49*th Anniversary of the "Super Outbreak"

By -
I've been so busy today with forecasts of the terrible weather that will occur tomorrow into Wednesday that this is the first chance I have had to comment on the 50th anniversary of a terrible, terrible tornado anniversary: the Super Outbreak of April 3-4, 1974. It got its name from Dr. Ted Fujita who, along with John McCarthy, Roger Wakimoto, Greg Forbes and others (sorry if I omitted your name) who did a meticulous survey of each of the 148 tornado paths. Fujita when made a meticulously hand-plotted map of the chronological number and intensity of each tornado (below). I am proud to have a copy.

What made this tornado outbreak so deadly and unique, along with the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, was the predominance of F-4 and F-5 tornadoes. There were 319 fatalities and 5,000+ injuries. The warning system started out working fairly well but then got completely overwhelmed due to the number of tornadoes. An interactive map of the outbreak is here. 

The outbreak inspired a government movie called, The Day of the Killer Tornadoes. Places like Xenia (photo below), Guin, and others enter the meteorological lexicon. 

The National Weather Service, before decided criticizing itself was verboten, conducted a meaningful and important self-assessment of its performance that day. It resulted in many improvements to the warning system.

I was a meteorology student and television meteorologist at the time. Even though I did not participate in the survey, it had a major effect on my career. I tell the story in Chapter 8 of my book Warnings. 

*I had 50th up earlier. I can't count!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Overnight Tornado Forecast Posted at 7:05pm

By -
Image
Here is the tornado forecast for the rest of the night (till 6am CST). Red, hatched = high risk of strong tornadoes. Yellow, hatched = enhanced risk of strong tornadoes. Blown = significant risk of tornadoes.  This will be the last update of the night. Tornado Watch until 2am. Please make sure you have ways of getting warnings of tornadoes and 80 mph winds.  6:15pm  NWS believes the chances for tornadoes and damaging winds are increasing in Mississippi. They also say they are going to extend the tornado watch to the east later this evening.  5:35pm: The northwest part of the tornado watch has been cancelled Here is the area where tornadoes are more likely from 4:30 to 7:30pm. From Atmosphere Analytics Rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Tornado Watch till 9pm If you live in these areas it is vital  to monitor the weather until the watch expires at 9pm  Note the forecast is for "numerous strong tornadoes." A very rare "particularly dangerous situation" ...
Read more