May 2003 Tornado Outbreak Sequence

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May 2003 Tornado Outbreak Sequence
Date of tornado outbreak: April 30-May 11, 2003
Duration1: 12 days
Maximum rated tornado2: F4 tornado
Tornadoes caused: 401 confirmed (most ever in an outbreak sequence)
Damages: $952 million (2005 USD) [1]
Fatalities: 48+
Areas affected: Most of the central and eastern continental United States

1Time from first tornado to last tornado
2Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita Scale


The May 2003 Tornado Outbreak Sequence in the United States was a series of tornado outbreaks that occurred from May 3 to May 11, 2003. Some would argue that it actually began April 30th, but the most prolific continuous period was the seven day period of May 4-10. There were 401 tornado reports in 19 states, 1,587 reports of large hail, and 740 reports of wind damage. More severe weather broke out this week alone than any other week in U.S. history, though comparable events occurred in May 1917, 1930, and 1949 before the modern era of tornado detection. There was an outbreak every day during the week. The old record for most tornado reports in one week was 245 during the week of the Super Outbreak (March 30 to April 5, 1974), however, that unparalleled outbreak alone still produced more significant and violent tornadoes than any other week in history.

It should be noted, however, that there were far more tornado spotters and development in 2003 than in the past, so many tornadoes in historic outbreaks could have been missed.

Contents

[edit] Meteorological Synopsis

Costliest tornadoes in United States history
Rank Area affected Date Damage1 Adj. damage2
1 North-central Georgia March 31, 1973 1,250,000 5,175,000
2 Topeka, Kansas Tornado June 8, 1966 250,000 1,420,000
3 Lubbock, Texas Tornado May 11, 1970 250,000 1,185,000
4 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma May 3, 1999 1,000,000 1,100,000
5 Xenia, Ohio April 3, 1974 250,000 932,500
6 Omaha, Nebraska May 6, 1975 250,603 857,062
7 Wichita Falls, Texas April 10, 1979 277,841 702,938
8 Grand Island, Nebraska June 3, 1980 285,050 635,662
9 Windsor Locks, Connecticut October 3, 1979 250,000 632,500
10 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma May 8, 2003 370,000 370,000
Source: Storm Prediction Center
1. These are the unadjusted damage totals in thousands of US dollars. Prior to 1994, official records
used categories for "Damage class", so these values represent inflation-adjusted
medians for a given damage class. If better numbers are available, a source is indicated.
2. Raw damage totals adjusted for inflation, in thousands of 2003 USD.

The main enabling factor for this massive series of outbreaks was the presence of a persistent 500 mb trough over the western United States, coupled with a series of shortwave disturbances which propigated through the central and eastern United States. These shortwaves provided a mechanism for the deepening of surface low pressure areas, which followed the upper level flow from southwest to northeast. The cyclones induced a strong north to southeasterly flow in the low levels of the atmosphere (1000 mb, 850 mb) off the Gulf of Mexico. This persistent flow provided an abundance of warm, moist maritime tropical air in the central and eastern US. The interaction between warm, dry air from the western United States and the moist Gulf airmass resulted in a boundary known as the dryline. This boundary, along with other factors provided a source of lift promoting thunderstorm development. CAPE (convective availability potential energy) describes the instability in the atmosphere and the tendency for it to rise; high CAPE values are usually associated with severe weather. CAPE values during the period of April 30 - May 11 were extremely high in the affected areas. A strong, persistent southeast to northwest upper level flow contributed to wind sheer (changing winds with height), and induced strong rotation in many of the thunderstroms that developed. These rotating thunderstorms, or supercells, are capable of spawning tornadoes.

[edit] Total Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
401 213 123 39 20 6 0

[edit] April 30 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
21 18 3 0 0 0 0
F# Location County Time (CST) Path length Damage
Iowa
F0 Monroe, Wapello Monroe, Wapello 0530 2.5 miles
(4.0 km)		 Short-lived, weak tornado in the Open. Little damage reported.
F0 Louisa Louisa 0535 16 miles
(25.6 km)		 Tornadic circulation was initially almost 1/2 mile wide. It then consolidated into a 50 yd wide funnel. There was some light damage to buildings in the area.
F0 Wapello Wapello 0545 unknown brief touchdown in a field
Missouri
F0 Albany area Gentry, Harrison 0604 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 tornado touched down in open country causing no damage
F0 Weston area Platte 0615 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 touchdown noted near ski resort
F0 Ridgeway to Cainsville Harrison 0622 10 miles
(16.0 km)		 some damage to power lines and transformers was noted
F0 Edgerton area Platte 0635 unknown brief touchdown near I-29
F0 N of Lemons Putnam 0755 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 tornado spotted in open country. no damage reported
F0 NE of Greentop Schuyler 0853 6 miles
(9.6 km)		 up to 1/4 mile wide tornado reported in open country
Illinois
F1 S of Aledo Mercer 0542 unknown tornado damaged several farm buildings
F0 E of Aledo Mercer 0557 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 traveled through open country
F1 S of Viola Mercer 0609 unknown damaged farm house
F0 SE of Viola Mercer 0611 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 tornado damaged a house
F1 SE of Viola Mercer 0612 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 a house was pushed 6 feet off its foundation
F0 N of Alpha Henry 0629 unknown brief touchdown in field
F0 NE of Victoria Knox 0730 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 no damage reported
Kansas
F0 E of Cambridge Cowley 0917 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 remained in open country
F0 N of Cedar Vale Chautauqua 0937 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 remained in open country
F0 NW of Sedan Chautauqua 0958 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 remained in open country
Colorado
F0 ESE of Hudson Weld 0300 unknown small tornado; no damage reported
F0 Prospect area Weld 0321 unknown no damage reported
Sources: NOAA Storm Data

[edit] May 1 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
13 8 3 2 0 0 0
F# Location County Time (CST) Path length Damage
Nebraska
F0 N of Kimball Kimball 1154 unknown brief tornado in open country
Indiana
F0 Muncie area Delaware 0601 unknown weak, brief touchdown
F0 W of Union City Randolph 0620 unknown weak, brief touchdown
New York
F0 Tribes Hill Montgomery 0420 50 yards weak, brief tornado destroyed the deck of a house
Oklahoma
F1 Okay area Wagoner, Muskogee 0455 3 miles
(4.8 km)		 Tornado damaged to destroyed several mobile homes. It also destroyed outhouses and damaged several anchored structures.
F1 SW of Fort Gibson Muskogee 0503 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Trees were downed and a few buildings sustained light damage (shingles and roofing torn off)
F1 N of Nashoba Pushmataha 0514 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Trees uprooted and power lines downed
F0 N of Gore Sequoyah 0546 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 tornado touched down in open country
F0 NE of Gore Sequoyah 0551 unknown brief touchdown
F0 SW of Battiest McCurtain 0630 unknown tornado damaged a barn and downed several trees
F0 E of Heavener Le Flore, Scott 0633 3 miles
(1.6 km)		 Minor tree damage
F2 SE of Broken Bow McCurtain 0546 13 miles
(20.8 km)		 Two framed homes had their roofs torn off. 30 homes had roof/frame damage and broken windows. One home was largely destroyed. Numerous trees and power poles were snapped
Arkansas
F2 Board camp to Pine Ridge Polk, Montgomery 0724 11 miles
(17.6 km)		 Several barns were destroyed, and a few homes were damaged
Sources: NOAA Storm Data

[edit] May 2 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
1 0 1 0 0 0 0
F# Location County Time (CST) Path length Damage
South Carolina
F1 E of Easley Pickens 0255 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Only report that day. Tornado blew down numerous trees and power lines. Several structures received minor damage, and a few mobile homes were destroyed. One person was injured.
Sources: NOAA Storm Data

[edit] May 3 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
14 11 2 1 0 0 0
F# Location County Time (CST) Path length Damage
Nebraska
F0 N of Minatare Scotts Bluff 0241 unknown nearly stationary tornado; cow shed destroyed
F0 N of Bayard Morrill 0300 unknown brief tornado over open country
F1 NE of Angora Morrill 0400 4 miles
(6.4 km)		 Tornado destroyed a mobile home and damaged a wind mill. Power lines were also blown down along its track
F1 N of Mc Grew Scotts Bluff 0434 8 miles
(12.8 km)		 Tornado damaged manypower lines and leveled outbuildings
F0 WNW of Bayard Morrill 0435 unknown brief tornado over open country
F0 Mumper Garden 0550 unknown brief tornado over open country
F0 N of Dannebrog Howard 0115 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 minor damage to several outbuildings
South Dakota
F0 NNE of Bison Perkins 0535 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 no damage reported
Texas
F0 NE of Aspermont Stonewall 0457 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 tornado over open country
F0 N of Old Glory Stonewall 0537 unknown tornado over open country
F0 S of Rule Haskell 0611 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 passing car was damaged by debris
F0 SSE of Haskel Haskell 0620 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 multiple vortex tornado. no damage reported
F2 ESE of Haskel Haskell 0710 4 miles
(6.4 km)		 large, quarter mile wide tornado reported near power plant. The tornado caused little damage.
F0 SE of Haskel Haskell 0620 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 small rope tornado
Sources: NOAA Storm Data

[edit] May 4 Event

May 4, 2003 Tornado Tracks
May 4, 2003 Tornado Tracks

[edit] The Most Prolific Day of the Outbreak Sequence

The meteorological ingredients that made conditions favorable for devastating severe weather came together early in the day on May 4. One of the 500 mb shortwaves that had propagated from the Rockies into the central plain states had induced the deepening of a 990 mb low over northwestern Missouri. A warm front extended from this low through Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee. South of this front, southerly winds at the surface had advected unseasonably warm, moist air from the Gulf into the Mississippi Valley and surrounding states. Temperatures reached the Mid 80s and dew points had risen above 70 degrees.

In the upper levels of the atmosphere, the left exit region of a 250 mb jet streak had been positioned over the affected area, providing enhanced lift. This in combination with low level instability contributed to explosive thunderstorm development. Winds at the 850 mb level were enhanced as the day progressed, and velocity maxima exceeded 70 kts by 0300 UTC.

The thunderstorms that developed in the region quickly began rotating, due to the enhanced environmental wind sheer. Long-lived supercells were prevalent; many of which produced families of strong to violent, long-tracked tornadoes. Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee were hardest hit. A total of 86 tornadoes touched down, making May 4, 2003 one of the largest single-day outbreaks in history. 38 people were killed, and nearly 400 injured by the twisters.

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
86 32 29 13 8 4 0
F# Location County Time (CST) Path length Damage
South Dakota
F0 SE of Mission Todd 0230 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 No damage reported
Nebraska
F0 Colon Saunders 0228 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Minor shed and roof damage
F1 W of Memphis Saunders 0235 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Tornado blew a grain bin off its foundation and knocked a storage shed over.
F0 SW of Plattsmouth Cass 0328 unknown Brief touchdown in open country
Kansas
F0 NW of Scott City Scott 0159 unknown brief, weak landspout
F1 NE of Levenworth Leavenworth, Platte 0254 3 miles
(4.8 km)		 tornado touched down in Kansas and crossed the Missouri river into Platte County, Missouri
F2 SW of Basehor Leavenworth, Platte 0255 6 miles
(9.6 km)		 Tornado touched down at county road 25. It proceeded to move across the Kansas turnpike and damage several homes and structures. - see section on this
F4 1 mile N of Kansas City Leavenworth, Platte, Clay 0318 21 miles
(33.6 km)		 2 deaths - A moderate sized tornado touched down just NE of the Kansas Speedway producing F0 and F1 damage. Near I-435 it underwent intensification and became very large and dangerous. In Kansas City, numerous homes received F3 damage, and several were completely destroyed (indicative F4). It continued across the Missouri River into Missouri. In Missouri a dozen or so homes were destroyed and numerous damaged before the tornado dissipated. - see section on this
F0 W of Parsons Labette 0318 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Brief event
F0 NE of Parsons Labette 0330 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Brief event
F4 NW of Mc Cune to Liberal MO Labette, Barton 0335 33 miles
(52.8 km)		 4 deaths - The first of a series of large and destructive tornados touched down in western Crawford County. The tornado initially produced high end F2 damage, but quickly intensified as it approached the communities of Girard and Franklin. Through the second half of Crawford county it was over 1/2 mile wide and produced high end F4 (maybe F5) damage to numerous structures. It crossed into Barton County, MO and destroyed several additional structures before roping out and dissipating. - see section on this
F0 S of St. Paul Neosho 0337 4 miles
(6.4 km)		 Damage to two homes and power lines
F1 SSW of New Lancaster Miami, Cass 0406 9 miles
(14.4 km)		 Tornado moved through open country across the Kansas/Missouri border
F1 SW of Bartlett Labette 0425 12 miles
(14.4 km)		 Tornado heavily damaged two dozen farm structures and several service buildings
F0 N of Chetopa Labette 0440 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Brief event
F3 Melrose to Crestline Cherokee, Jasper 0515 25 miles
(40.0 km)		 5 deaths - A large tornado initially touched down in western Cherokee county and began causing F1-F2 damage. It intensified as it approached the Kansas/Missouri border and Destroyed several structures (F3 damage). It then crossed into missouri and wreaked havoc in the town of Carl Junction before dissipating N of Joplin. - see section on this
Oklahoma
F0 WNW of Vinita Craig 0424 3 miles
(4.8 km)		 Trees damaged. No structures affected.
F1 S of Narcissa Ottawa 0455 5 miles
(8.0 km)		 Large tornado destroyed several mobile homes and damaged others, before dissipating.
F0 E of Heavener Le Flore 0558 18 miles
(28.8 km)		 Small trees snapped - No significant structural damage
Missouri
F4 Gladstone Clay 0345 5 miles
(8.0 km)		 After the first Kansas City tornado (F4 as well) dissipated, another tornado touched down in Gladstone. Initially it produced F0 to F1 damage, but quickly intensified and produced marginal F4 damage in several locations. It dissipated near I-435, after having traveled for only 5 miles. - see section on this
F2 Liberty Clay 0359 8 miles
(12.8 km)		 Several minutes after the Gladstone tornado dissipated, another large tornado touched down near Rout 291. Substantial damage was done in liberty before the tornado moved into rural areas and lifted. - see section on this
F3 Liberal to Tunas Barton, Cedar, Polk , Dallas 0431 86 miles
(137.6 km)		 6 deaths - As the Franklin, KS tornado was dissipating, a new large tornado touched down several miles to the south (just outside of Liberal). It tracked through southwest missouri for almost 2 hours, ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 mile in diameter. The town of Stockton was completely destroyed, and several other communities sustained heavy damage. - see section on this
F2 Garden City to Warrensburg Cass, Johnson 0504 22 miles
(35.2 km)		 Tornado touched down sporatically in mainly open country
F0 E of Sheldon Vernon 0510 unknown Brief touchdown in open country
F0 joplin Muni Arpt Jasper 0530 unknown Brief tornado near airport
F3 Ritchey to Battlefield Newton, Lawrence, Christian, Greene 0504 49 miles
(78.4 km)		 7 deaths - A large tornado touched down in eastern Newton County. The tornado plowed through the communities of Pierce city and Battlefield, before lifting near Springfield. Pierce City was utterly destroyed, and Battlefield sustained heavy damage. - see section on this
F1 WNW of Meinert Dade 0555 unknown Tree and roof damage was produced
F1 S of Warrensburg Johnson 0558 10 miles
(16.1 km)		 Some businesses damaged. Tornado passed north of Whiteman AFB
F0 WSW of Hughesville Pettis 0635 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Brief touchdown with minor damage
F3 Decaturville to Montreal Camden 0636 14 miles
(22.4 km)		 4 deaths - The supercell that spawned the Franklin and Stockton tornadoes produced yet another large tornado in Camden county. The tornado moved through suburban areas south of Camdenton completely destroying many structures and causing several injuries and fatalities. - see section on this
F1 SW of Hornersville Dunklin 0650 3 miles
(4.8 km)		 Two homes damaged
F0 Steele Pemiscot 0650 6 miles
(9.6 km)		 A few homes suffered minor roof damage
F0 NE of Rogersville Webster 0720 unknown No damage reported
F0 S of Iberia Miller 0730 unknown no damage reported
F0 Arnica Cedar 0735 6 miles
(9.6 km)		 No property damage reported; several trees downed
F0 S of Morley Scott 0753 12 miles
(19.2 km)		 One mobile home destroyed and several homes/businesses damaged
F0 Rondo Polk 0755 unknown No significant damage reported
F0 S of Vienna Maries 0805 unknown Brief tornado - no damage reported
F0 W of Tunas Dallas 0805 unknown Brief tornado - no damage reported
F0 S of Vienna Maries 0823 unknown Brief tornado - no damage reported
F0 Camdenton Camden 0830 unknown no damage reported
F0 Swedeborg Pulaski 0855 unknown Brief touchdown over open country
F0 S of Rolla Phelps 0930 unknown Brief touchdown over open country
F0 N of Salem Dent 01000 unknown Brief tornado - no damage reported
Arkansas
F0 SW of Bree Branch Van Buren 0552 3 miles
(4.8 km)		 Tornado destroyed hay barn and knocked down trees
F1 WNW of Buckeye Mississippi 0615 4 miles
(6.4 km)		 Several large trees blown down
F2 SE of Guy Faulkner, Cleburne 0634 15 miles
(24.0 km)		 Numerous trees blown down. Tornado destroyed several barns and outbuildings, and damaged a few homes. A mobile home was destroyed as well.
F2 Black Oak to Manila Craighead, Mississippi 0639 15 miles
(24.0 km)		 Three homes were severely damaged.
F1 Wooster Area Faulkner 0650 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Minor damage to a home and another structure
F3 Saltillo to Searcy Faulkner, Lonoke, White 0652 35 miles
(56.0 km)		 Large tornado tracked through Faulkner County into Lonokee downing numerous power lines and trees. After briefly crossing the corner of Lonokee, it destroyed numerous homes and businesses in White County. Two tractor trailer trucks were overturned, injuring the drivers. The track may have been over 1/4 mile in diameter in White County.
F3 Georgetown to Vanndale White, Woodruff, Cross 0755 43 miles
(68.8 km)		 Another large tornado touched down in eastern White county and moved into Woodruff. Numerous trees were downed and man-made structures sustained severe damage. In Pumpkin Bend, several homes were completely destroyed. The tornado then tracked into Cross county destroying a dozen or so more homes before dissipating.
F1 NW of Weldon Jackson 0810 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Weak tornado touched down briefly damaging power lines
F1 keiser Area Mississippi 0900 8 miles
(12.8 km)		 Tornado damaged several homes
Illinois
F1 SSW of Golconda Pope, Livingston 0909 2 miles
(1.6 km)		 Little damage reported
F1 SE of Bay City Massac, Ballard 0910 10 miles
(16. km)		 Tornado caused minimal damage to homes/businesses
Kentucky
F1 NE of Monkeys Eyebrow Ballard, Massac 0843 4 miles
(6.4 km)		 Tornado downed several trees
F2 NE of Murray Calloway 0930 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Six homes received moderate damaqe, and a barn was destroyed.
F1 W of Sheridan Crittenden 0930 6 miles
(9.6 km)		 Widespread tree damage
F1 SW of Sheridan Crittenden 0932 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Tornado downed several trees
F2 NE of Mattoon Crittenden 0945 unknown Tornado destroyed a mobile home, injuring the occupant
F1 WSW of Clay Webster 0953 unknown An old barn was destroyed and a home received minor damage
F2 W of Clay Webster 0958 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Six homes and businesses were destroyed in Clay, and numerous others heavily damaged. Only one injury was reported.
F2 S of St. Joseph Daviess 0958 unknown A mobile home was destroyed and its occupants injured
Tennessee
F0 E of Dyersburg Dyer 745 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 Many trees were blown down
F1 S of Newbern Dyer 820 2 miles
(3.2 km)		 Several homes had their roofs blown off
F1 S of Brazil Gibson 825 8 miles
(12.8 km)		 One home was destroyed and several others were damaged
F1 SW of Finley Dyer 830 4 miles
(6.4 km)		 Several homes were damaged or destroyed
F2 Martin Weakley 835 4 miles
(6.4 km)		 Scattered damage in Martin. An elementary school had its roof partially removed.
F0 W of Nebonville Gibson 940 12 miles
(19.2 km)		 Several homes were damaged
F1 Medina Gibson 950 5 miles
(8.0 km)		 Two homes were destroyed and several others damaged
F2 Paris to Elkhorn Henry 953 17 miles
(27.2 km)		 Dozens of structures were damaged or destroyed in south Paris. A school was also damaged.
F2 Dyersburg Dyer 1000 15 miles
(24.0 km)		 Tornado tracked through downtown Dyersburg. As many as 500 structures were damaged or destroyed (almost 100 of which were commercial businesses) and 10 injuries were reported.
F1 E of Buchanan Henry 1010 6 miles
(9.6 km)		 As many as 50 homes were damaged
F1 Gleason Weakley 1020 3 miles
(4.8 km)		 A church was damaged in Gleason, as well as a water tower
F4 Denmark to Lexington Madison, Henderson 1035 39 miles
(62.4 km)		 11 deaths - A large tornado touched down in southwest Madison county and tracked directly through downtown Jackson. Hundreds of structures were destroyed, and many were completely obliterated (warranting an F4 rating). The tornado weakened as it left Jackson, and continued through mostly open country before dissipating near Lexington. This was the deadliest single tornado of the outbreak. - see section on this
F0 Indian Mound Stewart 1035 unknown Brief tornado damaged a brick home
F3 Denmark to Huron Madison, Henderson 1043 21 miles
(33.6 km)		 Tornado touched down in southwest Madison county and moved to the south of Jackson. Numerous structures were damaged or destroyed. A few homes received light damage in Henderson County. - see section on this
F1 Atwood Carroll 1100 1 miles
(1.6 km)		 60 homes were either damaged or destroyed in Atwood.
F3 S of Clarksville Montgomery 1153 12 miles
(19.2 km)		 A large 3/4 mile wide tornado moved through southern Montgomery county, damaging almost a hundred homes. Several brick homes were completely destroyed, and one person was injured.
F1 Stroudsville to Cross Plains Robertson 1155 24 miles
(38.4 km)		 Tornado damaged over 30 homes in Stroudsville before moving off to the northeast and dissipating.
F0 La Vergne Rutherford 0130 unknown Brief touchdown in industrial park. No damage reported
F1 NNW of Woodbury Cannon 0145 3 miles
(3.8 km)		 Up to 60 homes sustained minor damage
Sources: NOAA Storm Data

[edit] Southwest Missouri Tornadoes

Tornado Tracks in Southwest Missouri
Tornado Tracks in Southwest Missouri

[edit] The Franklin Tornado (F4)

A large tornado touched down in Neosho County, Kansas at 432 PM on May 4. The tornado was initially about 250 yards wide and produced F2 damgage as it crossed into Crawford County (moving through mostly rural areas). Aerial damage surveys indicate an increase in width and intensification as the tornado approached the community of Ringo, in Crawford county. Dramatic scouring of the ground was observed , and heavy objects such as vehicles were tossed long distances (over 100 yards). NWS described the damage in this portion of the track as "high end F4". It was rumored that they coinsidered rating it F5, but hesitated for some unknown reason. As it barreled pasted Ringo and entered the unincorporated town of Franklin, the path reached over 1/2 mile wide at points. Franklin was all but destroyed. Numerous buildings and homes were completely demolished and 3 deaths were reported, along with 20 or so injuries. The tornado continued producing "high end F4" damage as it passed the town of Mulberry, where a train was derailed from the winds of the storm, and crossed into Barton County, Missouri. In Missouri, the twister completely demolished several farm houses, killing one 88 year old man. Its path began to narrow several miles into Missouri; video and eyewitness accounts suggust that the tornado was "roping out". It finally lifted to the north of Liberal, MO after having traveled for approximately 35 miles. Many consider this the most violent tornado of the outbreak, and perhaps 2003 as a whole. Almost immediately after the Franklin tornado lifted, a second large tornado was reported to have touched down on the east side of Liberal.

Tornado near Franklin
Tornado near Franklin
The Tornado Intensifies
The Tornado Intensifies


[edit] The Stockton Tornado (F3)

The second major tornado produced by the Franklin supercell was initially observed to the east of Liberal (531 PM). Analysis indicates a 1/2 mile wide damage path through rural portions of Barton county. Several structures received F1 to F2 damage. The tornado crossed into Cedar county and continued producing high end F2/low end F3 damge. One man was killed to the east of Liberal as his home was destroyed. As it approached the town of Stockton, several framed houses were completely swept off their foundations. Structural annalysis indicated poor anchoring of the homes, thus warranting a high end F3 rating. The funnel then proceeded to plow through the center of Stockton causing utter devastation, and killing 3. Numerous structures were damaged or destroyed, and there was arguably some low end F4 damage present (NWS stuck with a high end F3 rating). The tornado was approximately 3/4 mile in diameter as it left Stockton. A two-story framed home to the east of Stockton was almost entirely destroyed, and several vehicles were tossed hundreds of feet (also high end F3). Also, all buildings on the "square" of Stockton were completely destroyed, and the only thing left was the vault from the bank. The roof was torn off of most of the Stockton school, yet amazingly, the court house, just 1/8 mile south of the square only took minor damage. The city was closed off to the public for nearly two days. The tornado crossed into northern Polk county, and appeared to have weakened slightly. A handful of structures received F1 and F2 damage. Continuing all the way through Polk county, it shrank to approximately 300 yards in diameter as it entered Dallas county. Damage analysis indicates twin funnels in western Polk (another tornado touched down just to the south of the parent funnel) (Observers did confirm twin tornadoes on the ground near Humansville MO in northwest polk county). Over 48 homes were destroyed in northern Dallas county (again F3 damage), and two additional fatalities occurred. South of Tunas, its track shifted form northeasterly to almost east-southeasterly. It then proceeded to abruptly weaken and dissipate. The Stockton tornado had traveled for an astonishing 86 miles, across 4 counties in their entirety.

[edit] The Camden County Tornado (F3)

Yet another tornado touched down in camden county, Missouri, several minutes after the Stockton tornado dissipated (731 PM). This tornado quickly grew to 400 yards in diameter, and completely destroyed 50 homes near Camdenton. Two homes (considered to have been well anchored) were completely swept free short distances from their foundations. 4 fatalities were reported in the Camdenton area. The tornado then moved northeast and dissipated near Montreal. Its path length was 15 miles. Again, it would appear that the tornado had produced at least low end F4 damage, yet NWS gave it a high end F3 rating.

[edit] The Carl Junction Tornado (F3)

Weather spotters reported a funnel that may have touched down briefly several times in western Cherokee County. The first observable damage was observed to the north of Melrose. It initially produced minimal F0 and F1 damage. One death occurred south of Columbus, where the tornado produced some F2 damage to several structures. It widened and intensified as it approached the Kansas/Missouri border; several homes were almost entirely destroyed and numerous structures were severely damaged. A couple was killed in their home by flying debris in this area. The now 1/2 mile wide tornado crossed into Jasper county Missouri and raged through the center of Carl Junction. More than 500 structures were damaged or destroyed and 2 additional deaths occurred. F2 to F3 damage was observed in Carl Junction. The storm then veered north and dissipated, moving just north of Oronogo. It had traveled approximately 25 miles.

[edit] The Pierce City Tornado (F3)

A second supercell south of the storm that spawned the Franklin/Stockton/Camdenton tornadoes produced several funnel clouds through Newton county before any tornado touchdown was reported. Damage was first observed south of Ritchey, in Newton county. Several structures were moderately damaged. The most significant damage in Newton county was rated F2. The tornado reached over 1/2 mile wide as it crossed into Lawrence county, and abruptly strengthened to an F3 as it entered the town of Pierce City. Pierce city was devastated. Nearly every structure was either damaged or destroyed (including several buildings of historical significance). 5 people were killed, many of whom died in mobile homes. The tornado continued through Lawrence county and on into Christian county, barely missing several large population centers. In Christian county, dozens of structures were damaged and one fatality was reported. Damage here ranged between high end F2 and F3. After passing Clever, the path veered north into Greene county (toward Springfield). 100 homes were destroyed in the Springfield suburb of Battlefield. One fatality was also reported here. The damage path abruptly ended several miles past Battlefield, just before the tornado would have entered Springfield. NWS gave this tornado an F3 rating overall. It traveled just shy of 50 miles, across 4 counties.

[edit] The Kansas City Tornado Family

Tornado Tracks in Kansas City Area
Tornado Tracks in Kansas City Area
The Kansas City Tornado
The Kansas City Tornado

[edit] The Linwood Tornado (F2)

The first tornado of the Kansas City storm touched to the Northwest of Linwood, just South of the Kansas Turnpike. It initially produced F1 damage as it crossed the Turnpike, and was reported to have been approximately 250 yards wide. Notable F2 damage was observed near the intersection of 166th and Kansas Avenue. Numerous homes and buildings were damaged, and 2 injuries were reported. The tornado lifted just to the south of Basehor. It had traveled just over 6 miles.

[edit] The Kansas City North Tornado (F4)

Several minutes after the first tornado dissipated, a second larger funnel touched down Northwest of Bonner Springs. It initially produced light damage (F0 to F1); however, 2 homes were almost completely destroyed near I-435, indicating F3 damage. The tornado grew to nearly 500 yards in diameter as it passed through Northern Kansas City, Kansas, and a few well constructed homes were completely leveled near 91st and Levenworth Road. NWS rated this portion of the track low-end F4. The only two fatalities attributed to the storm occurred here. To the northeast persistent F2 and F3 damage was observed through 84th street. In the vicinity of 79th Street and Cernech additional F4 damage was produced. Several structures were completely demolished, and metal power poles engineered to withstand 200 mph winds were tossed to the ground. The tornado then crossed the Missouri River into Platte County, Missouri. The path width decreased and high end F1 damage was observed for the remainder of the tornado's track. It dissipated just to the south of Gladstone, after having traveled for 21 miles.

Another image of the Kansas City Tornado
Another image of the Kansas City Tornado
Damage from the Gladstone Tornado via NOAA
Damage from the Gladstone Tornado via NOAA

[edit] The Gladstone Tornado (F4)

The third tornado touched down in Gladstone (reportedly as a new circulation developed in the thunderstorm). Like the others, it was initially weak (F1), but quickly strengthened and widened to approximately 300 yards in diameter. Near the intersection of NE 63rd Terrace and N Jackson, marginal F4 was produced. Just to the Northeast of this location, NWS noted an additional pocket of F4 damage. The tornado continued producing F2 to F3 damage before dissipating, after having traveled for only 5 miles.

[edit] The Liberty Tornado (F2)

The fourth and final tornado of the Kansas City Supercell touched down in Liberty, Missouri around 5 p.m. Substantial damage occurred on the downtown square, into William Jewell College (high end F2) and continued tracking east along Route H into unincorporated Clay County. The total track length was 8 miles. The funnel was reported to have been 200 to 300 yards in diameter, though photographs suggest that it may have been somewhat larger. It continued tracking east along Route H into Clay County, and then lifted. The total track length was 8 miles.

[edit] The Jackson Area Tornadoes

Jackson Area Tornado Tracks
Jackson Area Tornado Tracks

[edit] Jackson Tornado #1 (F4)

A large tornado touched down in southwest Madison County, TN after dark. It was initially 200 to 300 yards in diameter; however, rapid intensification occurred as the funnel approached Jackson. The now 1/2 mile wide tornado plowed through downtown Jackson and damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings and homes. Several structures were completely leveled, warranting an F4 rating. 66 people were injured and tragically 11 fatalities were reported, most of which occurred downtown. The tornado continued into Henderson county, though aerial damage surveys indicate significant weakening occurred just to the east of Jackson. Sporatic F0 to F1 damage was observed for the remainder of the tornado's path. It lifted just to the west of Lexington, after having traveled for an impressive 39 miles.

[edit] Jackson Tornado #2 (F3)

The second Jackson area tornado touched down to the south of the initial track. It was reported to have been up to 1/4 mile wide, and produced F1 damage to the southwest of Jackson. The tornado then moved south of the Jackson City limits, destroying several homes and businesses. The damqage in this area was rated by NWS officials to be F2 to F3. The track became sporatic and narrow as the tornado crossed from Madison county to Henderson county, and damage surveys indicated that the tornado dissipated to the south of Lexington. The total path length was 21 miles.

[edit] May 5 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
22 15 6 0 1 0 0

[edit] May 6 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
75 41 27 5 1 1 0

[edit] The Paducah Area Tornadoes

[edit] The Jackson Missouri Tornado (F3)

At approximately 845 PM, a small tornado touched down in Jackson, Missouri. The tornado initially tore the roof off the town police station and the fire department, which share the same structure. It also damaged the roof of a pottery factory, completely destroyed a local bakery, and completely destroyed the gymnasium of a local Catholic elementary school, with some walls partially remaining. It passed directly through downtown Jackson with a width of about 50 yards, tossing vehicles and uprooting trees. Roofs were torn from many structures as well. Just outside of downtown several homes were completely destroyed, with only a few interior walls remaining (F3 damage). Many other homes in this area were severely damaged. The tornado lifted to the northeast of Jackson, after having traveled for just over 2 miles. Only two injuries were reported.

[edit] The Massac County Tornado (F4)

A very large tornado touched down in Pulaski County, IL at approximately 932 PM. The funnel was estimated to have been 3/4 to 1 mile in diameter as it moved into Massac County, blowing several framed homes completely off their foundations, and completely leveling others. A mobile home was literally wrapped around a tree and its occupant killed. Another fatalitiy occurred in as an unanchored home was destroyed. Damage in eastern Massac County was consistent with F4 intensity. Many structures were also severely damaged even further east in the Mermet Lake Conservation Area. Several vehicles were thrown over 100 yards; glass was implaled into trees; trees were either completely debarked or uprooted. The tornado continued into northern Pope county, producing a fairly steady array of F3 to F4 damage before it dissipated. The path length was 33 miles.

[edit] May 7 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
31 16 11 4 0 0 0

[edit] May 8 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
42 26 9 3 3 1 0

[edit] Central Oklahoma Tornadoes

[edit] The Moore Tornado (F4)

[edit] May 9 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
33 19 12 1 1 0 0

[edit] Central Oklahoma - Round Two

[edit] May 10 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
60 25 19 10 6 0 0

[edit] May 11 Event

[edit] Confirmed Tornadoes

Confirmed
Total		 Confirmed
F0		 Confirmed
F1		 Confirmed
F2		 Confirmed
F3		 Confirmed
F4		 Confirmed
F5
3 2 1 0 0 0 0

[edit] 2003 Tornado Season in Perspective

Outbreak death toll
State Total County County
total
Illinois 2 Massac 1
Pulaski 1
Kansas 8 Cherokee 3
Crawford 3
Wyandotte 2
Kentucky 1 Mercer 1
Missouri 19 Barton 1
Camden 4
Cedar 3
Christian 1
Dallas 2
Greene 1
Jasper 2
Lawrence 5
Tennessee 11 Madison 11
Totals 41
All deaths were tornado-related

The 2003 tornado season had been relatively slow up until May 1. In fact, around May 1 through July 1 was the most active time of the year in tornadoes. The first tornado report of the year came on February 15. About 400 tornadoes were reported during the first 10 days of May, more than 500 were reported during the entire month.

[edit] A little unusual

Sacramento, California had a large hail report on May 8, and a tornado was reported in Northern Arizona on May 6; however, it is unknown whether or not these reports were part of the same storm system.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] External links and sources

Overall
April 30 - May 3
May 4 - 5
May 6 - 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
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