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Tornado outbreak of May 19–22, 1957

(Redirected from May 1957 Central Plains tornado outbreak sequence)

From May 19–22, 1957, a tornado outbreak took place across the US Central Plains. A total of 59 tornadoes were reported from Colorado to the Mississippi Valley.[note 1][note 2] The most destructive tornado of the severe weather event—likely part of a long-lived family—was rated at F5, the highest level, and is often called the Ruskin Heights tornado, after the site of its worst damage, a suburb and housing development in southern Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, a powerful F4 tornado virtually destroyed Fremont, Missouri, claiming seven lives, and an F3 tornado killed eight others in and near Belgrade, Missouri. A pair of F4s—one in Minnesota, the other in Kansas—also neared F5 intensity. In all, 59 people were killed during the outbreak, including 44 in the Ruskin Heights tornado.

Tornado outbreak of May 19–22, 1957
Map of tornadoes on May 21, highlighting the Fremont F4
Tornado outbreak
Tornadoes59
Maximum ratingF5 tornado
DurationMay 19–22, 1957
Largest hail7 in (18 cm)[1]
Overall effects
Fatalities59
Injuries341
Areas affectedPrimarily Central United States
Part of the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1957

Background

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The F5 Ruskin Heights tornado near Spring Hill, Kansas

The outbreak coincided with elevated tornado activity: the period May 19–26 was one of the most intense to date, since the founding of the United States Weather Bureau. At 00:30 UTC (7:30 p.m. CDT) on May 20, a 75-to-80-knot (86 to 92 mph; 139 to 148 km/h) mid-level jet stream bisected dew points of 65 °F (18 °C), coincident with a 986-millibar (29.1 inHg) low-pressure area and warm front over southeastern Nebraska. Soundings and surface weather observations indicated a robust, unstable warm sector, showing 3,000 j/kg of surface-based convective available potential energy (CAPE) and the presence of strong wind shear. Favoring supercells, this setup led to the then largest one-day total of tornadoes in Weather Bureau history. At 17:00 UTC (12:00 p.m. CDT) the Severe Local Storms Unit (SELS) in Kansas City had already issued a severe weather watch, mentioning tornadoes, for the Kansas–Nebraska state line and its environs. Subsequent updates covered much of the eastern Great Plains, from the Green Country to southeastern Nebraska. Upon formation, severe thunderstorms traveled at up to 42 mph (68 km/h), attended by extremely large hail.[1][3]

Outbreak statistics

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Outbreak death toll[4]
State Total County County
total
Kansas 7 Franklin 3
Miami 4
Missouri 52 Carter 7
Jackson 37
St. Francois 8
Totals 59
All deaths were tornado-related

Confirmed tornadoes

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Confirmed tornadoes by Fujita rating
FU F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 Total
0 13 16 19 7 3 1 59

Several unconfirmed tornadoes were also reported:

Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of NEXRAD Doppler weather radar in 1990–1991.[6][note 3] 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of Fujita scale assessments.[10][note 4] Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.

May 19 event

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Confirmed tornadoes — Sunday, May 19, 1957[note 5]
F#[note 4] Location County / Parish State Start Coord.[note 6] Time (UTC) Path length Width[note 7] Damage
F1 ESE of West Park Fresno CA 36°42′N 119°50′W / 36.70°N 119.83°W / 36.70; -119.83 (West Park (May 19, F1)) 16:18–16:23 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
A brief tornado—the third on record in the Fresno area—tore loose roof shingles, downed an almond tree, and mangled a rooftop air conditioning unit.[20][21]
F1 NW of Bayard Scotts Bluff NE 41°48′N 103°22′W / 41.80°N 103.37°W / 41.80; -103.37 (Bayard (May 19, F1)) 01:30–? 1.7 mi (2.7 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
Watched by highway patrol, this tornado did little or no damage.[22][21]
F2 S of Vance Morrill NE 41°45′N 103°07′W / 41.75°N 103.12°W / 41.75; -103.12 (Northport (May 19, F2)) 03:30–? 5.1 mi (8.2 km) 67 yd (61 m) $25,000
This tornado blew a farmhouse off its foundation and stripped most of its roof. It destroyed outbuildings on a few farms as well. According to the Climatological Data National Summary, this tornado hit 6+1⁄2 mi (10.5 km) west of Bayard, implying touchdown in Scotts Bluff County.[23][24][21]
F1 W of Gurley Cheyenne NE 41°19′N 102°59′W / 41.32°N 102.98°W / 41.32; -102.98 (Gurley (May 19, F1)) 04:00–? 2 mi (3.2 km) 33 yd (30 m) $25,000
This tornado damaged outbuildings.[25][21]

May 20 event

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Confirmed tornadoes — Monday, May 20, 1957[note 5]
F#[note 4] Location County / Parish State Start Coord.[note 6] Time (UTC) Path length Width[note 7] Damage
F0 SSE of Bethune (CO) to near Herndon (KS) Kit Carson (CO), Sherman (KS), Cheyenne (KS), Rawlins (KS) CO, KS 39°15′N 102°24′W / 39.25°N 102.40°W / 39.25; -102.40 (Bethune (May 20, F0)) 17:00–19:35 70.1 mi (112.8 km) 33 yd (30 m) $310
This tornado, once officially rated F2, caused very little damage. It was likely a family of several weak events.[26][27][28][29][30]
F0 Southeastern Phillipsburg Phillips KS 39°45′N 99°19′W / 39.75°N 99.32°W / 39.75; -99.32 (Phillipsburg (May 20, F0)) 17:55–18:10 1 mi (1.6 km) 300 yd (270 m) Un­known
Details are unavailable.[31][32][5]
F0 N of Downs Osborne KS 39°33′N 98°33′W / 39.55°N 98.55°W / 39.55; -98.55 (Downs (May 20, F0)) 19:15–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
This tornado felled a shed, wires, and trees.[31][33][5]
F0 SW of Hunter Mitchell KS 39°14′N 98°24′W / 39.23°N 98.40°W / 39.23; -98.40 (Hunter (May 20, F0)) 19:25–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
Details are unavailable.[31][34][5]
F1 N of Burr Oak Jewell KS 39°55′N 98°18′W / 39.92°N 98.30°W / 39.92; -98.30 (Burr Oak (May 20, F1)) 20:05–? 5.7 mi (9.2 km) 300 yd (270 m) $25,000
Sounding train-like, this tornado damaged three homes and many outbuildings.[35][5]
F0 N of Red Cloud Webster NE 40°06′N 98°31′W / 40.10°N 98.52°W / 40.10; -98.52 (Red Cloud (May 20, F0)) 20:15–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
A brief tornado hit nothing substantial.[36][5]
F1 NE of Broken Bow Custer NE 41°26′N 99°37′W / 41.43°N 99.62°W / 41.43; -99.62 (Broken Bow (May 20, F1)) 20:17–20:20 2.7 mi (4.3 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
This tornado caused little damage.[37][5]
F0 E of Guide Rock Nuckolls NE 40°04′N 98°16′W / 40.07°N 98.27°W / 40.07; -98.27 (Guide Rock (May 20, F0)) 20:20–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
Noted by highway patrol, this tornado caused little or damage.[31][38][5]
F4 ENE of Glasco to NW of Morrowville Cloud, Republic, Washington KS 39°23′N 97°44′W / 39.38°N 97.73°W / 39.38; -97.73 ((May 20, F4)) 20:50–? 44.6 mi (71.8 km) 400 yd (370 m) $250,000
Part of a family, this violent tornado struck 12 farms at F4 intensity, at one point approaching F5 status. The main event, it destroyed an entire farm near Haddam, and was accompanied by at least four—possibly up to eight—satellite tornadoes, along with many funnel clouds. The storm that produced the tornado damaged a 50-to-60-mile-long (80 to 97 km) swath.[39][23][40][5]
F2 SSE of Concordia Cloud KS 39°31′N 97°38′W / 39.52°N 97.63°W / 39.52; -97.63 (Concordia (May 20, F2)) 20:50–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
Details are unknown. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[41][42][5]
F2 W of Huscher Cloud KS 39°31′N 97°38′W / 39.52°N 97.63°W / 39.52; -97.63 (Huscher #1 (May 20, F2)) 20:50–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
This tornado destroyed a barn.[23][43][5]
F2 SW of Huscher Cloud KS 39°28′N 97°38′W / 39.47°N 97.63°W / 39.47; -97.63 (Huscher #2 (May 20, F2)) 20:50–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
Details are unknown. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[41][44][5]
F3 E of Rice to E of Hollis Cloud KS 39°34′N 97°34′W / 39.57°N 97.57°W / 39.57; -97.57 (Rice (May 20, F3)) 20:50–? 6.1 mi (9.8 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
This tornado destroyed a barn. Grazulis rated it F2.[23][45][5]
F1 WSW of Anselmo Custer NE 41°36′N 99°56′W / 41.60°N 99.93°W / 41.60; -99.93 ((May 20, F1)) 21:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $2,500
This tornado mainly affected remote areas.[46][47]
F1 N of Rockerville Pennington SD 43°58′N 103°21′W / 43.97°N 103.35°W / 43.97; -103.35 (Rockerville (May 20, F1)) 21:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $2,500
This tornado blew down a barn.[48][5]
F2 W of Reynolds to E of Palmyra Thayer, Jefferson, Saline, Lancaster NE 40°04′N 97°30′W / 40.07°N 97.50°W / 40.07; -97.50 (Reynolds (May 20, F2)) 22:00–? 75.3 mi (121.2 km) 33 yd (30 m) $250,000
This tornado hit more than 12 farms, destroying barns, and unroofed homes as well. On a farm it killed upward of 500 turkeys. In all, the tornado struck "15 sets" of structures. Grazulis listed a 30-mile (48 km) path.[49][50][47]
F2 Doniphan to NE of Phillips Hall, Hamilton NE 40°46′N 98°22′W / 40.77°N 98.37°W / 40.77; -98.37 (Doniphan (May 20, F2)) 23:00–? 18.2 mi (29.3 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
Producing scattered damage, this tornado hit three farms, one of them at "near-F3" intensity.[49][51][47]
F2 S of Maysville to NNE of Weatherby DeKalb MO 39°51′N 94°21′W / 39.85°N 94.35°W / 39.85; -94.35 (Weatherby (May 20, F2)) 23:00–? 9.8 mi (15.8 km) 200 yd (180 m) $25,000
This tornado hit eight farms, destroying buildings, including two or more barns.[49][52][47]
F0 N of Pawnee Pawnee OK 36°21′N 96°48′W / 36.35°N 96.80°W / 36.35; -96.80 ((May 20, F0)) 23:00–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 100 yd (91 m) $30
A brief tornado snapped power lines and damaged roofing.[53][47]
F2 NE of Friend to N of Emerald Saline, Gage, Lancaster NE 40°41′N 97°15′W / 40.68°N 97.25°W / 40.68; -97.25 (Friend (May 20, F2)) 23:20–? 23.9 mi (38.5 km) 33 yd (30 m) $25,000
This tornado intermittently touched down, destroying a few barns.[49][54][47]
F0 S of Hartford Lyon KS 38°14′N 96°00′W / 38.23°N 96.00°W / 38.23; -96.00 (Hartford (May 20, F0)) 23:45–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 100 yd (91 m) $250
A weak tornado damaged windows, roofs, and trees.[31][55][56]
F2 NE of Hominy Osage OK 36°25′N 96°23′W / 36.42°N 96.38°W / 36.42; -96.38 (Hominy (May 20, F2)) 23:45–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $25,000
This tornado collapsed a warehouse, damaging equipment inside, and mangled girders. Grazulis did not rate it F2 or stronger.[41][57][56]
F2 NW of Prague Lincoln OK 35°30′N 96°42′W / 35.50°N 96.70°W / 35.50; -96.70 (Prague (May 20, F2)) 00:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $2,500
This tornado hit at least eight farms, downing outbuildings, fences, and trees. It also damaged farmhouses.[49][58][56]
F0 NW of Madison Greenwood KS 38°10′N 96°10′W / 38.17°N 96.17°W / 38.17; -96.17 (Madison (May 20, F0)) 00:15–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) Un­known
This tornado caused minimal damage to old sheds, trees, and roofs.[31][59][56]
F5 SW of Williamsburg (KS) to E of Raytown (MO) Franklin (KS), Miami (KS), Johnson (KS), Jackson (MO) KS, MO 38°27′N 95°30′W / 38.45°N 95.50°W / 38.45; -95.50 (Williamsburg (May 20, F5)) 00:15–01:53 71 mi (114 km) 440 yd (400 m) $2,500,000
44 deaths – See section on this tornado – 531 people were injured.
F0 WNW of Kiefer Creek OK 35°57′N 96°05′W / 35.95°N 96.08°W / 35.95; -96.08 (Kiefer (May 20, F0)) 01:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
This tornado killed a cow and destroyed outbuildings.[60][56]
F0 E of Hogshooter Nowata OK 36°42′N 95°46′W / 36.70°N 95.77°W / 36.70; -95.77 (Hogshooter (May 20, F0)) 01:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
This tornado tore up a 500-yard-long (1,500 ft) stretch of fence and blew an oil tank into a ditch.[61][56]
F1 Northern Broken Arrow Tulsa OK 36°04′N 95°48′W / 36.07°N 95.80°W / 36.07; -95.80 (Broken Arrow (May 20, F1)) 01:30–? 3.6 mi (5.8 km) 500 yd (460 m) $250,000
This tornado moved through town, causing roof and other damage—mostly minimal—to roughly 200 homes, one of which lost its roof entirely. The tornado also overturned cars, downed trees, and destroyed outbuildings. Grazulis rated it F2.[49][62][56]
F3 Homewood Franklin KS 38°30′N 95°26′W / 38.50°N 95.43°W / 38.50; -95.43 (Homewood (May 20, F3)) 01:37–? 5.6 mi (9.0 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
This tornado may have been related to or the same as the Ruskin Heights F5. Grazulis did not rate it F2 or stronger. Further details are unavailable.[41][1][63][56]
F2 N of Sibley to Richmond Jackson, Ray MO 39°12′N 94°12′W / 39.20°N 94.20°W / 39.20; -94.20 (Sibley (May 20, F2)) 01:37–? 12.8 mi (20.6 km) 33 yd (30 m) $25,000
Related to the Ruskin Heights F5, this tornado caused "considerable" damage, and strewed debris over a 40-acre (16 ha) field. However, Grazulis did not rate it F2 or stronger.[41][64][65]
F0 SW of Beggs Okmulgee OK 35°42′N 96°07′W / 35.70°N 96.12°W / 35.70; -96.12 ((May 20, F0)) 02:04–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
Seen by Ground Observer Corps, this tornado apparently did little or no damage.[66][67]
F1 W of Chelsea Rogers OK 36°32′N 95°28′W / 36.53°N 95.47°W / 36.53; -95.47 ((May 20, F1)) 04:30–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) Un­known
This tornado uplifted and shifted a home. It also leveled many outbuildings.[68][67]

May 21 event

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Confirmed tornadoes — Tuesday, May 21, 1957[note 5]
F#[note 4] Location County / Parish State Start Coord.[note 6] Time (UTC) Path length Width[note 7] Damage
F1 NW of Centralia Craig OK 36°48′N 95°23′W / 36.80°N 95.38°W / 36.80; -95.38 (Centralia (May 21, F1)) 05:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
This tornado extensively damaged ranchland, hitting a farmhouse and outbuildings.[69][67]
F1 NE of Vinita Craig OK 36°39′N 95°08′W / 36.65°N 95.13°W / 36.65; -95.13 (Vinita (May 21, F1)) 05:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $30
This tornado uplifted roofing and damaged a trio of barns.[70][67]
F3 SW of Spavinaw to NE of Jay Mayes, Delaware OK 35°21′N 95°05′W / 35.35°N 95.08°W / 35.35; -95.08 (Spavinaw (May 21, F3)) 05:10–? 20.4 mi (32.8 km) 200 yd (180 m) $5,000
Passing near Lone Chapel, this tornado destroyed or damaged 40 outbuildings, a home, and a barn. The tornado caused an injury as well. Grazulis rated it F2.[49][71][72][67]
F1 NE of Staples Todd, Cass MN 46°21′N 94°47′W / 46.35°N 94.78°W / 46.35; -94.78 (Staples (May 21, F1)) 18:00–? 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 300 yd (270 m) $25,000
This tornado splintered pine trees. It also destroyed a garage and barn. Grazulis rated it F2.[49][73][74]
F4 E of Rush City Chisago MN 45°35′N 92°52′W / 45.58°N 92.87°W / 45.58; -92.87 (Rush City (May 21, F4)) 19:00–? 9.2 mi (14.8 km) 100 yd (91 m) $25,000
This violent tornado sheared off 2-foot-thick (0.61 m) trees and produced borderline-F5 damage to a home. It destroyed a total of four homes and eight barns. It injured a few people as well.[39][49][75][74]
F3 SSE of Custer to E of Doss to NNE of Stone Hill Dent MO 37°33′N 91°30′W / 37.55°N 91.50°W / 37.55; -91.50 ((May 20, F3)) 21:00–? 10.2 mi (16.4 km) 440 yd (400 m) $25,000
This intense tornado destroyed three homes, one of which it leveled, and damaged a few others.[49][76][74]
F2 ENE of Brownbranch to Squires to WSW of Sweden Taney, Douglas MO 36°48′N 92°48′W / 36.80°N 92.80°W / 36.80; -92.80 (Brownbranch (May 21, F2)) 21:15–? 14.5 mi (23.3 km) 500 yd (460 m) $250,000
This tornado destroyed a home and school, forcing 11 students and a teacher to shelter underground in a farmhouse. Grazulis rated it F3.[49][77][74]
F1 WSW of Leeper to W of Silva Wayne MO 37°04′N 90°43′W / 37.07°N 90.72°W / 37.07; -90.72 (Leeper (May 21, F1)) 21:30–? 13 mi (21 km) 33 yd (30 m) $2,500
Possibly related to the Fremont F4, this tornado hit four farms, damaging structures. It also unroofed a few homes. Grazulis rated it F2.[49][78][79]
F1 SSW of Centerville Reynolds MO 37°25′N 90°58′W / 37.42°N 90.97°W / 37.42; -90.97 (Centerville (May 21, F1)) 21:45–? 0.2 mi (0.32 km) 17 yd (16 m) $30
This tornado damaged a number of buildings.[80][74]
F3 SE of Sunlight to Belgrade to Desloge Washington, St. Francois MO 37°46′N 90°55′W / 37.77°N 90.92°W / 37.77; -90.92 (Sunlight (May 21, F3)) 21:45–? 22.2 mi (35.7 km) 400 yd (370 m) $75,000,000
8 deaths – This intense tornado destroyed 20% of Belgrade, as well as 24 barns and large, rural homes. It also destroyed structures at a school, in addition to multiple churches. It injured 50 people as well. An F4 tornado also hit Belgrade on March 19, 1948.[81][82][83][84][74]
F4 Fremont to Van Buren Carter MO 36°57′N 91°10′W / 36.95°N 91.17°W / 36.95; -91.17 (Fremont (May 21, F4)) 21:53–? 9.1 mi (14.6 km) 500 yd (460 m) $250,000
7 deaths – See section on this tornado – 75 people were injured.
F2 WNW of Burfordville to ESE of Millersville Cape Girardeau MO 37°23′N 89°50′W / 37.38°N 89.83°W / 37.38; -89.83 ((May 21, F2)) 23:00–? 5.1 mi (8.2 km) 500 yd (460 m) $25,000
This tornado hit 12 farms, destroying four barns and damaging other structures. It also unroofed a home and felled trees.[49][85][86]
F2 E of Lewistown to northwestern Monticello to SW of Benjamin Lewis MO 40°05′N 91°47′W / 40.08°N 91.78°W / 40.08; -91.78 (Lewistown (May 21, F2)) 23:30–? 7.4 mi (11.9 km) 400 yd (370 m) $500,000
This tornado unroofed and destroyed a three-story apartment, along with four homes. It also damaged a barn. A few injuries occurred.[49][87][88][86]
F2 S of Columbia to SE of Shiloh Monroe, St. Clair IL 38°25′N 90°12′W / 38.42°N 90.20°W / 38.42; -90.20 (Columbia (May 21, F2)) 21:50–? 19.7 mi (31.7 km) 150 yd (140 m) $250,000
This tornado hit Scott Air Force Base, but did its worst damage near Columbia. Grazulis did not rate it F2 or stronger.[41][89][86]
F2 SE of Claremont Richland IL 38°42′N 87°59′W / 38.70°N 87.98°W / 38.70; -87.98 (Claremont (May 21, F2)) 23:00–? 3.6 mi (5.8 km) 150 yd (140 m) $25,000
This tornado hit four farms, destroying a barn.[49][90][86]
F2 SSE of Wilton to ENE of Stockton Cedar, Muscatine, Scott IA 41°33′N 91°00′W / 41.55°N 91.00°W / 41.55; -91.00 ((May 21, F2)) 23:00–? 8.9 mi (14.3 km) 100 yd (91 m) $250,000
Perhaps part of a family, this tornado destroyed a grain elevator. It also hit four farms, destroying or damaging barns. Grazulis indicated a path near West Branch.[49][91][86]
F3 Alto Pass to ENE of Makanda Union, Jackson IL 37°34′N 89°19′W / 37.57°N 89.32°W / 37.57; -89.32 (Alto Pass (May 21, F3)) 00:07–? 8.5 mi (13.7 km) 200 yd (180 m) $250,000
This tornado destroyed 25 or more buildings and wrecked a high school. It also toppled 5,000 fruit trees. Grazulis rated it F2.[49][92][86]
F3 Southeastern Colmar McDonough IL 40°30′N 90°48′W / 40.50°N 90.80°W / 40.50; -90.80 (Colmar (May 21, F3)) 01:40–? 13.7 mi (22.0 km) 120 yd (110 m) $250,000
This intense tornado destroyed a few homes.[49][93][86]
F2 Paradise Warrick IN 37°58′N 87°17′W / 37.97°N 87.28°W / 37.97; -87.28 (Paradise (May 21, F2)) 02:03–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $25,000
This tornado lofted and spun a home 150 ft (46 m), injuring a few occupants. The roof of the home was moved 500 ft (150 m). Grazulis rated the tornado F3.[49][94][86]

May 22 event

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Confirmed tornadoes — Wednesday, May 22, 1957[note 5]
F#[note 4] Location County / Parish State Start Coord.[note 6] Time (UTC) Path length Width[note 7] Damage
F1 E of Cardwell to N of Deering Dunklin, Pemiscot MO 36°03′N 90°16′W / 36.05°N 90.27°W / 36.05; -90.27 ((May 22, F1)) 05:45–? 23.7 mi (38.1 km) 33 yd (30 m) $50,000
This tornado damaged treetops, as well as the roofs of barns and homes. Shortly before dissipation, it wrecked all barns on a farmstead. Grazulis rated it F2.[95][96][97][98]
F1 W of Kennett Dunklin MO 36°14′N 90°04′W / 36.23°N 90.07°W / 36.23; -90.07 (Kennett (May 22, F1)) 05:45–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 10 yd (9.1 m) $2,500
This brief tornado damaged a 1-mile-long (1.6 km) stretch.[99][98]
F2 SSW of Carrollton Carroll KY 38°37′N 85°12′W / 38.62°N 85.20°W / 38.62; -85.20 (Carollton (May 22, F2)) 07:00–? 0.8 mi (1.3 km) 440 yd (400 m) $25,000
Hitting west of English, this tornado destroyed a quartet of barns and tore the roof off a home.[100][101][102]
F0 Southern Charleston Charleston SC 32°45′N 79°55′W / 32.75°N 79.92°W / 32.75; -79.92 (Charleston (May 22, F0)) 13:50–? 2 mi (3.2 km) 7 yd (6.4 m) $30
A waterspout moved ashore, causing little damage.[103][102]

Williamsburg−Spring Hill, Kansas/Ruskin Heights–Raytown, Missouri

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Williamsburg−Spring Hill, Kansas/Ruskin Heights–Raytown, Missouri
 
The tornado in its formative stage, in Kansas
Meteorological history
FormedMay 20, 1957, 7:15 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
DissipatedMay 20, 1957, 8:53 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
Duration1 hour and 38 minutes
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Highest winds>261 mph (420 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities44
Injuries531
Damage$2,500,000 ($27,120,000 in 2024 USD)
 
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This violent, long-tracked, multiple-vortex event was likely a family of tornadoes. Forming near Williamsburg, it moved northeastward through several counties, producing near-continuous damage; a single tornado was likely present for 50 mi (80 km) or more. Around Homewood, the tornado was attended by up to 10 tentacle-like vortices or satellite tornadoes, producing major damage to rural property and carrying gravestones miles away. Passing near Ottawa, Rantoul, and Spring Hill, it leveled many homes and caused seven fatalities. It also damaged a drive-in, motel, and truck stop. South of Wellsville, the tornado may have dissipated and reformed; it then continued uninterruptedly for the rest of its life.

Along the Kansas–Missouri border the tornado followed a near-straight line, causing $1 million in losses in Kansas. Affecting the southern suburbs of Kansas City, it entered Missouri, tearing through Martin City, Hickman Mills, and Ruskin Heights, along with the northeastern side of Grandview. Housing incurred F5 damage, besides some businesses at a shopping center. Some areas were reportedly "swept clean", and a newly built brick school in Ruskin Heights was badly damaged. 85% of Martin City was uninhabitable. In all the tornado claimed 37 lives in Missouri and injured 500 or more people. Debris from Hickman Mills was found in Iowa, 165 mi (266 km) away, and other debris was carried aloft 30,000 ft (9,100 m; 5.7 mi; 9.1 km).

Historically, the 1957 F5 was not the only significant tornado to affect the area: an F3 tornado also affected Martin City and nearby Holmes Park on May 23, 1946, destroying or damaging chicken coops, silos, a marketplace, barns, and homes. The tornado killed a couple and injured five people.[104]

Fremont–Van Buren, Missouri

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Fremont–Van Buren, Missouri
Meteorological history
FormedMay 21, 1957, 4:53 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
F4 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Fatalities7
Injuries75
Damage$250,000 ($2,710,000 in 2024 USD)

A cyclic supercell was likely responsible for this deadly, violent tornado, which probably formed over remote parts of the Mark Twain National Forest. The tornado, possibly a member of a long-lived family, did little or no damage before Fremont. Entering town, the tornado rendered unusable all but seven structures, causing "F5-appearing" damage. Hardest hit were schools, businesses, and homes on the eastern side of Fremont, along and near the railroad; these were poorly built, so the tornado was rated F4, but F5 winds could have occurred. A three-story brick school was nearly leveled, and trees in town were partly debarked. In all, the tornado badly damaged or destroyed 50 homes in Fremont, while causing lesser damage to 31 others. The tornado also severely damaged a dozen other buildings in town, as well as eight small businesses. Past Fremont, the tornado remained intense, damaging structures in Van Buren at "near-F3" intensity. In Van Buren the tornado destroyed 25 homes and severely damaged 35 more. It also badly damaged or destroyed 91 other structures and caused significant damage to three small businesses. In all, it damaged about half of Van Buren. Its path may have been 25 mi (40 km) long. Six of the seven fatalities were at Fremont, where over 25% of the population was killed or injured.[105]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ An outbreak is generally defined as a group of at least six tornadoes (the number sometimes varies slightly according to local climatology) with no more than a six-hour gap between individual tornadoes. An outbreak sequence, prior to (after) the start of modern records in 1950, is defined as a period of no more than two (one) consecutive days without at least one significant (F2 or stronger) tornado.[2]
  2. ^ All damage totals are in 1957 United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
  3. ^ Historically, the number of tornadoes globally and in the United States was and is likely underrepresented: research by Grazulis on annual tornado activity suggests that, as of 2001, only 53% of yearly U.S. tornadoes were officially recorded. Documentation of tornadoes outside the United States was historically less exhaustive, owing to the lack of monitors in many nations and, in some cases, to internal political controls on public information.[7] Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.[8] Significant low biases in U.S. tornado counts likely occurred through the early 1990s, when advanced NEXRAD was first installed and the National Weather Service began comprehensively verifying tornado occurrences.[9]
  4. ^ a b c d e The Fujita scale was devised under the aegis of scientist T. Theodore Fujita in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.[11][12] Tornado ratings were retroactively applied to events prior to the formal adoption of the F-scale by the National Weather Service.[13] While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the Enhanced Fujita scale in the U.S. since February 1, 2007,[14] Canada used the old scale until April 1, 2013;[15] nations elsewhere, like the United Kingdom, apply other classifications such as the TORRO scale.[16]
  5. ^ a b c d All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time and dates are split at midnight CST/CDT for consistency.
  6. ^ a b c d All starting coordinates are based on the NCEI database and may not reflect contemporary analyses
  7. ^ a b c d The listed width values are primarily the average/mean width of the tornadoes, with those having known maximum widths denoted by ♯. From 1952 to 1994, reports largely list mean width whereas contemporary years list maximum width.[17] Values provided by Grazulis are the average width, with estimates being rounded down (i.e. 0.5 mi (0.80 km) is rounded down from 880 yards to 800 yards.[18][19]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Ruskin Heights Tornado of May 20 1957". Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, MO Weather Forecast Office. Pleasant Hill, Missouri: National Weather Service. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  2. ^ Schneider, Russell S.; Brooks, Harold E.; Schaefer, Joseph T. (2004). Tornado Outbreak Day Sequences: Historic Events and Climatology (1875–2003) (PDF). 22nd Conf. Severe Local Storms. Hyannis, Massachusetts: American Meteorological Society. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  3. ^ Jonathan Finch. "North America Tornado Cases 1950 to 1959". Bangladesh Tornadoes. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  4. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, Events reported
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n USWB 1957, p. 183.
  6. ^ Agee and Childs 2014, p. 1496.
  7. ^ Grazulis 2001a, pp. 251–4.
  8. ^ Edwards, Roger (March 5, 2015). "The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)". Storm Prediction Center: Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes. Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  9. ^ Cook & Schaefer 2008, p. 3135.
  10. ^ Agee and Childs 2014, pp. 1497, 1503.
  11. ^ Grazulis 1993, p. 141.
  12. ^ Grazulis 2001a, p. 131.
  13. ^ Edwards et al. 2013, p. 641–642.
  14. ^ Edwards, Roger (March 5, 2015). "Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage". The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC). Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  15. ^ "Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale)". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada. June 6, 2013. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  16. ^ "The International Tornado Intensity Scale". Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. 2016. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  17. ^ Agee and Childs 2014, p. 1494.
  18. ^ Brooks 2004, p. 310.
  19. ^ Grazulis 1990, p. ix.
  20. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #9990162
  21. ^ a b c d USWB 1957, p. 182.
  22. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069875
  23. ^ a b c d Grazulis 1993, p. 1006.
  24. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069876
  25. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069877
  26. ^ Grazulis 1993, p. 81.
  27. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #9990306
  28. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028873
  29. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028874
  30. ^ USWB 1957, pp. 182–3.
  31. ^ a b c d e f "Severe Weather Database Files (1950-2021)". Storm Prediction Center Maps, Graphics, and Data Page. Norman, Oklahoma: Storm Prediction Center. July 11, 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  32. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028875
  33. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028876
  34. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028877
  35. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028878
  36. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069879
  37. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069880
  38. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069881
  39. ^ a b Grazulis 1984, p. A-67.
  40. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10027533
  41. ^ a b c d e f Grazulis 1993, pp. 1006–8.
  42. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10027531
  43. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028880
  44. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10028879
  45. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10027532
  46. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069882
  47. ^ a b c d e f USWB 1957, p. 184.
  48. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10112146
  49. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Grazulis 1993, p. 1007.
  50. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069884
  51. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069886
  52. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10060411
  53. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094125
  54. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10069887
  55. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10027750
  56. ^ a b c d e f g h USWB 1957, p. 185.
  57. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094126
  58. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094127
  59. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10027751
  60. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094128
  61. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094129
  62. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094130
  63. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10027754
  64. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10060412
  65. ^ USWB 1957, pp. 185–6.
  66. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094131
  67. ^ a b c d e USWB 1957, p. 186.
  68. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094132
  69. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094133
  70. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094134
  71. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094136
  72. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10094135
  73. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10054296
  74. ^ a b c d e f USWB 1957, p. 187.
  75. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10054297
  76. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10060425
  77. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10060426
  78. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061278
  79. ^ USWB 1957, pp. 187–8.
  80. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061279
  81. ^ Grazulis 1993, pp. 934, 1007.
  82. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061280
  83. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061494
  84. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061495
  85. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061497
  86. ^ a b c d e f g h USWB 1957, p. 188.
  87. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061498
  88. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061499
  89. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10008621
  90. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10008622
  91. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10019206
  92. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10008624
  93. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10008625
  94. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10002999
  95. ^ Grazulis 1993, pp. 1007–8.
  96. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061501
  97. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061503
  98. ^ a b USWB 1957, p. 189.
  99. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10061502
  100. ^ Grazulis 1993, p. 1008.
  101. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10037039
  102. ^ a b USWB 1957, p. 191.
  103. ^ Storm Data Publication 1957, #10116326
  104. ^ Multiple sources:
  105. ^ Multiple sources:

Sources

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