- May 21–26, 2011 tornado outbreak sequence
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May 21–26, 2011 tornado outbreak EF4 tornado that struck Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Date of tornado outbreak: May 21 – May 26, 2011 Duration1: seven days Maximum rated tornado2: EF5 tornado Tornadoes caused: 180 confirmed Damages: ~$3 billion (2011 USD)[1] Fatalities: 175 + 6 non-tornadic[2][3] Areas affected: Midwest, isolated tornadoes elsewhere 1Time from first tornado to last tornado
2Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita ScaleThe May 21–26, 2011 tornado outbreak was a deadly tornado outbreak across the Midwestern and Southern regions of the United States. Most of the tornadoes developed in a corridor from Lake Superior southwest to central Texas; isolated tornadoes occurred in other areas. An especially powerful tornado destroyed one-third of Joplin, Missouri, resulting in 160 deaths and 900 injuries.[2][4] The Joplin tornado is the deadliest in the US since April 9, 1947, when an intense tornado killed 181 in the Woodward, Oklahoma area. Tornado-related deaths also occurred in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Overall, the tornado outbreak resulted in 185 deaths, making it second only to the 2011 Super Outbreak as the deadliest since 1974, and the second costliest tornado outbreak in US history behind that same April 2011 outbreak, with insured damage estimated at $4–7 billion.[1]
Contents
Meteorological synopsis
April 2011 was the most active month for tornadoes on record, capped by an extreme tornado outbreak that killed more than 340 people in the final week. In contrast, the first three weeks of May were remarkably quiet; only a few isolated tornadoes were confirmed. However, that pattern changed abruptly as a strong low pressure area and associated dry line and cold front tracked eastward.
On May 21, a small system of thunderstorms developed in Brown County, Kansas while another system formed to the southeast of Emporia, Kansas. The Brown county system spawned a brief tornado over Topeka, Kansas, causing minor damage. This system also caused significant damage in Oskaloosa, Kansas, and other communities. Meanwhile, the Emporia system spawned an EF3 tornado in Reading, Kansas; one person was killed, several others were injured, and at least 20 houses were destroyed.[5] These two systems developed several other tornadoes throughout the evening.[6]
EF3 tornado that struck Reading, Kansas
A moderate risk of severe weather was issued for much of the Midwest, as well as further south to Oklahoma for May 22. The first tornadic supercell developed in the mid-afternoon hours over the western Twin Cities in Minnesota, and caused moderate damage in the Minneapolis area.[7] Shortly thereafter, an intense tornado crept towards Harmony, Minnesota, prompting the National Weather Service to issue the first tornado emergency of the outbreak. Late that afternoon, a large and extremely intense multiple-vortex tornado left catastrophic destruction in Joplin, Missouri; it was the deadliest single tornado in the U.S. since at least 1947.
Once again, a moderate risk of severe weather was issued on May 23—this time for the southern Plains and the lower Great Lakes. Forecasts showed that the main threats would be damaging wind and large hail instead of frequent tornadoes; the stationary front lacked the necessary wind shear to sustain the type of tornadic supercells seen on May 22. This prediction came to light, as only a few isolated and weak tornadoes were reported throughout the day.
On May 24, a high risk of severe weather was issued for parts of south-central Kansas, central and eastern Oklahoma, and extreme north-central Texas; a moderate risk was issued for surrounding areas in those three states plus northwestern Arkansas and southwestern Missouri. Throughout this region, strong to violent tornadoes were considered to be highly probable for three reasons: (1) the stationary front was expected to maintain its position over the region, (2) wind shear was expected to greatly increase, and (3) these elements would be associated with an incoming trough. Late that morning, the tornado threat increased to 45%, a rare occurrence matching the widespread April 27 outbreak.[8] At 12:50 p.m. CDT, the SPC issued a PDS tornado watch for parts of central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, and northern Texas, in effect until 10:00 p.m. CDT.[SPC 1] Numerous tornadoes touched down in several regions, with the first activity being in western Oklahoma that afternoon where several very intense tornadoes developed, including another EF5 (the fifth of the year). Fortunately, they did not cause extensive damage in Oklahoma City, but 10 deaths were reported among extensive damage just to the western and southern suburbs of the OKC metro area. Other tornado clusters developed in central Kansas that afternoon and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that evening.
Once again on May 25, a high risk of severe storms was issued for the middle Mississippi River valley from near Memphis, Tennessee northward to north of Evansville, Indiana, and was expanded late that morning northward to near Indianapolis, Indiana, northwest to near St. Louis, Missouri, southeast to just west of Nashville, Tennessee and southwest to near Little Rock, Arkansas.[9] Several hours before the outbreak was set to begin, a PDS tornado watch was issued for western Kentucky, southern Indiana, the southern half of Illinois and eastern Missouri. The entire state of Indiana, southern Michigan, and most of Missouri were under tornado watches.
Tornadoes
See also: Enhanced Fujita ScaleConfirmed
TotalConfirmed
EF0Confirmed
EF1Confirmed
EF2Confirmed
EF3Confirmed
EF4Confirmed
EF5180 60 78 29 8 3 2 May 21 event
List of reported tornadoes - Saturday, May 21, 2011 EF# Location County Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Comments/Damage Kansas EF0 SW of Topeka Shawnee 38°58′N 95°47′W / 38.97°N 95.78°W 2316 1.2 miles (1.9 km) An outbuilding was destroyed and several trees were snapped at Washburn Rural High School. EF0 SE of Topeka Shawnee Unknown 2335 2 miles (3.2 km) A trailer was blown over by an observed tornado. EF0 N of Perry Jefferson 39°08′N 95°25′W / 39.13°N 95.42°W 0020 2 miles (3.2 km) Tornado touched down near and over Perry Lake with little damage. EF1 NE of Emporia Lyon 38°26′N 96°08′W / 38.44°N 96.13°W 0158 6 miles (9.7 km) Tornado touched down north of the Emporia State Campus, heavily damaging farm buildings and downing a chimney. EF3 Reading area Lyon, Osage 38°31′N 95°58′W / 38.52°N 95.96°W 0210 10.3 miles (16.6 km) 1 death – Severe damage in Reading with at least 20 houses destroyed and hundreds of other houses and businesses were damaged. At least five others were injured. EF0 ENE of Reading Osage Unknown 0220 1.4 miles (2.3 km) A brief tornado touched down, causing some tree damage. EF1 Quenemo Osage 38°35′N 95°34′W / 38.58°N 95.56°W 0340 2.8 miles (4.5 km) Several houses were damaged and trees were snapped. Texas EF0 SSE of Andice Williamson 30°45′50″N 97°50′10″W / 30.764°N 97.836°W 0200 1.5 miles (2.4 km) A brief tornado destroyed a carport and a deck. Several mobile homes also sustained minor damage. Sources: NWS Topeka, NWS Austin/San Antonio May 22 event
List of reported tornadoes - Sunday, May 22, 2011 EF# Location County Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Comments/Damage Minnesota EF1 Minneapolis area Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey 44°57′N 93°22′W / 44.95°N 93.36°W 1915 14.25 miles (22.93 km) 1 death – Moderate to isolated significant damage across portions of northwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area. Over 100 houses and several industrial buildings were damaged and many trees and power lines were knocked down across the area. Several weaker buildings were destroyed. About 30 others were injured according to media reports. A second person died after suffering a heart attack while clearing debris in the wake of the tornado, but was not directly due to the tornado. Damage from the tornado was estimated at $166 million.[10] EF0 Ham Lake area Anoka 1952 0.2 miles (0.32 km) Brief tornado damaged a few trees. EF0 Forest Lake area Washington 45°17′N 92°59′W / 45.28°N 92.99°W 2016 2.6 miles (4.2 km) One barn lost its roof and many trees were snapped or uprooted. EF2 Hokah area Houston 43°48′N 91°18′W / 43.80°N 91.30°W 2100 14 miles (23 km) Several houses were damaged, a few of them significantly. Barns and outbuildings were also destroyed. Iowa EF2 NE of Riceville to N of Harmony, MN Iowa, Fillmore (MN) 1933 28 miles (45 km) Long-lived tornado destroyed several outbuildings, severely damaged a farm house and damaged a few other houses and farm buildings. Widespread swath of tree damage through both counties. EF2 N of Ladora Iowa 41°47′N 92°13′W / 41.78°N 92.21°W 1940 6 miles (9.7 km) Multiple homes damaged, with some losing their roofs. EF0 E of Millersburg Iowa 41°33′N 92°07′W / 41.55°N 92.12°W 1954 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Brief tornado flipped a shed and damaged trees. EF1 E of Sumner Fayette 42°48′N 91°57′W / 42.80°N 91.95°W 2037 8 miles (13 km) Farm buildings and houses were damaged and trees were knocked down. EF0 E of West Union Fayette 2101 1 mile (1.6 km) A house and a barn sustained minor damage and a few trees were snapped. Wisconsin EF1 SW of Park Falls Price 45°46′37″N 90°38′42″W / 45.777°N 90.645°W 1933 2.8 miles (4.5 km) Multiple trees snapped and uprooted along with minor roof and siding damage to homes. Barns and outbuildings were destroyed as well. EF1 SW of Brill Barron, Washburn 2100 2 miles (3.2 km) Roofs torn from log house and farmhouse. Extensive tree damage in the area as well. EF2 La Crosse La Crosse 43°50′N 91°14′W / 43.83°N 91.23°W 2123 2.3 miles (3.7 km) Numerous houses suffered significant damage and an apartment building lost its roof and upper level walls. Several industrial and commercial buildings were also damaged and many trees and power poles were knocked down. First tornado in La Crosse since 1966. EF1 S of Rockland La Crosse, Monroe 2147 2 miles (3.2 km) A few trees and buildings were damaged. EF1 Sparta area Monroe 43°56′N 90°49′W / 43.93°N 90.81°W 2155 2 miles (3.2 km) Intermittent tornado touchdown with damage to buildings in town. EF2 NW of Tomah to SE of Plover Monroe, Juneau, Wood, Portage 44°09′N 90°18′W / 44.15°N 90.30°W 2215 69 miles (111 km) Very long-lived but mostly weak tornado tracked through mostly wooded areas of Wisconsin, snapping or uprooting thousands of trees. Many cars and homes sustained significant damage from downed trees and the tornado itself. The tornado was on the ground for 1 hour and 31 minutes. Ranks as the 15th longest tracked tornado in Wisconsin history. EF0 W of Prentice Price 45°32′N 90°24′W / 45.54°N 90.40°W 2239 1 mile (1.6 km) Damage limited to trees. EF0 NW of Prentice Price 45°36′N 90°20′W / 45.60°N 90.33°W 2252 1 mile (1.6 km) Damage limited to trees EF0 ESE of Phillips Price 45°41′N 90°16′W / 45.68°N 90.26°W 2301 1.9 miles (3.1 km) Damage limited to trees EF0 NE of Phillips Price 45°51′N 90°05′W / 45.85°N 90.08°W 2326 0.8 miles (1.3 km) Damage limited to trees. EF0 SSW of Kingston Green Lake 43°40′N 89°08′W / 43.67°N 89.14°W 0045 0.1 miles (160 m) A garage and farm were damaged. EF0 NW of Markesan Green Lake 43°43′N 88°59′W / 43.71°N 88.99°W 0050 4.7 miles (7.6 km) Damage was confined to trees. Missouri EF0 E of Lexington Saline 1938 0.1 miles (160 m) A brief tornado destroyed an outbuilding. EF0 NE of Higginsville Lafayette 2025 6.5 miles (10.5 km) Tornado made several touchdowns along its path, removing the roof off one mobile home and downing trees. EF1 SW of Slater Saline 2148 8 miles (13 km) High-end EF1 tornado made several touchdowns along its path, destroying one house and tossing a single-wide mobile home 50 yards (46 m). EF5 Joplin area Jasper, Newton 37°05′N 94°31′W / 37.08°N 94.51°W 2234 22.1 miles (35.6 km) 162 deaths – See article on this tornado EF2 Wentworth area Newton, Lawrence 37°02′N 94°14′W / 37.03°N 94.23°W 2310 17 miles (27 km) Several mobile homes severely damaged or destroyed. One was tossed and wrapped around a tree. Several structures in the city of Wentworth were damaged or destroyed along with numerous trees. EF2 NW of Galena Stone 36°50′N 93°30′W / 36.83°N 93.50°W 0010 16 miles (26 km) Several turkey barns and one mobile home were damaged while another mobile home was destroyed. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along most of the track. Indiana EF1 NNW of Rensselaer Jasper 2137 0.25 miles (400 m) A few buildings sustained roof damage. Illinois EF1 E of Forreston Ogle, Winnebago 2325 17 miles (27 km) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted and multiple homes sustained minor to moderate damage. EF1 SE of Polo Ogle 2328 1.5 miles (2.4 km) Several farm buildings were damaged, including a grain bin which was ripped from its foundation. EF1 N of Stillman Valley Ogle unknown 0.5 miles (800 m) Brief tornado damaged a power pole and several houses. Oklahoma EF2 SE of Cleora Delaware 2333 6.7 miles (10.8 km) Several houses were severely damaged and mobile homes were destroyed. Boat docks were also destroyed and trees were uprooted along Grand Lake. EF3 WSW of Zena Delaware, McDonald (MO) 2352 16.5 miles (26.6 km) A large tornado, measured at 0.88 mi (1.42 km) wide, destroyed two double-wide manufactured homes and severely damaged a permanent house. Several barns and outbuildings were also destroyed. Many other homes sustained varying degrees of damage. Additionally, hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 N of Leach Delaware 0113 4.7 miles (7.6 km) Several barns were destroyed by an EF1 tornado. Many other homes were also damaged. EF2 ESE of Kansas Adair, Delaware 0114 4.5 miles (7.2 km) Several barns were destroyed and homes damaged. Many trees were snapped or uprooted. EF2 W of West Siloam Springs Delaware 36°11′N 94°39′W / 36.18°N 94.65°W 0130 2.9 miles (4.7 km) Six mobile homes were destroyed, injuring 12 people. Many trees were also snapped or uprooted. Arkansas EF1 WSW of Gentry Benton 0154 2.8 miles (4.5 km) Several barns were damaged and many trees were snapped or uprooted. Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 05/22/11, NWS La Crosse, NWS Springfield, NWS Quad Cities, NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan, NWS Tulsa, NWS Green Bay, NWS Twin Cities May 23 event
List of reported tornadoes - Monday, May 23, 2011 EF# Location County Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Comments/Damage Missouri EF0 E of Moody Howell 36°32′N 92°55′W / 36.54°N 92.92°W 1845 0.6 miles (0.97 km) An unsecured carport was thrown 150 yards (140 m) and a home was damaged. Several trees snapped. EF0 SW of Altenburg Perry 2054 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Brief touchdown in a rural area. Eyewitness reports indicate that there was visible debris when the tornado was on the ground. Indiana EF0 N of Mt. Etna Huntington 40°47′N 85°34′W / 40.79°N 85.56°W 2132 0.3 miles (0.48 km) Damage was confined to trees. EF0 SE of Sunman Dearborn, Ripley 39°12′07″N 85°06′25″W / 39.202°N 85.107°W 2243 3 miles (4.8 km) A barn was destroyed, a house was damaged and many trees were snapped. Pennsylvania EF2 Kellerville area Juniata 40°40′N 77°10′W / 40.66°N 77.16°W 2120 6 miles (9.7 km) Numerous houses, barns and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. EF1 Winfield area Union, Cumberland 40°54′N 76°52′W / 40.90°N 76.87°W 2135 3 miles (4.8 km) Damage to homes and structures in the area. Trees and power lines were downed as well. EF1 S of Brockton Schuylkill 40°44′N 76°04′W / 40.73°N 76.07°W 2235 0.25 miles (400 m) Brief tornado destroyed a barn and damaged two houses. EF0 Franklin Township area Carbon 40°51′N 75°40′W / 40.85°N 75.67°W 2325 unknown One structure sustained significant damage and numerous trees downed. Illinois EF1 SE of Equality Gallatin 2225 10.8 miles (17.4 km) Several homes and buildings sustained minor to moderate damage and dozens of trees were snapped or uprooted. Many barns and outbuildings were also destroyed. Ohio EF1 SW of Ohio City Van Wert 40°46′N 84°38′W / 40.77°N 84.63°W 2256 4 miles (6.4 km) Initially formed as a muti-vortex tornado before merging into a single funnel. Multiple barns were damaged and large trees were uprooted. Siding was stripped from a house and a wooden swing-set was tossed. 2x4s were embedded into the ground and sheet metal was wrapped around trees as well. EF0 ESE of Edenton Clermont 39°13′N 84°01′W / 39.22°N 84.02°W 2343 unknown A wood frame metal barn was destroyed and two high-voltage towers were blown down. EF1 E of Fairborn Greene 39°48′N 83°58′W / 39.80°N 83.96°W 2355 1,000 yards (910 m) Tornado remained over Greene Country Club, downing many trees. EF1 Springfield Clark 39°59′N 83°46′W / 39.99°N 83.76°W 0010 0.5 miles (800 m) Several houses sustained minor damage and power poles were knocked down. Tennessee EF2 NE of Dover Stewart, Christian (KY) 36°33′N 87°45′W / 36.55°N 87.75°W 2343 7 miles (11 km) Two people were injured by this tornado. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 05/23/11, NWS Wilmington OH, NWS State College May 24 event
List of reported tornadoes - Tuesday, May 24, 2011 EF# Location County Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Comments/Damage Colorado EF0 E of Lamar Prowers 38°05′N 102°32′W / 38.08°N 102.53°W 2010 unknown Brief landspout tornado confirmed by the Colorado Department of Transportation which caused no damage. Oklahoma EF3 N of Canton Blaine 36°05′N 98°35′W / 36.08°N 98.59°W 2020 13 miles (21 km) 1 death – Large wedge tornado destroyed multiple homes. Multiple mobile homes were also completely destroyed, some of which were wrapped around trees. Vehicles were thrown and trees were debarked as well. Fatality was a victim that died from his injuries in early June. EF0 Fairview Major 2047 0 miles (0 km) Tornado observed by spotters. Remained over open country with no damage. EF3 Lookeba area Caddo 35°22′N 98°22′W / 35.36°N 98.36°W 2031 9 miles (14 km) Large tornado that formed from the same storm that produced the EF5 that went from Calumet to Guthrie, Oklahoma. Initial surveys had this as the same tornado, but follow up investigation of mobile radar observations and damage path surveys revealed that this was a separate tornado. The tornado debarked and snapped trees, and destroyed barns and homes. EF5 4 E Hinton to Guthrie Canadian, Kingfisher, Logan 35°34′N 97°58′W / 35.56°N 97.96°W 2050 65 miles (105 km) 9 deaths – See main section on this tornado. EF0 Richland Canadian 2137 1 mile (1.6 km) Small satellite tornado to the larger EF5 tornado near Piedmont. EF4 Chickasha to southwest Oklahoma City/Moore Grady, McClain, Cleveland 35°03′N 97°57′W / 35.05°N 97.95°W 2206 32 miles (51 km) 1 death – Large wedge tornado confirmed in town by KWTV coverage. High end EF4 damage in some areas with asphalt scoured from a road and homes swept from their foundations. Some homes were destroyed and other structural damage took place on the west side of Blanchard as well. Several buildings were also heavily damaged in Newcastle and cars were tossed out from underneath an overpass. Took a path just south of the record-breaking May 3, 1999 Moore tornado. EF4 Bradley to Goldsby Grady, McClain 35°51′N 97°17′W / 35.85°N 97.28°W 2226 23 miles (37 km) High end EF4 damage as the tornado completely swept several homes from their foundations and tossed heavy steel storage tanks. Debris reportedly rained from the sky in the Norman area. EF2 S of Stillwater Payne 36°01′N 97°10′W / 36.02°N 97.17°W 2250 10 miles (16 km) Extensive tree damage and roofs torn from homes. A warehouse structure was damaged as well. EF1 Goldsby McClain 2302 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Satellite tornado to the EF4 Goldsby tornado. Relatively minor damage. EF1 S of McLoud Cleveland, Pottawatomie 36°01′N 97°10′W / 36.02°N 97.17°W 2336 2 miles (3.2 km) Trees were uprooted and one home was badly damaged. A semi-truck was overturned on Interstate 40 and torn apart by the tornado. Driver survived with minor injuries. EF2 SW of Pawhuska Osage 36°40′N 96°22′W / 36.67°N 96.37°W 0005 unknown Extensive tree damage and a house reported destroyed. EF1 N of Ravia Johnston 34°15′N 96°46′W / 34.25°N 96.77°W 0030 5 miles (8.0 km) Large multi-vortex tornado. EF2 Haskell area Muskogee 35°49′N 95°40′W / 35.81°N 95.67°W 0149 8 miles (13 km) A mobile home was destroyed and trees and power poles were snapped. EF1 E of Wagoner Wagoner 35°58′N 95°19′W / 35.96°N 95.31°W 0218 unknown Tornado reported with power flashes and damage. EF1 NW of Hodgen Le Flore 34°50′N 94°42′W / 34.84°N 94.70°W 0348 12 miles (19 km) Large wedge tornado blew a mobile home off its foundation and heavily damaged several houses. EF1 ENE of Roland Sequoyah, Crawford (AR) 35°27′N 94°25′W / 35.45°N 94.42°W 0440 5.25 miles (8.45 km) Many trees were knocked down, some fell on houses with structural damage. EF1 W of Hominy Osage unknown 5.25 miles (8.45 km) Trees were uprooted and power lines were blown down. Kansas EF2 E of Seward Stafford 38°11′N 98°44′W / 38.18°N 98.74°W 2206 12.1 miles (19.5 km) 2 deaths – A tree blew onto a van on U.S. Route 281, killing the occupants. Severe damage reported to houses in the area with roofs torn off. Trees were also uprooted and snapped. EF1 S of Timken Rush 38°26′N 99°11′W / 38.43°N 99.18°W 2220 6.3 miles (10.1 km) Large wedge tornado remained mostly in open fields with minor damage to trees and outbuildings. EF1 N of Ellinwood Barton 38°28′N 98°35′W / 38.46°N 98.58°W 2225 5.2 miles (8.4 km) Several houses were damaged. One person was injured. Texas EF0 SE of St. Jo Montague 33°41′N 97°31′W / 33.68°N 97.51°W 2246 unknown Brief tornado touchdown. EF0 NE of Nocona Montague 33°49′N 97°41′W / 33.82°N 97.68°W 2340 unknown Brief tornado on the east side of Lake Nocona. EF0 SW of Gainesville Cooke 33°37′N 97°10′W / 33.61°N 97.17°W 0032 unknown Brief tornado videotaped with no damage. EF0 N of Rhome Wise 33°05′N 97°29′W / 33.09°N 97.48°W 0038 unknown Brief tornado reported. EF0 SE of Azle Tarrant 32°54′N 97°34′W / 32.90°N 97.56°W 0038 unknown Tornado observed over Eagle Mountain Lake with minor damage near the shore. EF2 Denton Denton 33°09′N 97°04′W / 33.15°N 97.07°W 0103 1.2 miles (1.9 km) Significant damage to numerous houses and businesses. EF1 Irving Dallas 32°49′N 96°55′W / 32.82°N 96.92°W 0120 0.5 miles (800 m) An apartment building and four houses sustained roof damage. Tornado embedded in larger field of straight-line wind damage where one person was killed from the downburst. EF0 SW of Balch Springs Dallas 32°40′N 96°42′W / 32.66°N 96.70°W 0248 unknown Tornado confirmed along Interstate 20. EF0 W of Cedarvale Dallas 32°35′N 96°07′W / 32.58°N 96.12°W 0350 unknown Brief tornado touchdown. EF0 S of Reno Parker unknown unknown Brief tornado touchdown. Arkansas EF4 Denning area Franklin, Johnson 35°27′N 93°46′W / 35.45°N 93.76°W 0510 47 miles (76 km) 3 deaths – Intense tornado that was 1.25 miles (2.1 km) wide with severe damage in the area and most houses in the village destroyed with several solid houses flattened. Significant damage was also reported in several neighboring communities with multiple homes damaged and destroyed. Trees were debarked and 100 foot metal power poles were bent to the ground as well. At least 15 people were injured. EF3 Clarksville area Johnson 35°28′N 93°28′W / 35.46°N 93.47°W 0529 22.6 miles (36.4 km) 1 death – Many houses were damaged or destroyed and vehicles were flipped. Extensive tree and powerline damage along the path. Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 05/24/11, NWS Pueblo, NWS Wichita, NWS Norman, NWS Tulsa NWS Dodge City, NWS Little Rock May 25 event
List of reported tornadoes - Wednesday, May 25, 2011 EF# Location County/
ParishCoord. Time (UTC) Path length Comments/Damage Missouri EF1 SW of Dogwood Douglas, Webster 37°02′N 92°50′W / 37.03°N 92.84°W 0630 9 miles (14 km) A few structures were destroyed and numerous trees were snapped. EF0 Harrisonville Cass 38°40′N 94°21′W / 38.66°N 94.35°W 1635 unknown Tornado confirmed by law enforcement. EF2 Sedalia area Pettis 38°42′N 93°14′W / 38.70°N 93.23°W 1722 1.75 miles (2.82 km) Tornado moved through Sedalia with many houses and businesses damaged or destroyed and a tanker truck overturned. Damage was also sustained to Smith-Cotton High School.Extensive tree and power line damage occurred in the area as well. Numerous people were injured. EF0 S of Kearney Clay 39°17′N 94°23′W / 39.29°N 94.38°W 1733 unknown Brief tornado touchdown. EF0 W of Kearney Clay 39°22′N 94°23′W / 39.37°N 94.38°W 1745 unknown Brief tornado touchdown. EF1 Montgomery City Montgomery 38°59′N 91°31′W / 38.98°N 91.51°W 1920 8 miles (13 km) Significant structural damage to houses reported. EF1 N of Myrtle Oregon 36°33′N 91°16′W / 36.55°N 91.27°W 1956 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Several trees were snapped or uprooted and three outbuildings sustained minor roof damage. EF3 SW of Grandin to NW of Buckhorn Carter, Wayne, Madison 36°56′N 90°45′W / 36.93°N 90.75°W 2049 48 miles (77 km) Large and long-lived tornado destroyed four homes, two mobile homes and several trailers, including a log cabin which was leveled. A school sustained major damage and lost its entire roof. Hundreds of acres of large trees were snapped or uprooted. At its widest, the tornado reached a diameter of 1 mile (1.6 km). EF1 Fredericktown area Madison 37°30′N 90°20′W / 37.50°N 90.33°W 2130 2.75 miles (4.43 km) Extensive tree damage throughout the town. A machine shed was damaged and a garage was destroyed. EF1 S of Mill Spring Wayne 2141 17.5 miles (28.2 km) Tornado made several touchdowns along a 17.5 mi (28.2 km) path. Two outbuildings and a small personal bridge were destroyed and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. EF0 SW of Silver Lake Perry 2141 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Several tree limbs were downed. EF0 W of Hunter Carter 2144 0.25 miles (400 m) A few tree limbs were snapped. EF1 S of Marquand Madison, Bollinger 2227 13 miles (21 km) Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 NW of Neeley's Landing Cape Girardeau 2318 2.3 miles (3.7 km) One home sustained roofing damage and many trees were snapped or uprooted. EF0 SE of Benton Scott 2340 0.5 miles (800 m) A few tree limbs were snapped. Illinois EF1 ENE of Decatur Macon 39°53′N 88°50′W / 39.89°N 88.83°W 1235 1 mile (1.6 km) Two outbuildings and two grain bins were damaged. EF1 NE of Oakley Macon 39°52′N 88°46′W / 39.87°N 88.76°W 1239 unknown An outbuilding was destroyed. EF1 St. Anne area Kankakee 41°01′N 87°43′W / 41.02°N 87.72°W 1404 6 miles (9.7 km) Several houses were damaged, along with trees and power poles. EF0 E of Heyworth McLean 40°19′N 88°54′W / 40.31°N 88.90°W 2306 unknown A grain bin was damaged. EF1 SE of Downs McLean 40°27′N 88°48′W / 40.45°N 88.80°W 2309 unknown A semi-truck was overturned on Interstate 74. EF1 N of Dix Jefferson 2328 14 miles (23 km) Three houses and a church sustained significant roof damage. A shed and a sawmill were destroyed and several other houses sustained minor damage. EF1 NNE of Anna Union 2339 2.25 miles (3.62 km) A couple of homes sustained minor roof damage and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 Mound City area Pulaski 2340 5.25 miles (8.45 km) A mobile home was tossed into a power pole and several homes sustained roof damage. Many trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 SE of Pulaski Pulaski 2345 7.5 miles (12.1 km) A shed was damaged and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. EF0 SE of Mahomet Champaign 40°10′N 88°22′W / 40.16°N 88.36°W 2358 unknown Brief tornado damaged a few trees. EF2 SE of Grand Chain to NE of Grantsburg Pulaski, Massac, Johnson, Pope County, Illinois 2355 17 miles (27 km) A pole barn was destroyed and over 100 trees were snapped or uprooted. A grain bin destroyed by the tornado was thrown 265 yd (242 m). EF0 NW of Olney Richland 38°44′N 88°06′W / 38.74°N 88.10°W 0035 unknown Brief tornado touchdown with no damage. EF2 S of Robinson Crawford 38°58′N 87°44′W / 38.96°N 87.74°W 0057 6 miles (9.7 km) At least 14 houses were damaged, of which three were destroyed. Outbuildings and sheds were also destroyed. Indiana EF0 W of Morocco Newton 1413 200 yards (180 m) Brief tornado damaged a barn and tree limbs. EF2 S of Mount Ayr Newton 40°55′N 87°18′W / 40.92°N 87.30°W 1419 2 miles (3.2 km) A house was heavily damaged along with a grain bin and sheds. EF1 NW of Rensselaer Jasper 40°58′N 87°12′W / 40.97°N 87.20°W 1424 3 miles (4.8 km) Many trees were uprooted or snapped along the path. EF1 Rensselaer area Jasper 40°56′N 87°09′W / 40.94°N 87.15°W 1426 2 miles (3.2 km) A truck was overturned and houses sustained minor damage. EF0 Francesville area Pulaski 40°59′N 86°53′W / 40.99°N 86.88°W 1445 0.8 miles (1.3 km) Several trees were knocked down. EF1 WSW of Greensburg Decatur 39°20′N 85°31′W / 39.33°N 85.52°W 2115 1 mile (1.6 km) Several houses and farm buildings were heavily damaged and buildings at the local fairgrounds were destroyed. EF1 NW of Greensburg Decatur 39°22′N 85°31′W / 39.36°N 85.51°W 2120 0.5 miles (800 m) About 15-20 homes sustained roof and/or siding damage and several trees were downed. EF1 SE of Patton Gibson 38°22′N 87°37′W / 38.37°N 87.62°W 2227 unknown Trees snapped and uprooted EF3 Bedford area Lawrence, Bartholomew 38°52′N 86°29′W / 38.86°N 86.49°W 0000 3.3 miles (5.3 km) Several homes were destroyed in Bedford with significant damage in much of the town. At least 17 people were injured. EF2 W of Martin Posey, Vanderburgh, Gibson 0119 13 miles (21 km) Four barns were destroyed and one home was severely damaged. Several power poles were snapped and high-tension power lines were downed. EF2 SE of Oakland City Pike 0135 1.5 miles (2.4 km) Thousands of trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 S of Winslow (1st tornado) Pike 0139 4 miles (6.4 km) Several dozen trees were snapped or uprooted. This tornado occurred simultaneously with the following tornado. EF1 S of Winslow (2nd tornado) Pike 0139 4 miles (6.4 km) Several dozen trees were snapped or uprooted. This tornado occurred simultaneously with the previous tornado. EF2 S of Huntingburg Dubois 38°18′N 86°58′W / 38.30°N 86.96°W 0155 2 miles (3.2 km) Several mobile homes were overturned. EF1 W of Haysville Dubois 38°29′N 86°55′W / 38.48°N 86.92°W 0200 1.9 miles (3.1 km) A house lost its roof, a shed was destroyed and many trees were uprooted or snapped. EF1 W of Bloomington Monroe 39°10′N 86°31′W / 39.17°N 86.52°W 0215 1 mile (1.6 km) Brief tornado embedded in larger field of straight-line wind damage. EF2 S of Orleans Orange 0222 4.7 miles (7.6 km) A wood frame home and barn were destroyed and two brick homes sustained major damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 NW of Saltillo Washington, Lawrence 0228 3.2 miles (5.1 km) A large barn was destroyed and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 SSE of Bono Lawrence 0231 2.8 miles (4.5 km) A metal outbuilding was heavily damaged and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1 ESE of Rockville Parke 0240 1 mile (1.6 km) Brief tornado with relatively minor damage. EF0 N of Bridgeton Parke unknown 1 mile (1.6 km) Brief tornado with damage to trees. EF0 N of Morristown Shelby 0415 0.75 miles (1.21 km) Two homes were damaged and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. One person was injured after a tree fell on his car. Kansas EF0 Louisburg Miami 38°37′N 94°41′W / 38.62°N 94.68°W 1545 unknown Tornado reported by law enforcement. EF0 SSE of Overland Park Johnson 38°49′N 94°38′W / 38.81°N 94.63°W 1615 unknown Trees were uprooted. EF0 Overland Park Johnson 38°55′N 94°41′W / 38.91°N 94.68°W 1618 unknown Tornado touched down in the suburban area. Arkansas EF1 Oil Trough area Independence 35°36′N 91°25′W / 35.60°N 91.42°W 2115 4.3 miles (6.9 km) Numerous houses sustained roof damage and many trees were knocked down. EF0 WNW Greasy Corner Saint Francis 35°00′43″N 90°29′41″W / 35.01183°N 90.49470°W 2318 1.05 miles (1.69 km) Brief touchdown with no damage EF1 West Memphis area Crittenden 35°08′22″N 90°10′50″W / 35.13941°N 90.18068°W 2348 2.53 miles (4.07 km) A large storage shed and a mobile home sustained extensive damage. Many trees were also snapped or uprooted. EF2 N of Portland Ashley, Chicot 0137 6.25 miles (10.06 km) Numerous trees snapped or uprooted, several buildings damaged, power poles downed and a carport was destroyed. Iowa EF1 W of Burlington Des Moines 40°50′N 91°13′W / 40.83°N 91.22°W 2145 4.8 miles (7.7 km) Two railroad box cars were overturned, a shed was destroyed and power poles were snapped. EF1 Dodgeville Des Moines 40°57′N 91°11′W / 40.95°N 91.18°W 2200 3.6 miles (5.8 km) A small barn and an outbuilding were destroyed. Ohio EF1 Monroeville Huron 41°14′N 82°41′W / 41.24°N 82.69°W 2200 8 miles (13 km) About 12 houses and a few businesses were damaged, including a few that lost their roofs. Many trees were knocked down. EF0 Centreville Montgomery 39°39′N 84°07′W / 39.65°N 84.11°W 2310 200 yards (180 m) Brief tornado snapped a few trees on the grounds of the south campus of the Miami Valley Hospital. EF1 Liberty Township Butler 39°23′N 84°25′W / 39.38°N 84.41°W 0430 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Two houses sustained significant damage and several others sustained minor damage. Trees were downed and a car was flipped as well. EF0 W of Bloomingburg Fayette 39°37′N 83°26′W / 39.61°N 83.44°W 0525 0.5 miles (800 m) Brief tornado destroyed a barn and damaged two others. EF0 N of Bloomingburg Fayette 39°41′N 83°25′W / 39.68°N 83.42°W 0526 1 mile (1.6 km) Two barns were heavily damaged. Louisiana EF0 S of Farmerville Union 32°44′N 92°18′W / 32.73°N 92.30°W 0058 6.5 miles (10.5 km) Damage limited to a few trees. EF1 W of Farmerville Union 32°46′N 92°24′W / 32.77°N 92.40°W 0120 6 miles (9.7 km) The local elementary school and several houses were damaged, mostly by fallen trees. EF0 NE of Natchez Natchitoches 0322 1.3 miles (2.1 km) Several large branches were broken. Kentucky EF0 NW of Murray Calloway 0119 0.25 miles (0.40 km) Several dozen trees were snapped or uprooted. EF0 ESE of Murray Calloway 0217 0.5 miles (0.80 km) About 12 trees were downed and several more lost limbs. A few homes sustained minor damage and a car was destroyed by a fallen tree. Alabama EF1 SW of Springfield Lauderdale 34°52′51″N 87°24′58″W / 34.88082°N 87.41599°W 0430 1.9 miles (3.1 km) Several pine trees were knocked down, one of which landed on a house with major damage. A barn was nearly destroyed. EF0 ESE of Rogersville Limestone 34°46′49″N 87°10′42″W / 34.78027°N 87.17825°W 0440 1.9 miles (3.1 km) Several pine trees were knocked down, one of which landed on a house. EF0 NW of Athens Limestone 34°50′43″N 87°02′17″W / 34.84537°N 87.03799°W 0449 3.9 miles (6.3 km) A large barn was severely damaged and many trees were downed. Originated from the same circulation as the previous tornado EF0 S of Ardmore Madison 34°55′01″N 86°51′01″W / 34.91697°N 86.85015°W 0500 4.6 miles (7.4 km) Several large trees were snapped or uprooted and a few homes had minor roof damage. Originated from the same circulation as the previous two tornadoes. EF0 Meridianville area Madison 34°52′35″N 86°35′44″W / 34.87627°N 86.59556°W 0517 7.4 miles (11.9 km) Numerous trees snapped or uprooted and a few homes had minor roof damage. Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 05/25/11, NWS Kansas City, NWS St. Louis, NWS Louisville, NWS Paducah, NWS Central Illinois, NWS Chicago, NWS Quad Cities, NWS Cleveland, NWS Huntsville, NWS Little Rock, NWS Shreveport, NWS Wilmington OH May 26 event
List of reported tornadoes - Thursday, May 26, 2011 EF# Location County/
ParishCoord. Time (UTC) Path length Comments/Damage South Carolina EF0 NW of Clover York 35°08′N 81°16′W / 35.14°N 81.27°W 1353 0.75 miles (1.21 km) Brief tornado downed several trees, one of which fell on an RV and the other on a home. Ohio EF1 Pierpont Ashtabula 2035 1 mile (1.6 km) Damage to roofs and sidings of several buildings. Pennsylvania EF1 W of Springboro Crawford 41°50′N 80°22′W / 41.83°N 80.37°W 2040 7 miles (11 km) Roof damage to ten buildings, with one completely torn off, and numerous trees were downed. EF1 New Franklin area Franklin 39°53′N 77°38′W / 39.88°N 77.64°W 2210 200 yards (180 m) Dozens of pine trees were snapped. EF1 SE of Slate Run Lycoming 2310 5.5 miles (8.9 km) About 400 trees were damaged or destroyed and a few homes were damaged by fallen trees. EF1 NW of Cammal Lycoming 2315 2 miles (3.2 km) About 200 trees were damaged or destroyed and a few homes were damaged by fallen trees. EF1 E of Dauphin Dauphin 40°22′N 76°56′W / 40.37°N 76.93°W 2315 2 miles (3.2 km) A brief tornado caused moderate to major damage to six homes and downed about 150 trees. EF1 E of Hogestown Cumberland 40°16′N 77°02′W / 40.26°N 77.03°W 2320 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Roughly 100 trees were downed and a few homes sustained minor damage. A small outbuilding also sustained severe damage. EF1 SW of Milan Bradford 41°53′N 76°32′W / 41.89°N 76.53°W 2330 0.4 miles (640 m) Damage was mainly confined to trees, though one trailer was damaged. EF1 Schuylkill Haven area Schuylkill 40°38′N 76°10′W / 40.63°N 76.17°W 0015 18 miles (29 km) Relatively long-tracked tornado damaged 20 homes, 4 of which sustained major damage, and downed roughly 1,000 trees. The tornado remained on the ground for about 20 minutes before dissipating. Louisiana EF3 W of Sun St. Tammany 30°39′N 89°58′W / 30.65°N 89.96°W 2145 6 miles (9.7 km) Two houses were destroyed and several others were damaged in the area. Four people were injured. Alabama EF2 E of Littleville Colbert, Lawrence 34°35′34″N 87°32′55″W / 34.5928°N 87.5486°W 0417 2.2 miles (3.5 km) A chicken house was completely destroyed, with roofing debris tossed 100 yd (91 m) away. One home lost most of its roof and a church sustained some damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along the tornado's path. Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 05/26/11, NWS Cleveland, NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge Hinton–Guthrie EF5 tornado
A de-barked tree just north El Reno with various debris, including a car, piled at its baseOn May 24, a long-tracked, violent tornado touched down south of Calumet, Oklahoma. It produced complete destruction in parts of northern and western El Reno, Oklahoma, including the destruction of a mobile home park, debarking trees, and sweeping several well-built homes from their foundations. The Mesonet station at El Reno recorded a wind gust of 151 miles per hour (243 km/h) as the tornado passed by. The tornado was rated EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale based on University of Oklahoma Doppler On Wheels measurements suggestive of peak winds greater than 210 miles per hour (340 km/h). Nine people were killed.[11] This was the first EF5 tornado to strike Oklahoma since 1999, when an F5 tornado killed 36 people in and around Moore, Oklahoma.
Non-tornadic events
At least three people were killed in the Atlanta metropolitan area as a result of straight-line winds on the evening of May 26, likely due to a downburst.[12]
See also
- List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
- List of tornadoes hitting downtown areas of large cities
- Tornadoes of 2011
References
- ^ a b Noah Buhayar (June 6, 2011). "Joplin Tornado Leads Storms That May Cost Insurers $7 Billion in One Week". Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-06/joplin-tornado-leads-storms-that-may-cost-insurers-7-billion-in-one-week.html. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
- ^ a b . http://articles.ky3.com/2011-06-25/deadliest-single-tornado_29704600.
- ^ Urt Voigt; Alan Scher Zagier (2011-05-23). "Death toll from Missouri tornado rises to 116". Associated Press. Houston Chronicle. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7577666.html. Retrieved 2011-05-23.
- ^ "City official: Joplin tornado death toll at 153". Kansas City Star. June 13, 2011. http://www.kansascity.com/2011/06/13/2947417/city-official-joplin-tornado-death.html.
- ^ Associated Press (May 21, 2011). "One Killed In Reading, KS Tornado". KAKE. http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/Tornado_Hit_Small_Town_Of_Reading_122401859.html. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
- ^ "Storm Reports for May 21, 2011". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 21, 2011. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/110521_rpts.html. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
- ^ "Storm Reports for May 22, 2011". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 22, 2011. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/110522_rpts.html. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
- ^ "Storm Prediction Center May 24, 2011 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 24, 2011. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
- ^ "Storm Prediction Center May 25, 2011 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 25, 2011. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
- ^ Tara Bannow (May 25, 2011). "Damage from Minneapolis tornado estimated at $166 million". Pioneer Press. http://www.twincities.com/minneapolis/ci_18128350?nclick_check=1. Retrieved May 31, 2011.
- ^ The Calumet-El Reno-Piedmont-Guthrie Tornado of May 24, 2011
- ^ "Atlanta Severe Storms Claim Three Lives". Bill Deger. AccuWeather. May 27, 2011. http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/50187/atlanta-severe-storms-claim-th.asp. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
- ^ "SPC Tornado Watch 356". http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0356_prob.html. Retrieved 2011-05-24.
External links
- For the latest severe weather information
Tornado Outbreaks of 2011 New Year's 2010 – 11 • February 27 – 28 • March 8 – 9 • March 21 – 23 • April 4 – 5 • April 9 – 11 (Iowa-Wisconsin) • April 14 – 16 • April 19 – 24 (St. Louis) • April 25 - 28 • May 21 – 26 (Joplin) • June 1 (New England) • June 19 – 20 • November 7 – 8 • November 14 – 16Categories:- F5 tornadoes
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