Tornadoes of 1991

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Tornadoes of 1991
Andover91tordamg.JPG
Damage from the Andover tornado of April 26, 1991
TimespanJanuary–December 1991
Maximum rated tornado F5 tornado
Tornadoes in U.S.1,132 [1]
Damage (U.S.)unknown
Fatalities (U.S.)39 [2]
Fatalities (worldwide)>134

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1991, 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, however by the 1990s tornado statistics were coming closer to the numbers we see today.

Contents

Synopsis

Fatal United States tornadoes in 1991
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Approximate touchdown location of killer tornadoes in 1991
Summary of tornadoes [3]
  • January 14 – Texas (1 death)
  • March 22 – Tennessee (4 deaths)
  • March 22 – Kentucky (1 death)
  • March 22 – Tennessee (1 death)
  • March 27 – Wisconsin (1 death)
  • March 27 – Ohio, Indiana (1 death)
  • March 29 – Alabama (5 deaths)
  • April 26 Kansas (17 deaths)
  • April 26 Kansas (1 death)
  • April 26 Kansas (1 death)
  • April 26 Oklahoma (1 death)
  • April 26 Oklahoma (1 death)
  • June 12 – New York (1 death)
  • July 5 – Minnesota (1 death)
  • November 29 – Missouri (2 deaths)
Total fatalities: 39

The tornado season of 1991 looks generally very average on paper. The spring months of March, April, May and June all saw very large numbers of tornadoes and tornado outbreaks. The fall, sometimes referred to as a "second season", was very quiet. The Andover, Kansas outbreak of April 26, 1991 was famous for its violent tornadoes, incredible video and is the signature event of this tornado season. 1991 saw one F5 tornado touch down in Kansas.

Events

Confirmed tornado total for the entire year 1991 in the United States.

Confirmed tornadoes by Fujita rating
FUF0F1F2F3F4F5Total
068829510339611132

January

There were 29 tornadoes confirmed in the US in January.

February

There were 11 tornadoes confirmed in the US in February.

March

There were 157 tornadoes confirmed in the US in March.

March 22

An outbreak produced 23 tornadoes, with six fatalities being confirmed in Kentucky and Tennessee. An 11-year-old boy was killed in Olmstead in Logan County, Kentucky when an F2 tornado picked up a mobile home and slammed it against a tree. [4]

March 26–29

The Abbyville, Kansas F3 tornado March 26, 1991 Abbyville F3 Tornado.jpg
The Abbyville, Kansas F3 tornado

An outbreak produced 50 tornadoes over a two day span. An F4 tornado passed near Hutchinson, Kansas on March 26, while two people were killed by tornadoes in Wisconsin and Indiana on March 27. After only two weak F0 tornadoes touched down on March 28, another outbreak of 21 tornadoes struck the Southeastern United States on March 29. [5] An F1 tornado struck Munford, Alabama, where it destroyed several trailer homes, killing five people, four of them in one family. [6] An F3 tornado moved through Clarkdale, Georgia, destroying 15 townhouses, damaging 120 others, and injuring 25 people. [7] An F2 tornado destroyed 16 homes and heavily damaged 39 others in Ladonia, Alabama, injuring 16 people. [8] In all, 73 tornadoes touched down during the outbreak sequence.

April

There were 204 tornadoes confirmed in the US in April.

April 26

FUF0F1F2F3F4F5
0121316741

This violent tornado outbreak of 53 tornadoes took place on April 26, 1991, killing 24 people and injuring hundreds more. The killer Andover tornado was rated F5, while four others were rated F4, including the monstrous Red Rock tornado. At the time, the Red Rock tornado generated the highest wind speeds, detected by mobile doppler radar, until the May 3, 1999, Bridge Creek-Moore F5 tornado. This is also the outbreak from which the infamous video was shot by a news crew hiding under an overpass in Kansas. This early viral video spread the myth that sheltering underneath an overpass was safer during a tornado. The television crew was hit by a F2 tornado.

May

There were 335 tornadoes confirmed in the US in May.

May 10

Three tornadoes formed in Lazbuddie, Texas.

May 15

An outbreak of five tornadoes struck Western and Northwestern Oklahoma. The strongest was an 800–900 yard wide F3 tornado that tracked 11.5 miles near Laverne, injuring three people. The same cell also dropped hail up to the size of grapefruits. [9]

June

There were 216 tornadoes confirmed in the US in June.

June 14

An F0 tornadic waterspout (starts as a tornado) reported near Lake Okeechobee, Florida created a surreal nighttime sight of a tornado and lightning while only doing minor damage. A famous photo of the event, which includes a mixture of brown and black color of the tornado accompanied with a lightning strike, was taken by Fred Smith, who was photographing the tornado from his backyard. [10] [11]

July

There were 64 tornadoes confirmed in the US in July, including one in Cass County, Minnesota, on July 5, 1991. This particular tornado started as a waterspout, came ashore and destroyed a dock, uprooted trees and overturned a boat. This tornado was also featured on some tornado-themed documentaries.

August

There were 46 tornadoes confirmed in the US in August.

September

There were 26 tornadoes confirmed in the US in September.

October

There were 21 tornadoes confirmed in the US in October.

November

There were 20 tornadoes confirmed in the US in November.

November 29

F4 damage from tornado F4 damage from the November 29, 1991 Springfield F4 tornado.jpg
F4 damage from tornado

An F4 tornado tore through areas near Springfield, Missouri, killing two people.

December

There were 3 tornadoes confirmed in the US in December.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1991 Andover tornado outbreak</span> Tornado outbreak in Kansas and Oklahoma

From April 26 to 27, 1991, multiple supercells across Oklahoma and Kansas led to a regional tornado outbreak. Forced by a potent trough and focused along a dryline, these distinct thunderstorms moved northeast through a moist and highly unstable environment. A total of 55 tornadoes were confirmed, many of which were strong, F2 or greater on the Fujita scale. A widely documented F5 tornado tore through Andover, Kansas, killing 17 people. Additional fatalities occurred from significant tornadoes in other portions of Kansas and Oklahoma, with 21 deaths recorded in total. An F4 tornado was detected by a mobile doppler weather radar team which observed winds up to 270 mph (430 km/h) at the top of the funnel, the first time winds of F5 intensity were measured by radar, and the highest winds recorded by radar at the time. A news team filming an F2 tornado sought shelter under a Kansas Turnpike overpass, causing a misconception that overpasses can provide adequate shelter during a tornado. This outbreak occurred within a transition period for the National Weather Service and proved the value of NEXRAD radars, which were utilized in Oklahoma to provide advanced warning to residents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 2004</span>

This page documents notable tornadoes and tornado outbreaks worldwide in 2004. Strong and destructive tornadoes form most frequently in the United States, Bangladesh, and Eastern India, but they can occur almost anywhere under the right conditions. Tornadoes also develop occasionally in southern Canada during the Northern Hemisphere's summer and somewhat regularly at other times of the year across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Tornadic events are often accompanied with other forms of severe weather, including strong thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 2002</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 2002, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although some events may take place internationally. The year had several large outbreaks that included the Veterans Day Weekend tornado outbreak and the Midwest to Mid-Atlantic United States tornado outbreak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 2001</span>

This page documents notable tornadoes and tornado outbreaks worldwide in 2001. Strong and destructive tornadoes form most frequently in the United States, Bangladesh, and Eastern India, but they can occur almost anywhere under the right conditions. Tornadoes also develop occasionally in southern Canada during the Northern Hemisphere's summer and somewhat regularly at other times of the year across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Tornadic events are often accompanied with other forms of severe weather, including strong thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1999</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1999, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although some events may take place internationally, particularly in parts of neighboring southern Canada during the Northern Hemisphere's summer season, as well as Europe. One particular event, the Bridge Creek-Moore, Oklahoma F5 tornado, produced the highest wind speed ever recorded on Earth, which was 301 ± 20 mph (484 ± 32 km/h).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1989</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1989, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1990</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1990, 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, however by the 1990s tornado statistics were coming closer to the numbers we see today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1993</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1993, 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, however by the 1990s tornado statistics were coming closer to the numbers we see today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1998</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1998, 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, however by the 1990s tornado statistics were coming closer to the numbers we see today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1984</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1984, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1983</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1983, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1982</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1982, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1962</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1962, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although tornadoes events can take place internationally. Tornado statistics for older years like this often appear significantly lower than modern years due to fewer reports or confirmed tornadoes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1960</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1960, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1958</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1958, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1955</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1955, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1953</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1953, 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 was the first year to record an F5 tornado as well as one of the deadliest tornado seasons in official U.S. records, which go back to 1950.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1952</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornadoes of 1949</span>

This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1949, primarily in the United States. Most recorded 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.

References

  1. "U.S. Annual Tornado Maps (1952 - 2011): 1991 Tornadoes". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  2. "Annual U.S. Killer Tornado Statistics". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  3. "Severe Weather Database Files (1950-2021)". Storm Prediction Center . National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July 11, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  4. "Tornadoes Kill 3 in Tennessee and Kentucky". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. 1991-03-23. ISSN   0458-3035 . Retrieved 2016-05-09.
  5. "Storm Prediction Center WCM Page". www.spc.noaa.gov. Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  6. "Storm Events Database March 29, 1991" (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  7. "Storm Events Database March 29, 1991" (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  8. "Storm Events Database March 29, 1991" (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  9. US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "Norman, OK". www.weather.gov.
  10. "Tornado History Project: Florida in June 1991". www.tornadohistoryproject.com. Retrieved 2019-10-21.
  11. "Who Originally Took This Somewhat Famous Photo?". Stormtrack. Retrieved 2019-10-21.