 100 yd (91 m) | $17,500※ |
| 1 death – A destructive tornado moved northeastward, paralleling the Fayette–Tuscaloosa County line. In Tuscaloosa County, nine homes were destroyed or damaged, and a dozen additional were likewise affected in Fayette County. The sole fatality was due to a collapsed chimney. 14 injuries were reported. [14] [7] [15] [10] | ||||||||
| F2† | NE of Garden City to N of Chamblees Mill‡ | Cullman, Blount | Alabama | 34°01′N86°45′W / 34.02°N 86.75°W | 02:30–? | ≥ 7 mi (11 km)† | 100 yd (91 m) | $40,000※ |
| A tornado touched down near Garden City and moved northeastward. At least 62 homes were damaged or destroyed, and six injuries were confirmed. The tornado may have tracked all the way to Snead. [14] [7] [16] [10] | ||||||||
| F1 | NE of Speiden | Giles※, Lincoln | Tennessee | 35°14′N86°49′W / 35.23°N 86.82°W | 03:00–? | 0.2 mi (0.32 km)‡ | 400 yd (370 m)‡ | Unknown |
| This, the first member of a 30-mile-long (48 km) tornado family, successively passed through or near the small, rural communities of McBurg, Swan Creek, and Boonshill. A house in Giles County was negligibly damaged. [7] [17] [6] | ||||||||
| F3 | Shady Grove to Adamsville to Graysville to Pinson¶ | Jefferson | Alabama | 33°36′N86°56′W / 33.60°N 86.93°W | 03:30–? | 15 mi (24 km)† | 200 yd (180 m) | $65,000† |
| 1 death – An intense tornado moved through the northern suburbs of Birmingham, dispersing debris for several hundred yards. In all 131 homes and other structures were destroyed or damaged. 26 injuries were recorded. [14] [7] [18] [10] | ||||||||
| F2† | Howell to Mulberry※ | Lincoln | Tennessee | 35°13′N86°36′W / 35.22°N 86.60°W | 04:00–? | 7.4 mi (11.9 km)‡ | 350 yd (320 m)‡ | $300,000† |
| This, the second member of the Speiden tornado family, destroyed or damaged 136 homes and various other structures. A few people were injured and 45 families affected. [7] [19] [6] | ||||||||
| F1 | N of Athens | Monroe | Mississippi | 33°51′N88°28′W / 33.85°N 88.47°W | 04:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $20,000※ |
| A tornado was confirmed, but without details. One person was injured. [20] [10] | ||||||||
| F4 | Lois to Decherd† | Moore, Franklin | Tennessee | 35°12′N86°18′W / 35.20°N 86.30°W | 04:30–? | 12 mi (19 km)† | 100 yd (91 m)‡ | $435,000† |
| 3 deaths – See section on this tornado – 44 people were injured. | ||||||||
| F1 | WNW of Kiln | Hancock | Mississippi | 30°25′N89°29′W / 30.42°N 89.48°W | 04:30–? | 12.7 mi (20.4 km)‡ | 100 yd (91 m)‡ | $12,000※ |
| A tornado was confirmed, but no other data were provided. A few people were injured. [21] [10] | ||||||||
| F2† | Monteagle to Tracy City | Grundy | Tennessee | 35°16′N85°45′W / 35.27°N 85.75°W | 04:30†–04:45※ | 6 mi (9.7 km)† | 400 yd (370 m) | $200,000※ |
| This was the final member of the Speiden–Decherd tornado family. About 150 homes and other buildings were damaged along the path, and widespread, F2-level damage was reported. Two people were injured. [7] [22] [10] | ||||||||
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| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Belfast | Marshall | TN | 35°25′N86°42′W / 35.42°N 86.70°W | 22:00–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 100 yards (91 m) | 3 deaths – A brief, but catastrophic tornado destroyed a number of buildings in the center of Belfast as it struck four farms. Two of these farms were destroyed. 166 people were injured and losses totaled $25,000. As of 2023, this is the most injuries ever caused by an F1/EF1 tornado in the United States, although sources vary tremendously on the actual casualty toll as it appears that the injury count was actually for the F4 tornado listed below. Tornado researcher Thomas P. Grazulis assessed the tornado as having caused F3-level damage while only killing one person. [23] [24] [25] [26] |
| F4 | Downtown Fayetteville | Lincoln | TN | 35°09′N86°35′W / 35.15°N 86.58°W | 22:30–? | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 300 yards (270 m) | 2 deaths – See section on this tornado – 150 people were injured and damage was estimated at $2.5 million. Grazulis assessed the tornado as having caused F3-level damage. [23] [24] [27] [28] |
| F2 | Viola | Warren | TN | 35°32′N85°51′W / 35.53°N 85.85°W | 22:40–? | 1 mile (1.6 km) | 400 yards (370 m) | The storm that had "practically spent itself over Fayetteville" produced this strong, large tornado about 50 miles (80 km) to the northeast, damaging or destroying several farm buildings. Damage was estimated at $25,000. [23] [24] [29] |
| F3 | Northern Fort Payne | DeKalb | AL | 34°30′N85°42′W / 34.5°N 85.7°W | 23:00–? | 3.3 miles (5.3 km) | 400 yards (370 m) | See section on this tornado – There were 12 injuries. [23] [24] [27] [30] [31] |
| F2 | W of Claxton to Englewood | McMinn | TN | 35°18′N84°40′W / 35.3°N 84.67°W | 23:30–00:30 | 15.3 miles (24.6 km) | 587 yards (537 m) | A large tornado embedded in a mile-wide swath of hail moved eastward through the Eastanollee Valley before dissipating near the Etowah Highway. Many homes, barns, stores, and a church were destroyed or damaged. Many cattle and horses were killed as well. Damage to crops was confined to hay stored in thee barns that were destroyed. Losses totaled $250,000. [23] [24] [32] |
| F2 | WNW of Vandiver to E of Parhams | Franklin | GA | 34°24′N83°20′W / 34.4°N 83.33°W | 01:00–? | 7.8 miles (12.6 km) | 77 yards (70 m) | A destructive tornado north of Carnesville moved eastward from the Strange district. Three or more homes and numerous smaller buildings were destroyed with moderate to heavy damages to several other homes and many smaller buildings. Many trees and utility lines were blown down and a substantial number of poultry was lost. Losses totaled $25,000. [23] [24] [33] |
| F2 | NW of Homer to Mt. Pleasant to W of Jewelville | Banks | GA | 34°22′N83°35′W / 34.37°N 83.58°W | 01:30–? | 9.4 miles (15.1 km) | 300 yards (270 m) | A destructive tornado moved eastward, from Hickory Flat to Nails Creek, passing north of Homer and striking Mt. Pleasant. A total of 10 or more homes, a school, and numerous chicken houses and barns were destroyed with moderate to heavy damages to 25 or more homes, and many smaller buildings. Many trees and utility lines were blown down, and a large number of poultry lost. Three people were injured, and damage was estimated at $250,000. [23] [24] [34] |
| F2 | S of Pendergrass | Jackson | GA | 34°07′N83°40′W / 34.12°N 83.67°W | 02:15–? | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) | 17 yards (16 m) | Although information for this event is incomplete, a strong tornadic event is believed to have taken place. One dwelling was destroyed, injuring five occupants, while two other dwellings, a tenant house, and two barns, were unroofed. A large chicken house was also destroyed, causing the loss of more than 8,000 chicks. Losses totaled $25,000. [23] [24] [35] |
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| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord. [nb 1] | Date [nb 2] | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width [nb 3] | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F4 | N of Provo to northwestern Dierks to WSW of Newhope† | Howard | Arkansas | 34°01′N94°01′W / 34.02°N 94.02°W | March 21 | 21:00–21:15※ | 13 mi (21 km) | 800 yd (730 m)† | $151,500※ |
| 7 deaths – This violent tornado, the first member of a long-lived tornado family, destroyed 22 homes on the outskirts of Dierks, most of which were frail, and killed livestock and poultry. Many homes southwest of town were flattened, sustaining F4 damage, and trees were stripped of their bark. Nine people were injured. [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] | |||||||||
| F2† | In and near Paron※ | Saline※ | Arkansas | 34°43′N92°49′W / 34.72°N 92.82°W | March 21 | 22:00–22:15※ | 15 mi (24 km)† | 400 yd (370 m)† | $39,000※ |
| This tornado originated in the same supercell as the Dierks event. Near Paron, it destroyed one home and unroofed several others. Barns and a church were wrecked as well. A number of livestock died or sustained injuries. The NCEI list the path as extending east-northeastward, from southwest of Paron to east of Ferndale, but available descriptions indicate that the tornado headed northeastward, striking Paron. [37] [38] [41] [40] | |||||||||
| F2 | W of Mayflower to S of Saltillo† | Faulkner | Arkansas | 34°57′N92°25′W / 34.95°N 92.42°W | March 21 | 22:30–?† | 8 mi (13 km)† | Unknown | $15,000※ |
| A strong tornado wrecked many small homes near Mayflower and destroyed or damaged six other homes near Saltillo. A few people were injured. [37] [42] [43] | |||||||||
| F4 | SSW of Searcy to Judsonia※ to western Russell† | White | Arkansas | 35°13′N91°42′W / 35.22°N 91.70°W | March 21 | 22:50–?‡ | 22 mi (35 km)† | 2,640 yd (2,410 m)♯† | $3,500,000※ |
| 50+ deaths – This large, intense tornado was 1+1⁄2 mi (2.4 km) wide at times. After impacting northwestern Kensett, it passed through the business district of Judsonia and damaged or destroyed 945 structures in town. In all, at least 30 deaths were confirmed in Judsonia alone, and the town itself was virtually destroyed. 20 more deaths occurred between Bald Knob and Russell. Damage also occurred near Midway, and 500-pound (230 kg) concrete blocks were tossed 80 yd (240 ft). 325 injuries occurred along the path. The tornado became the fourth deadliest in the U.S. state of Arkansas on record. [36] [37] [44] [45] [40] | |||||||||
| F4† | SW of England to northwestern Cotton Plant† to Hillemann※ | Lonoke, Prairie, Woodruff | Arkansas | 34°32′N91°48′W / 34.53°N 91.80°W | March 21 | 23:00–? | 70 mi (110 km)† | 800 yd (730 m)† | $700,000† |
| 40+ deaths – This violent, long-tracked tornado first wrecked 40 homes on the northwestern outskirts of England, the majority of which were poorly built, killing nine people. South of Hazen, near Tollville, the tornado destroyed 42 more homes and claimed a few additional lives in the vicinity. The tornado then ravaged the northwestern part of Cotton Plant, where 29 people lost their lives. The tornado also caused extensive damage in Hillemann before apparently dissipating. Between the latter community and Cotton Plant the tornado destroyed 214 homes and injured 180 people. In all the tornado injured 274 people and was the sixth deadliest in Arkansas on record. Some additional deaths may have occurred in rural areas, and the tornado may have continued as far as Vanndale, just north of Wynne. [36] [46] [47] [44] [4] [48] [43] | |||||||||
| F4† | SW of Wattensaw to Georgetown to NE of Hickory Ridge† | Lonoke, Prairie, White†, Woodruff, Jackson†, Cross※ | Arkansas | 34°54′N91°51′W / 34.90°N 91.85°W | March 21 | 23:17–?※ | 65 mi (105 km)† | 600 yd (550 m)† | $700,000† |
| 8 deaths – This tornado, closely paralleling the preceding event, killed two people and injured six others as it struck the rural community of Wattensaw. Afterward, it successively impacted and devastated all or part of Hickory Plains, Georgetown, McCrory, and Hickory Ridge. In this swath many brick homes were flattened, along with those of lesser construction. Two of the eight fatalities, along with 15 injuries, occurred at Hickory Plains and four more at Hickory Ridge. The villages of McCrory and Georgetown were virtually leveled, and 116 homes were destroyed or damaged at Hickory Ridge. In all, 50 people were injured. [36] [49] [50] [43] | |||||||||
| F3† | Bruceville to E of RoEllen† to Churchton※ | Lauderdale†, Dyer, Gibson† | Tennessee | 36°01′N89°12′W / 36.02°N 89.20°W | March 21 | 23:35–?※ | 20 mi (32 km)† | 200 yd (180 m) | Unknown |
| 1+ death – This intense tornado passed through or near Bruceville, Bonicord, Tatumville, Edgewood, and Lapata. In all 17 homes were wrecked, and 20 injuries occurred. Grazulis assessed this tornado as an F4 in 1984, but reduced its ranking nine years later. Other estimates of the death toll range from two to four. [51] [36] [49] [52] [43] | |||||||||
| F2† | SE of Blackville to E of Balch† to near Lake City | Jackson, Poinsett†, Craighead※ | Arkansas | 35°28′N91°12′W / 35.47°N 91.20°W | March 21 | 23:40–? | 40 mi (64 km)† | 440 yd (400 m)‡ | $21,000※ |
| This tornado, which generated only sporadic damage, formed from the same storm as the Judsonia–Bald Knob F4. It damaged or destroyed 15 homes in Jackson County, many of which were small. Intermittent damage began near Weldon and occurred as far as Cash. In all, six people sustained injuries. [49] [38] [53] [43] | |||||||||
| F3 | Fisher† to N of Harrisburg to NE of Blytheville※ | Poinsett, Craighead†, Mississippi※ | Arkansas | 35°36′N90°43′W / 35.60°N 90.72°W | March 21 | ~00:45–01:45※ | 70 mi (110 km)† | 600 yd (550 m)† | $1,500,000† |
| 4 deaths – This intense tornado family destroyed or damaged at least 45 structures between Fisher and Trumann. Between Milligan Ridge and Blytheville, the tornado destroyed or damaged 300 homes. In all, the tornado, which also affected areas in and near Caraway, destroyed or damaged about 650 homes. At least 57 injuries were reported along the path. [49] [38] [4] [54] [43] | |||||||||
| F2† | SW of Marked Tree※ to ENE of Lepanto | Poinsett※ | Arkansas | 35°32′N90°25′W / 35.53°N 90.42°W | March 21 | 01:45–01:50※ | 10 mi (16 km)† | 200 yd (180 m) | Unknown |
| 1 death – This strong tornado developed in the same storm as the England–Cotton Plant F4. It destroyed or damaged 23 homes, one or more of which were small. It also just barely missed the town of Alto. Seven injuries occurred. [49] [38] [55] [43] | |||||||||
| F4 | Near Yarbro (AR) to near Cooter (MO) to between Elbridge (TN) and Ridgely (TN)† | Mississippi (AR)†, Pemiscot (MO), Dyer (TN)†, Lake (TN)†, Obion (TN)† | Arkansas†, Missouri, Tennessee† | 36°03′N89°49′W / 36.05°N 89.82°W | March 21 | 02:00–? | 30 mi (48 km)† | 2,500 yd (2,300 m)♯† | $1,500,000† |
| 25+ deaths – This large, violent tornado, attended by hail, was up to 2,500 yd (7,500 ft; 1.4 mi; 2.3 km) wide at times and damaged or destroyed up to 200 homes, many of which were small, frail tenant homes, along with many farmsteads. After passing just north of Cottonwood Point, Missouri, the tornado then traversed the Mississippi River into Tennessee, and passed just south of Owl Hoot. A vehicle was reportedly thrown 1 mi (1.6 km). In all, 150 people were injured. The tornado formed in the same storm as the Fisher–Blythevile F3. [49] [38] [56] [43] | |||||||||
| F3 | SW of Unionville to eastern Dyersburg to NW of Kenton† | Dyer, Gibson†, Obion† | Tennessee | 35°57′N89°26′W / 35.95°N 89.43°W | March 21 | 02:10†–? | 30 mi (48 km)† | Unknown | Unknown |
| 9+ deaths – This intense tornado first destroyed more than 12 homes and caused two deaths in the community of Unionville. After barely missing the town of Fowlkes, the tornado ravaged part of Dyersburg. At the Airport, the tornado destroyed a hangar, numerous airplanes, and a new administration building. Along the path, the tornado destroyed 15 farmsteads. 50 people were injured, and a tenth death may have occurred. [49] [57] [43] | |||||||||
| F0 | Madison | Madison | Mississippi | 32°28′N90°07′W / 32.47°N 90.12°W | March 21 | 02:30–? | 1 mi (1.6 km)※ | 20 yd (18 m) | $1,000※ |
| A brief tornado was observed. One person was injured. [4] [58] [43] | |||||||||
| F4 | SW of Byhalia (MS) to Cayce (MS)※ to SSE of Williston (TN)† | Marshall (MS), Fayette (TN) | Mississippi, Tennessee | 34°52′N89°41′W / 34.87°N 89.68°W | March 21 | 03:45–?※ | 35 mi (56 km)† | 300 yd (270 m)† | $200,000† |
| 17 deaths – This extremely violent tornado may have been a family of multiple tornadoes, as it may have merged with a second, undocumented tornado upon touching down. Along its path, it destroyed 38 homes, causing particularly severe damage near Byhalia and Moscow, Tennessee. It was once classified as an F5, based on the destruction of a concrete block structure; however, as the building was not steel-reinforced, the Storm Prediction Center later reduced the intensity to F4. In all, 94 people were injured. [36] [49] [59] [60] [61] | |||||||||
| F2† | SW of Medina to Bruceton† to NNW of Lipe‡ | Madison†, Gibson, Carroll, Benton‡ | Tennessee | 35°48′N88°47′W / 35.80°N 88.78°W | March 21 | 04:30†–05:17※ | 40 mi (64 km)† | 400 yd (370 m)† | $1,000,000† |
| 2+ deaths – This strong, long-lived tornado passed through the Milan Arsenal, southeast of Milan, destroying or damaging 30 buildings, including barracks, and 65 vehicles. Losses at the arsenal totaled $500,000 and three injuries occurred there. After passing near Lavinia, the tornado then destroyed 12 homes near Leach. The tornado then wrecked three homes and demolished the business district in Bruceton. In all, 23 people sustained injuries. A few additional fatalities may have occurred. [49] [62] [61] | |||||||||
| F4 | SW of Bolivar to northern Henderson† to Chesterfield※ to near Bible Hill† | Hardeman, Chester, Henderson※, Decatur† | Tennessee | 35°16′N88°59′W / 35.27°N 88.98°W | March 21 | 04:45†–05:30※ | 65 mi (105 km)† | 1,200 yd (1,100 m)† | $3,315,000※ |
| 38 deaths – This devastating tornado, which developed in the same storm as the Byhalia–Moscow F4, damaged or destroyed 609 homes. The tornado impacted Henderson, a large swath of which incurred borderline-F5 damage, killing 23 people there, and claimed 11 more lives between Darden and Jacks Creek. The tornado may have been the same as the F4 that struck both Mississippi and Tennessee. 157 people were injured along the path. The tornado may have been an extension of the Byhalia–Moscow F4. The areas between Silerton and south-southwest of Lexington would be hit again by an F2 tornado just under one year later. [51] [36] [49] [63] [64] | |||||||||
| F2† | Downtown† Carthage※ | Smith | Tennessee | 36°15′N85°56′W / 36.25°N 85.93°W | March 22 | 05:15†–? | 0.3 mi (0.48 km)‡ | 100 yd (91 m)※ | $24,000※ |
| This brief tornado unroofed and destroyed a large building. A few other structures incurred damage nearby and one person was injured. [49] [65] [66] | |||||||||
| F2 | SW of Buffalo※ | Humphreys | Tennessee | 35°51′N87°41′W / 35.85°N 87.68°W | March 22 | 05:55–? | 1 mi (1.6 km)† | 500 yd (460 m) | $50,000※ |
| This brief, strong tornado formed from the same storm as the Bolivar–Henderson F4. It destroyed several barns, damaged outbuildings, and unroofed three homes on farmsteads in and near Squeeze Bottom. [51] [49] [67] [61] | |||||||||
| F3 | Southern Hodgenville※ | LaRue | Kentucky | 37°32′N85°43′W / 37.53°N 85.72°W | March 22 | 06:05–06:10※ | 3 mi (4.8 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m)† | $250,000 |
| This intense tornado passed near the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. It damaged or destroyed 61 homes, nine of which were cottages, and the county fairgrounds. The tornado also unroofed a warehouse and flattened several barns. A total of 18 injuries occurred. The NCEI incorrectly list the path as extending from northwest of Buffalo to east-southeast of White City. [49] [68] [66] | |||||||||
| F2± | SSE of Spot | Hickman | Tennessee | 35°52′N87°35′W / 35.87°N 87.58°W | March 22 | 06:20–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km)‡ | 40 yd (37 m) | $35,000※ |
| 3 deaths – In a rural area this tornado damaged or destroyed nine homes and injured 10 people. Grazulis did not list this tornado at all, implying that it was a downburst, microburst, or other strong, convectively generated wind. The tornado passed east of the Bucksnort–Only area. [46] [69] [66] | |||||||||
| F4 | Massey to Winton to southern Redstone Arsenal† | Morgan, Madison※ | Alabama | 34°36′N87°00′W / 34.60°N 87.00°W | March 22 | 20:45†–? | 25 mi (40 km)† | 100 yd (91 m) | $150,000※ |
| 4 deaths – This violent tornado moved through areas near Hartselle and ended south of Decatur. It damaged or destroyed 84 structures, including 35 homes, many of which sustained F4 damage, though due to poor quality of construction the rating is somewhat questionable. 50 injuries were confirmed. The NCEI incorrectly places the track as going from northeast of Moulton Heights to south-southwest of Huntsville via Decatur and Mooresville. [36] [49] [70] [66] | |||||||||
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| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F0 | NNW of Alton | Osborne | KS | 39°31′N99°00′W / 39.52°N 99.00°W | 00:00–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 33 yards (30 m) | The NCEI officially records a brief tornado that touched in expansive area of severe storms that affected nine counties. No damage estimate was given. [71] [73] [74] |
| F2 | Kackley | Republic | KS | 39°41′N97°52′W / 39.68°N 97.87°W | 01:30–? | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) | 100 yards (91 m) | A small, but destructive tornado destroyed every building on a farm except the house and killed 50 chickens and six small pigs. Small hail and rain accompanied the tornado, which caused $25,000 in damage. The tornado may have started in Jewel County, where a barn was destroyed. [71] [75] |
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F4 | Lawrence to E of Wilder | Douglas, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson | KS | 38°59′N95°13′W / 38.98°N 95.22°W | 23:00–? | 26.9 miles (43.3 km) | 440 yards (400 m) | A violent tornado accompanied by hail touched down on the northeastern side of Lawrence and destroyed an alfalfa dehydrator and caused minor damage elsewhere. It skipped east-northeastward before touching down solidly again on the north side of the Kansas River and moving into the south side of Kansas City at rate of about 70 miles per hour (110 km/h). 12 homes and 67 other buildings were destroyed, including a bank president's home that was leveled, 14 other homes and 13 other building were damaged, and 20 cows, 1,200 chickens, 15 hogs, and 5 sheep were killed. 11 miles (18 km) of power lines and thousands of trees were blown down as well. Tornado expert Thomas P. Grazulis indicated that the tornado may have possibly reached F5 intensity. [76] Three people were injured and damages were estimated at $250,000. The CDNS report lists 13 injuries form this tornado. [71] [77] |
| F2 | Lake Lotawana | Johnson | MO | 38°56′N94°14′W / 38.93°N 94.23°W | 01:00–01:10 | 1.3 miles (2.1 km) | 440 yards (400 m) | A tornado accompanied by strong winds damaged a few houses, barns, and outbuildings. One person was injured and damages were estimated at $250,000. The CDNS report does not list any injuries. A funnel cloud was spotted north of nearby Lee's Summit about two hours later, but it did not touch down. [71] [78] |
| F1 | SSE of Rush Springs | Grady | OK | 34°45′N97°55′W / 34.75°N 97.92°W | 05:30–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 33 yards (30 m) | A barn was damaged and moved about 25 feet (7.6 m) with damages estimated at $250. [71] [79] |
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | NW of Cushing | Payne | OK | 36°01′N96°49′W / 36.02°N 96.82°W | 10:00–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 33 yards (30 m) | A farmstead was destroyed, with losses totaling $2,500. A gasoline plant in Cushing suffered $20,000 in damage from straight-line winds and six cows were killed when lightning struck a tree they were huddled under. [71] [80] |
| F1 | E of Snyder to NW of Meers | Kiowa, Comanche | OK | 34°40′N98°52′W / 34.67°N 98.87°W | 10:30–? | 16.9 miles (27.2 km) | 100 yards (91 m) | A skipping tornado touched down twice, destroying two barns and causing $2,500 in damage. [71] [81] |
| F2 | Lawton | Comanche | OK | 34°37′N98°25′W / 34.62°N 98.42°W | 10:45–? | 0.3 miles (0.48 km) | 150 yards (140 m) | A tornado damaged several buildings as it moved eastward about three blocks. One person was injured and losses totaled $250,000. [71] [82] |
| F2 | Fort Sill | Comanche | OK | 34°39′N98°26′W / 34.65°N 98.43°W | 11:00–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 200 yards (180 m) | This tornado touched down northwest of the previous one. It destroyed four warehouses and one smaller building with losses totaling $250,000. [71] [83] |
| F0 | Brownsboro | Henderson | TX | 32°13′N95°37′W / 32.22°N 95.62°W | 17:40–? | 0.5 miles (0.80 km) | 33 yards (30 m) | Buildings were unroofed and plate glass windows were pulled out of buildings. Losses totaled $2,500. It is possible that this tornado was the last of the day rather than fifth according to the CDNS report. [71] [84] |
| F2 | Dumont | Butler | IA | 42°45′N92°58′W / 42.75°N 92.97°W | 19:00–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 17 yards (16 m) | "Long tapering funnel moved northward." A town garage was unroofed and telephone poles were knocked down, interrupting electric service. No damage estimate was given. [71] [85] |
| F0 | Brooksville | Hernando | FL | 28°33′N82°23′W / 28.55°N 82.38°W | 19:30–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 33 yards (30 m) | A tornado wrecked a chicken house and damaged others, killing a number of chickens. A physician was injured when his car was struck by the tornado on the highway, spinning it around several times and before ejecting him. Loses totaled $2,500. Heavy rain and hail preceded the tornado. [71] [86] |
| F1 | San Angelo | Tom Green | TX | 31°27′N100°29′W / 31.45°N 100.48°W | 20:30–? | 7.1 miles (11.4 km) | 50 yards (46 m) | A few chicken houses and a house was damaged, injuring one person and causing $2,500 in damage. [71] [87] |
| F1 | Grafton | Worth | IA | 43°20′N93°05′W / 43.33°N 93.08°W | 21:00–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 33 yards (30 m) | A funnel cloud was observed moving northeastward at 20–25 miles per hour (32–40 km/h). A barn was demolished while only minor damage occurred nearby. A few chickens were also killed. No damage estimate was given. [71] [88] |
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Bedford | Cuyahoga | OH | 41°25′N81°30′W / 41.42°N 81.50°W | 21:05–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 200 yards (180 m) | Several observers reported the passage of a "dark, funnel cloud without an attendant thunderstorm, hail, or rain, although rain had preceded the storm." It moved northeastward through the business district in the downtown area before striking a residential area. Roofs were damaged, signs and utility lines were destroyed, trees were leveled, windows were broken, and several garages were demolished. A large plate-glass window on the front of a business was blown outward while other windows in path of storm were blown inward. Losses totaled $25,000. [71] [89] |
| F1 | Belleville | St.Clair | IL | 39°30′N90°01′W / 39.50°N 90.02°W | 23:50–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 33 yards (30 m) | A tornado moved down a runway at Scott Air Force Base, damaging 14 aircraft. A small building was also partially demolished. Losses totaled $25,000. Hail and strong winds also caused additional damage to crops in the area. [71] [90] |
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|
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There were 34 tornadoes confirmed in the US in June.
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F2 | ESE of Benson to W of Sunburg | Swift | MN | 45°18′N95°30′W / 45.3°N 95.5°W | 22:30–? | 8.4 miles (13.5 km) | 220 yards (200 m) | This tornado was likely one of several, embedded within a 150-square-mile (390 km2) series of downbursts, and caused "great destruction" along its path through farmland. Several tornadoes were probably responsible for the damage but were officially unrecorded. A number of barns were destroyed near Benson. Losses totaled $2.5 million. The tornado was rated F3 by Grazulis. [93] [91] [94] |
| F4 | SSW of Marcus to Southern Cleghorn to Southern Larrabee to SSW of Peterson | Cherokee | IA | 42°45′N95°51′W / 42.75°N 95.85°W | 00:30–? | 24.1 miles (38.8 km) | 400 yards (370 m) | This large, violent tornado first touched down south-southwest of Marcus. It moved east-northeastward, passing 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the town while causing major damage to farms in the region. It then clipped the south side of Cleghorn as it continued to damage or destroy farms across the region. It then continued to be strong to violent as it moved through areas northeast of town. Afterwards, it passed 2 miles (3.2 km) south and east of Larrabee while continuing to damage or destroy farms. The tornado then weakened and dissipated south-southwest of Peterson. In all, 53 farmsteads were hit, with 13 of them being completely demolished and 34 suffered major damage. There were four injuries and $2.5 million in damage. [93] [91] [95] |
| F0 | Forestburg | Sanborn | SD | 42°45′N95°51′W / 42.75°N 95.85°W | 00:55–? | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 43 yards (39 m) | A tornado was photographed as it occasionally touched down near Forestburg over a 20-minute period. Fences, haystacks, and corn plants were destroyed. Damage was only estimated to be $30. [93] [96] |
| F2 | Jeffers to Lafayette to Chaska to Eden Prairie | Cottonwood, Brown, Nicollet, Sibley, Carver, Hennepen | MN | 44°00′N95°17′W / 44.00°N 95.28°W | 02:30–? | 104.8 miles (168.7 km) | 220 yards (200 m) | A long-tracked tornado, which was probably a tornado family due to the path being non-continuous, moved through several counties southwest of Minneapolis, dissipating in the southwestern suburbs of the city. About 70 barns, silos, steel granaries, windmills, farm machinery, and automobiles were destroyed. Many homes, buildings, and barns were damaged and poultry and livestock were killed. Plate-glass windows were blown in, hundreds of trees were uprooted, power poles and wires were down and growing crops were damaged. Major damage occurred south of Lake Minnetonka as well. 10 people were injured and damage was estimated to be $10 million. The tornado was not listed as significant by Grazulis. [93] [91] [97] |
| F3 | St. Croix Falls to Centuria to Bone Lake | Polk | WI | 45°25′N92°38′W / 45.42°N 92.63°W | 03:30–? | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) | 100 yards (91 m) | 2 deaths – This possible tornado was later confirmed. Severe damage occurred along its path, especially in Centuria, with a dozen homes being unroofed by the tornado. Witnesses did not see the funnel cloud, but said that the wind was of explosive force. A man was killed by flying debris as he sought shelter while a woman was killed in the basement of a small home that was obliterated. Six people were injured and damage was estimated at $2.5 million. [93] [91] [98] |
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F0 | NE of Philip | Haakon | SD | 44°11′N101°27′W / 44.18°N 101.45°W | 16:00–? | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) | 23 yards (21 m) | An airline pilot reported a funnel cloud that touched down about 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Philip. A damage estimate of $30 was given for this tornado. [93] [99] |
| F2 | NW of Cleveland to Downtown Minneapolis to Lino Lakes | Le Sueur, Scott, Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka | MN | 44°20′N93°51′W / 44.33°N 93.85°W | 00:30–? | 70.9 miles (114.1 km) | 267 yards (244 m) | A long-tracked tornado, which was probably a tornado family, first touched down near Cleveland and moved northeastward, causing severe damage along its path. It moved through the southwestern part of the Minneapolis suburbs before entering Downtown Minneapolis. After moving through it, it continued northeastward, going through the northeastern suburbs of Minneapolis before dissipating near Lino Lakes. About 35 houses, barns, outbuildings, garages, large canvas tent, silos, windmills, steel granaries, farm machinery, and automobiles were destroyed while many other homes, buildings, barns, an automobile racing speedway, hangars, and several airplanes were damaged. Poultry and some livestock were killed, hundreds of trees uprooted, many poles, wires, radio and television antennae down, plate-glass windows were blown in and growing crops damaged. A number of reports of funnel-shaped clouds were observed and a large trailer truck heavily loaded with tombstones was lifted off the road in extreme southern Anoka County and wrecked. In all, 15 people were injured and losses total $5 million. Grazulis rated the tornado F3 and described the event as a complex of tornadoes and downbursts. [93] [91] [100] |
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There were 27 tornadoes confirmed in the US in July.
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There were 16 tornadoes confirmed in the US in August.
| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
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| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
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|
| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
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From April 2–3, 1956, a large, deadly tornado outbreak affected the Great Plains, parts of the South, and the upper Midwest in the contiguous United States, especially the Great Lakes region. The outbreak produced at least 55 tornadoes, including an F5 that devastated the Grand Rapids metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Michigan on April 3. It was one of three tornadoes to move across southwest Lower Michigan on that day. A fourth tornado struck north of the Manistee area, in the northern part of the peninsula. The Hudsonville–Standale tornado killed 18 and injured 333. It remains the fourth deadliest tornado on record in Michigan and is the most recent F5 on record there. Several other deadly, intense, long-tracked tornadoes also occurred during the outbreak. In addition to the fatalities in Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan and Berlin, Wisconsin, three people were killed in Tennessee, one person in Kentucky and two more people in Wisconsin. In total, 39 were killed during the entire event.
On August 6, 1969, a destructive tornado outbreak affected portions of the Upper Midwest—principally north-central Minnesota—on August 6, 1969. The severe weather event generated 14 confirmed tornadoes, killed 15 people, and caused 109 injuries. To date, the outbreak remains the deadliest on record in the North Woods region of Minnesota. It is also known as the 1969 Minnesota tornado outbreak and the 1969 North Woods tornado outbreak. The most destructive tornado of the outbreak was a 33-mile-long (53 km) violent F4 that leveled miles of timberland and farmland across portions of Crow Wing, Cass, and Aitkin counties in Minnesota, killing at least 12 people and injuring 70 others.
A destructive severe weather episode affected portions of the Midwestern and Southern United States from April 30–May 2, 1967. It consisted of two consecutive tornado outbreaks that generated at least 38 tornadoes, causing 13 fatalities and 90 injuries. All of the deaths occurred on April 30, which is known as the 1967 Iowa–Minnesota tornado outbreak, or Black Sunday, to residents of Iowa and southern Minnesota. That day spawned a total of 21 tornadoes, devastating the towns of Albert Lea and Waseca, Minnesota.
On Monday, April 8, 1957, a widespread tornado outbreak struck the Southeastern United States, particularly the Carolinas, and was responsible for seven deaths and 203 injuries across the region. Most of the activity occurred on either side of the Piedmont, including portions of the Cumberland Plateau. At least 18 tornadoes occurred, including several long-tracked tornado families, one of which included a violent tornado that was retrospectively rated F4 on the Fujita scale. Besides tornadoes, the outbreak also generated other severe weather phenomena such as large hail.
On May 24–25, 1957, a tornado outbreak primarily affected the Western High Plains, Central Great Plains, and Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains of the United States. 45 tornadoes touched down over the area, most of which took place across northern and western Texas, in addition to southern Oklahoma. Overall activity initiated over eastern New Mexico and spread northeastward as far as southwestern Wisconsin. The strongest tornado, which occurred in southern Oklahoma on May 24, was assigned a rating of F4 near Lawton. Anomalously, some tornadoes touched down during the early morning hours, rather than late afternoon or early evening, when daytime heating typically peaks.
On March 21–22, 1952, a severe tornado outbreak generated eight violent tornadoes across the Southern United States, causing 209 fatalities—50 of which occurred in a single tornado in Arkansas. In addition, this tornado outbreak is the deadliest on record to ever affect the state of Tennessee, with 66 of the fatalities associated with this outbreak occurring in the state; this surpasses the 60 fatalities from a tornado outbreak in 1909, and in terms of fatalities is well ahead of both the 1974 Super Outbreak and the Super Tuesday tornado outbreak, each of which generated 45 and 31 fatalities, respectively. The severe weather event also resulted in the fourth-largest number of tornado fatalities within a 24-hour period since 1950. To date this was considered the most destructive tornado outbreak in Arkansas on record.
A deadly tornado outbreak devastated parts of Louisiana and Tennessee on February 11–13, 1950. The outbreak covered about a day and a half and produced numerous tornadoes, mostly from East Texas to the lower Mississippi Valley, with activity concentrated in Texas and Louisiana. Most of the deaths occurred in Louisiana and Tennessee, where tornadoes killed 25 and nine people, respectively. Several long-lived tornado families struck the Red River region of northwestern Louisiana, especially the Shreveport–Bossier City area. One of the tornadoes attained violent intensity, F4, on the Fujita scale and caused eight deaths, including six at the Shreveport Holding and Reconsignment Depot near Barksdale Air Force Base. It remains one of the top ten deadliest tornadoes on record in the state of Louisiana, in tenth place. Also in Louisiana, two other destructive tornadoes on parallel paths killed 16. Seven additional deaths occurred across the border in East Texas. Nine people died in a tornado in western Tennessee as well. In all, the entire outbreak killed at least 41 people and left 228 injured. Also, several long-tracked tornadoes recorded in the outbreak likely contained more, shorter-lived tornadoes.
This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1954, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although some events may take place internationally. Tornado statistics for older years like this often appear significantly lower than modern years due to fewer reports or confirmed tornadoes.
This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1952, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although some events may take place internationally. Tornado statistics for older years like this often appear significantly lower than modern years due to fewer reports or confirmed tornadoes.
This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1950, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although some events may take place internationally.
A widespread, destructive, and deadly tornado outbreak sequence affected the Southeastern United States from April 28 to May 2, 1953, producing 24 tornadoes, including five violent F4 tornadoes. The deadliest event of the sequence was an F4 tornado family that ravaged Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia, on April 30, killing at least 18 people and injuring 300 or more others. On May 1, a pair of F4 tornadoes also struck Alabama, causing a combined nine deaths and 15 injuries. Additionally, another violent tornado struck rural Tennessee after midnight on May 2, killing four people and injuring eight. Additionally, two intense tornadoes impacted Greater San Antonio, Texas, on April 28, killing three people and injuring 20 altogether. In all, 36 people were killed, 361 others were injured, and total damages reached $26.713 million (1953 USD). There were additional casualties from non-tornadic events as well, including a washout which caused a train derailment that injured 10.
The first six days of December 1953 produced a destructive and deadly tornado outbreak sequence across the Southern United States. There were 19 confirmed tornadoes, including a violent F4 tornado that hit the northwest side of Alexandria, Louisiana and even more violent F5 tornado that hit Vicksburg, Mississippi. In all, the tornadoes killed 49 people, injured 404 others, and caused $45,709 million in damage. The death toll made this deadliest December tornado outbreak ever recorded and it would not be surpassed until 2021. This was also the last of the series of deadly and catastrophic tornado outbreaks to strike the US in 1953.
On November 7–8, 1957, a significant tornado outbreak affected portions of the Southern United States, particularly the Golden Triangle of Southeast Texas and parts of Acadiana in Louisiana. The severe weather event inflicted 12 deaths and more than 200 injuries, especially in the vicinity of Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas. The most intense tornado of the outbreak, retrospectively rated F4 on the Fujita scale, struck the town of Orange, Texas, killing one person, injuring 81 others, and causing $11⁄2 million in losses. The deadliest tornado of the outbreak was an F3 that killed four people northwest of Carencro, Louisiana. The costliest tornado of the outbreak, also rated F3, caused $2.3 million in losses in the town of Groves, Texas, killing a few people there. Other intense tornadoes occurred as far east as Mississippi and North Carolina. In all, at least 28 tornadoes were confirmed, yet others were likely present as well.
Hurricane Carla triggered a destructive and deadly outbreak of 21 tornadoes in Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Michigan that occurred from September 10–13, 1961. A total of 11 tornadoes touched down in Louisiana, and eight more in Texas. The strongest tornado of the outbreak was a 1 mile (1.6 km) long, 100 yards (91 m) wide F4 tornado that moved across Galveston Island in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 12, 1961, killing eight people. This was the first of only two known violent tornadoes ever spawned by a hurricane with the other one happening during Hurricane Hilda in 1964. By the time it was over, the outbreak had killed 14 people, injured 337 others, and caused over $3.461 million in damage.
A destructive tornado outbreak impacted the Great Plains and Midwestern United States on June 23–24, 1952, generating several significant (F2+) tornadoes. Most of the tornadoes and casualties occurred in June 23, when an F4 tornado injured four an Iowa and an F3 tornado killed two and injured six in Wisconsin. Minneapolis, Minnesota was struck by long-tracked F2 tornadoes on both outbreak days, causing a combined 25 injuries alone. Overall, at least seven tornadoes were confirmed, killing two, injuring 35, and causing $22.5 million in damage.
Several destructive tornadoes struck the Southeastern United States, primarily along and east of the Lower Mississippi Valley, on February 13, 1952. Multiple intense tornadoes touched down throughout the day, three of which were killers. The deadliest and most destructive tornado of the outbreak was a violent F4 that touched down in south-central Tennessee, killing three people and injuring 44 others. A similarly destructive tornado—albeit of weaker, F2 intensity—formed from the same storm as the preceding F4 and became the second costliest of the outbreak. Another intense tornado affected the Mississippi embayment near Manila, Arkansas, injuring five people, and a pair of deadly F3s in Alabama claimed a combined two lives. In all, the outbreak killed five people and injured 102 others.
The authors sent a detailed letter to the SPC recommending the two tornadoes from 1974, and the 1952 tornado mentioned above, be downgraded to F4. The SPC agreed to all three of these changes. The SPC database now reflects the conclusions of Professor Fujita's map of 1974, and Grazulis 1952 tornado report (1993). ... The authors suggested that the three former F5 tornadoes in Tennessee should be reclassified as F4. These changes have been adopted, making the 16 April 1998 Lawrence County tornado the only documented F5 in the history of Tennessee.