May 1968 tornado outbreak
Encyclopedia
The May 1968 tornado outbreak was a significant and deadly tornado outbreak
that struck most of the central and southern United States
on May 15- May 16, 1968. Producing 46 tornadoes, the outbreak killed at least 72 people including 45 in Arkansas
alone. The outbreak also produced two F5s in Iowa
. It was one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the United States since the 1960s and is one of the deadliest outbreaks in Arkansas history.
just before 5 PM destroying much of the area. Damage figures were pegged at $30 million in Charles City alone while $1.5 million of damage was recorded elsewhere. This tornado killed 13 and injured 462 others. The second F5 tornado affected Fayette County
and damaged or destroyed nearly 1000 homes. The hardest hit areas were Oelwein
and Maynard
where homes were completely swept away from their foundations. Five people were killed while 156 others were injured. Damage was estimated at $21 million. These were two of four F5 tornadoes across the country in 1968, the others being in southeastern Ohio on April 23
and in southwestern Minnesota
on June 13. The next and last official F5 tornado in Iowa took place in Jordan
in 1976.
After the first tornadoes struck the Northern Plains, activity developed further south during the evening hours including several deadly tornadoes in Arkansas. One of the tornadoes touched down west of Jonesboro
before hitting the Craighead County
city itself at around 10 PM CDT. The tornado caught most residents by surprise since most of the warning systems failed and killed at least 34. One more person was killed in neighboring Jackson County. The tornado was the deadliest in Arkansas since an F4 tornado that affected White County
on March 21, 1952 killing 50.
The same city was hit by another destructive tornado five years later killing at least three and injuring 250 others while leaving much more destruction throughout the city then the 1968 event. The damage figures were about $62 million in 1973 dollars. http://comm.astate.edu/herald/archive/newsF98/0209tornado73.html. Another F4 tornado just to the west of Jonesboro killed 7 in Oil Trough
in Independence County and 3 others were killed in Baxter County
.
The activity ceased across the Deep South
when the final tornadoes of the first part of the outbreak touched down across the Metropolitan Memphis
area and northern Mississippi
as well as in the Fort Wayne, Indiana
area. A smaller tornado outbreak from the same system took place across Oklahoma
and Texas
during the following day where seven tornadoes touched down including an F3 in Wilbarger County, Texas
.
In addition to the 45 fatalities in Arkansas and 18 in Iowa, the outbreak killed eight in Illinois
and one in Indiana
.
Tornado outbreak
While there is no single agreed upon definition, generally at least 6-10 tornadoes produced by the same synoptic scale weather system is considered a tornado outbreak. The tornadoes usually occur within the same day, or continue into the early morning hours of the succeeding day, and within the...
that struck most of the central and southern United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on May 15- May 16, 1968. Producing 46 tornadoes, the outbreak killed at least 72 people including 45 in Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
alone. The outbreak also produced two F5s in Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
. It was one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the United States since the 1960s and is one of the deadliest outbreaks in Arkansas history.
Outbreak description
Severe weather activity started during the afternoon of May 15 as a low pressure system crossed the area. The first tornado touchdowns were across the Midwestern States including the two Iowa F5s that hit central and eastern parts of the state about 45 minutes apart during the late afternoon. Both tornadoes killed 18 in total. The first F5 tornado moved through five counties and 65 miles (105 km). It affected the town of Charles CityCharles City, Iowa
Charles City is a city in Floyd County, Iowa, United States. The population was 7,652 at the 2010 census a decrease of 160, or 2%, from 7,812 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Floyd County. Charles City is a significant commercial and transportation center for the area, located on U.S...
just before 5 PM destroying much of the area. Damage figures were pegged at $30 million in Charles City alone while $1.5 million of damage was recorded elsewhere. This tornado killed 13 and injured 462 others. The second F5 tornado affected Fayette County
Fayette County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 20,880 in the county, with a population density of . There were 9,558 housing units, of which 8,634 were occupied.-2000 census:...
and damaged or destroyed nearly 1000 homes. The hardest hit areas were Oelwein
Oelwein, Iowa
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,692 people, 2,808 households, and 1,819 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,395.8 people per square mile . There were 3,040 housing units at an average density of 634.1 per square mile...
and Maynard
Maynard, Iowa
Maynard is a city in Fayette County, Iowa, United States. The population was 500 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Maynard is located at on the Little Volga River....
where homes were completely swept away from their foundations. Five people were killed while 156 others were injured. Damage was estimated at $21 million. These were two of four F5 tornadoes across the country in 1968, the others being in southeastern Ohio on April 23
Wheelersburg, Ohio tornado outbreak
The 1968 Wheelersburg, Ohio tornado outbreak was a deadly tornado outbreak that struck portions of the Midwestern United States and Ohio Valley on April 23, 1968. The most notable tornado was an F5 that struck portions of southeastern Ohio from Wheelersburg to Gallipolis just north of the...
and in southwestern Minnesota
1968 Tracy tornado
The 1968 Tracy tornado was an F5 tornado that struck Tracy, Minnesota on June 13, 1968. The tornado killed nine people and injured 150 others as it tracked through Murray, Lyon and Redwood counties in southwestern Minnesota...
on June 13. The next and last official F5 tornado in Iowa took place in Jordan
Jordan, Iowa
Jordan is an unincorporated community in Boone County, Iowa, United States. As of 2000 the population was listed as 13.Jordan was hit by a massive tornado on June 13, 1976. The tornado was rated an F-5 by the National Weather Service, and the National Climate Data Center indicated that the damage...
in 1976.
| State | Total | County | County total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River... |
45 | Baxter Baxter County, Arkansas Baxter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is in the northern part of the state, and shares a border with Missouri. It is commonly referred to as the Twin Lakes Area because it is bordered by two of Arkansas' largest lakes, Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake... |
3 |
| Craighead Craighead County, Arkansas Craighead County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 96,443. It is included in the Jonesboro, Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area. Craighead County is Arkansas's 58th county, formed on February 19, 1859, and named for state Senator Thomas... |
34 | ||
| Independence | 7 | ||
| Jackson | 1 | ||
| Illinois Illinois Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,... |
8 | De Witt | 4 |
| St. Clair St. Clair County, Illinois St. Clair County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau placed the mean center of U.S. population in St. Clair County. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 270,056, which is an increase of 5.5% from 256,082 in 2000. Its county seat is... |
4 | ||
| Indiana Indiana Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is... |
1 | Wabash Wabash County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 34,960 people, 13,215 households, and 9,395 families residing in the county. The population density was 85 people per square mile . There were 14,034 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile... |
1 |
| Iowa Iowa Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New... |
18 | Fayette Fayette County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 20,880 in the county, with a population density of . There were 9,558 housing units, of which 8,634 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
5 |
| Floyd Floyd County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 16,303 in the county, with a population density of . There were 7,526 housing units, of which 6,886 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
13 | ||
| Totals | 72 | ||
| All deaths were tornado-related | |||
After the first tornadoes struck the Northern Plains, activity developed further south during the evening hours including several deadly tornadoes in Arkansas. One of the tornadoes touched down west of Jonesboro
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Jonesboro is a city in and one of the two county seats of Craighead County, Arkansas, United States. According to the 2010 US Census, the population of the city was 67,263. A college town, Jonesboro is the largest city in northeastern Arkansas and the fifth most populous city in the state...
before hitting the Craighead County
Craighead County, Arkansas
Craighead County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 96,443. It is included in the Jonesboro, Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area. Craighead County is Arkansas's 58th county, formed on February 19, 1859, and named for state Senator Thomas...
city itself at around 10 PM CDT. The tornado caught most residents by surprise since most of the warning systems failed and killed at least 34. One more person was killed in neighboring Jackson County. The tornado was the deadliest in Arkansas since an F4 tornado that affected White County
White County, Arkansas
White County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2010, the population was 77,076. The county seat is Searcy. White County is Arkansas's 31st county, formed on October 23, 1835, from portions of Independence, Jackson, and Pulaski counties and named for Hugh Lawson White, a...
on March 21, 1952 killing 50.
The same city was hit by another destructive tornado five years later killing at least three and injuring 250 others while leaving much more destruction throughout the city then the 1968 event. The damage figures were about $62 million in 1973 dollars. http://comm.astate.edu/herald/archive/newsF98/0209tornado73.html. Another F4 tornado just to the west of Jonesboro killed 7 in Oil Trough
Oil Trough, Arkansas
Oil Trough is a town in Independence County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 218 at the 2000 census. The town is believed to have acquired its name in the early 19th century from a trough used to render bear fat, which was sold to customers in New Orleans...
in Independence County and 3 others were killed in Baxter County
Baxter County, Arkansas
Baxter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is in the northern part of the state, and shares a border with Missouri. It is commonly referred to as the Twin Lakes Area because it is bordered by two of Arkansas' largest lakes, Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake...
.
The activity ceased across the Deep South
Deep South
The Deep South is a descriptive category of the cultural and geographic subregions in the American South. Historically, it is differentiated from the "Upper South" as being the states which were most dependent on plantation type agriculture during the pre-Civil War period...
when the final tornadoes of the first part of the outbreak touched down across the Metropolitan Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
area and northern Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
as well as in the Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne is a city in the US state of Indiana and the county seat of Allen County. The population was 253,691 at the 2010 Census making it the 74th largest city in the United States and the second largest in Indiana...
area. A smaller tornado outbreak from the same system took place across Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
and Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
during the following day where seven tornadoes touched down including an F3 in Wilbarger County, Texas
Wilbarger County, Texas
*Harrold *Odell *Oklaunion *Vernon-Notable natives and residents:*Jack English Hightower, Memphis, Texas, native; former member of both houses of the Texas State Legislature, and former U.S...
.
In addition to the 45 fatalities in Arkansas and 18 in Iowa, the outbreak killed eight in Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
and one in Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
.
May 15 event
| List of confirmed tornadoes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fujita scale The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... |
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| Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state... |
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| F2 | NW of Northfield Northfield, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 17,147 people, 4,909 households, and 3,210 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,452.2 people per square mile . There were 5,119 housing units at an average density of 732.1 per square mile... to S of New Trier New Trier, Minnesota New Trier is a city in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 112 at the 2010 census. Minnesota Highway 50 serves as a main route in the community.-History:... |
Rice Rice County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 56,665 people, 18,888 households, and 13,353 families residing in the county. The population density was 114 people per square mile . There were 20,061 housing units at an average density of 40 per square mile... , Dakota Dakota County, Minnesota Dakota County is the third most populous county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The county is bordered by the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers on the north, and the state of Wisconsin on the east. Dakota County comprises the southeast portion of seven-county Minneapolis-St. Paul, the thirteenth... |
2028 | 15.4 miles (24.6 km) |
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| F0 | NW of Hutton | Freeborn Freeborn County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 32,584 people, 13,356 households, and 9,015 families residing in the county. The population density was 46 people per square mile . There were 13,996 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile... |
2200 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F1 | SW of Dodge Center Dodge Center, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 2,226 people, 824 households, and 588 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,173.8 people per square mile . There were 859 housing units at an average density of 452.9 per square mile... |
Dodge Dodge County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 17,731 people, 6,420 households, and 4,853 families residing in the county. The population density was 40 people per square mile . There were 6,642 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile... |
2207 | 7.8 miles (12.5 km) |
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| F1 | W of West Concord West Concord, Minnesota West Concord is a city in Dodge County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 782 at the 2010 census.The early settlers of the area were from New England, New York or Pennsylvania and West Concord, and well as Concord Township which surrounds it, were named after Concord, New... |
Steele Steele County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 33,680 people, 12,846 households, and 9,082 families residing in the county. The population density was 78 people per square mile . There were 13,306 housing units at an average density of 31 per square mile... , Dodge Dodge County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 17,731 people, 6,420 households, and 4,853 families residing in the county. The population density was 40 people per square mile . There were 6,642 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile... |
2240 | 16.6 miles (26.6 km) |
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| F1 | W of Newburg | Fillmore Fillmore County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 21,122 people, 8,228 households, and 5,718 families residing in the county. The population density was 24 people per square mile . There were 8,908 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile... |
2345 | 8.4 miles (13.4 km) |
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| Illinois Illinois Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,... |
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| F3 | E of Easton Easton, Illinois Easton is a village in Mason County, Illinois, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 373.-Geography:Easton is located at .... to SW of Emden Emden, Illinois Emden is a village in Logan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 515 at the 2000 census. The village was named after Emden, Germany due to the large number of residents who immigrated to the area from villages along the River Ems-Geography:... |
Mason, Logan Logan County, Illinois Logan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 30,305, which is a decrease of 2.8% from 31,183 in 2000... |
2030 | 12.6 miles (20.2 km) |
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| F1 | S of Waynesville Waynesville, Illinois Waynesville is a village in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 434 at the 2010 census.-History:Waynesville is one of the oldest settlements in central Illinois. The area was first settled around 1825, by Prettyman Marvel and his wife, Rebecca Marvel... to S of Farmer City Farmer City, Illinois Farmer City is a city in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,037 at the 2010 census.Farmer City is part of Blue Ridge Community Unit School District 18 sharing facilities with nearby Mansfield and Bellflower, Illinois. Farmer City facilities include the District Unit... |
De Witt | 2200 | 25.4 miles (40.6 km) |
4 deaths | |
| F3 | E of Milford Milford, Illinois Milford is a village in Milford Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,369 at the 2000 census, and 1,257 in 2009... |
Iroquois Iroquois County, Illinois Iroquois County is a county located in the northeast part of the U.S. state of Illinois along the border with Indiana. It is the third largest county in the state in terms of area, covering over . According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 29,718, which is a decrease of 5.2% from 31,334... |
2350 | 7.1 miles (11.4 km) |
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| F3 | SE of Freeburg Freeburg, Illinois Freeburg is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. As of 2010, Freeburg had a population of 4,354.-History:Freeburg lies in the fertile and rolling southern Illinois plains between the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. It was platted in 1836 as the town of Urbana by immigrants to... |
St. Clair St. Clair County, Illinois St. Clair County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau placed the mean center of U.S. population in St. Clair County. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 270,056, which is an increase of 5.5% from 256,082 in 2000. Its county seat is... |
0245 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
4 deaths | |
| Kansas Kansas Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south... |
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| F3 | NE of Louisburg, KS Louisburg, Kansas Louisburg is a city in Miami County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 4,315.-19th century:Prior to the American Civil War, the land of what is now called Louisburg was part of that reserved for members of various tribes of Native Americans that were ceding... |
Miami, KS Miami County, Kansas Miami County is a county located in East Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 32,787. Its county seat and most populous city is Paola... , Cass, MO Cass County, Missouri Cass County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of 2010, the population was 99,478. Its county seat is Harrisonville. The county was organized in 1835 as "Van Buren County", renamed in 1848 after Michigan U.S... |
2045 | 2.7 miles (4.3 km) |
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| Iowa Iowa Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New... |
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| F5 | NE of Hampton Hampton, Iowa Hampton is a city in Franklin County, Iowa, United States. The population was 4,461 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Franklin County... to SE of Chester Chester, Iowa Chester is a city in Howard County, Iowa, United States. The population was 127 in the 2010 census, a decrease of 15.9% from the 151 population in the 2000 census... |
Franklin Franklin County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 10,680 in the county, with a population density of . There were 4,894 housing units, of which 4,332 were occupied.-2000 census:... , Butler Butler County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 14,867 in the county, with a population density of . There were 6,682 housing units, of which 6,120 were occupied.-2000 census:... , Floyd Floyd County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 16,303 in the county, with a population density of . There were 7,526 housing units, of which 6,886 were occupied.-2000 census:... , Chickasaw Chickasaw County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 12,439 in the county, with a population density of . There were 5,679 housing units, of which 5,204 were occupied.-2000 census:... , Howard Howard County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 9,566 in the county, with a population density of . There were 4,367 housing units, of which 3,944 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2110 | 62.1 miles (99.4 km) |
13 deaths In Charles City, 13 people died, 450 were injured, and $30 million damage occurred. 372 homes were destroyed, 188 sustained major damage, and 356 sustained minor. A new housing project was leveled. 58 businesses were destroyed, 90 sustained major damage, and 46 sustained minor damage. A department store was flattened and the downtown Main St. was heavily damaged. All 8 churches and 3 of the city schools were damaged or destroyed. All the bars were spared. The police station was heavily damaged. 1250 vehicles were destroyed. In Elma, nearly $1.5 million damage occurred. Five homes and 20 cars were demolished and the Roman Catholic Church was unroofed. Along the path, 13 people were killed, 462 injured, and $31.5 million damage occurred inflated to $195.57 million damage. | |
| F5 | Oelwein Oelwein, Iowa As of the census of 2000, there were 6,692 people, 2,808 households, and 1,819 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,395.8 people per square mile . There were 3,040 housing units at an average density of 634.1 per square mile... to W of Fayette Fayette, Iowa Fayette is a city in Fayette County, Iowa, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 1,300. It was named after the Marquis de la Fayette, French hero of the American Revolutionary War. Fayette is the home of Upper Iowa University, a small private college... |
Fayette Fayette County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 20,880 in the county, with a population density of . There were 9,558 housing units, of which 8,634 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2157 | 13.1 miles (21 km) |
5 deaths | |
| F1 | W of Jackson Junction Jackson Junction, Iowa Jackson Junction is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 60 at the 2000 census. It is the home of Turkey Valley Community schools, which serves the nearby communities of Waucoma; Lawler; Fort Atkinson; St... |
Fayette Fayette County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 20,880 in the county, with a population density of . There were 9,558 housing units, of which 8,634 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2158 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
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| F1 | Audubon Audubon, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 2,176 in the city, with a population density of . There were 1,106 housing units, of which 961 were occupied.... area |
Audubon Audubon County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 6,119 in the county, with a population density of . There were 2,972 housing units, of which 2,617 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2245 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F2 | S of Vernon Springs | Howard Howard County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 9,566 in the county, with a population density of . There were 4,367 housing units, of which 3,944 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2315 | 4.7 miles (7.5 km) |
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| Missouri Missouri Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It... |
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| F2 | W of Pittsville | Johnson Johnson County, Missouri Johnson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of 2010, the population was 52,595. Its county seat is Warrensburg. The county was formed 13 December 1834 from Lafayette County and was named for Vice President Richard M... |
2130 | 5.2 miles (8.3 km) |
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| F1 | NW of Richmond Richmond, Missouri Richmond is a city in Ray County, Missouri, United States. The population was 5,797 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Ray County.-Geography:Richmond is located at... |
Ray | 2145 | 3.6 miles (5.8 km) |
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| F2 | Fayetteville to Concordia Concordia, Missouri Concordia is a city in Lafayette County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,360 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Concordia is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 2,360... |
Johnson Johnson County, Missouri Johnson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of 2010, the population was 52,595. Its county seat is Warrensburg. The county was formed 13 December 1834 from Lafayette County and was named for Vice President Richard M... , Lafayette |
2200 | 12.3 miles (19.7 km) |
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| F1 | S of Blackburn Blackburn, Missouri Blackburn is a city in Lafayette and Saline counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. The population was 284 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Blackburn is located at .... |
Lafayette, Saline | 2200 | 4.9 miles (7.8 km) |
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| F1 | S of Alba Alba, Missouri Alba is a city in Jasper County, Missouri, United States. The population was 555 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Alba is located at... |
Jasper Jasper County, Missouri Jasper County is a county located in the US state of Missouri. It is included in the Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. The 2010 total population of Jasper County was 117,404. It is the ninth most populous county in Missouri. Its county seat is Carthage, making it one of the few... |
2300 | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
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| F1 | W of Hillsboro Hillsboro, Missouri Hillsboro is a city in Jefferson County, Missouri, United States. The estimated population as of 2008 is 2,062. The population was 1,675 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Jefferson County.- Origin of name :... |
Jefferson Jefferson County, Missouri Jefferson County is a county located in East Central Missouri in the United States. The county was included as the mean center of U.S. population in 1980. It is the sixth most-populous county in Missouri. Census 2010 put the population at 218,733 Its county seat is Hillsboro. The county was... |
0140 | 5.9 miles (9.4 km) |
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| F2 | SW of Neelyville Neelyville, Missouri Neelyville is a town in Butler County in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the town's population was 487; a 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 500, an increase of 2.70%.... |
Butler Butler County, Missouri Butler County is a county located in the southeast Ozark Foothills Region in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the county's population was 42,794. The largest city and county seat is Poplar Bluff. The county was officially organized from Wayne County on February... |
0250 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
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| F1 | S of Campbell Campbell, Missouri Campbell is a city in Dunklin County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,883 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Campbell is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.... |
Dunklin Dunklin County, Missouri Dunklin County is a county located in the Bootheel of Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 33,155. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 31,454. The largest city and county seat is Kennett... |
0320 | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
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| Indiana Indiana Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is... |
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| F2 | Mooresville Mooresville, Indiana Mooresville is a town in Brown Township, Morgan County, Indiana, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 9,326. It was founded in 1824 by Samuel Moore, a Quaker from North Carolina.-Geography:Mooresville is located at .... area |
Hendricks Hendricks County, Indiana - Towns :*Amo*Avon*Brownsburg*Clayton*Coatesville*Danville*Lizton*North Salem*Pittsboro*Plainfield*Stilesville-Townships:*Brown*Center*Clay*Eel River*Franklin*Guilford*Liberty*Lincoln*Marion*Middle*Union*Washington-Further reading:... , Morgan Morgan County, Indiana Morgan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 68,894. The county seat is Martinsville. Morgan is one of seven counties contiguous to Marion County, and is located between Indianapolis, in Marion County, and Bloomington, located in Monroe County... |
2145 | 8.8 miles (14.1 km) |
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| F2 | N of West Lafayette West Lafayette, Indiana As of the census of 2010, there were 29,596 people, 12,591 households, and 3,588 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,381.1 people per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 74.3% White, 17.3% Asian, 2.7% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.03% Pacific... |
Tippecanoe Tippecanoe County, Indiana Tippecanoe County is a county located in the northwest quadrant of the U.S. state of Indiana. It was created in 1826 from Wabash County. It is part of the Lafayette, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
0351 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F2 | N of Beard Beard, Indiana Beard is an unincorporated town in Warren Township, Clinton County, Indiana.... |
Clinton Clinton County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 33,866 people, 12,545 households, and 9,057 families residing in the county. The population density was 84 people per square mile . There were 13,267 housing units at an average density of 33 per square mile... |
0430 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F3 | S of Wabash Wabash, Indiana Wabash is a city in Noble Township, Wabash County, Indiana, United States. The population was 10,666 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Wabash County.... to E of Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana Fort Wayne is a city in the US state of Indiana and the county seat of Allen County. The population was 253,691 at the 2010 Census making it the 74th largest city in the United States and the second largest in Indiana... |
Wabash Wabash County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 34,960 people, 13,215 households, and 9,395 families residing in the county. The population density was 85 people per square mile . There were 14,034 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile... , Huntington Huntington County, Indiana Huntington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. The county seat and lone city is Huntington. According to Census 2010, the population was 37,124.-Geography:... , Allen Allen County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 331,849 people, 128,745 households, and 86,259 families residing in the county. The population density was 505 people per square mile . There were 138,905 housing units at an average density of 211 per square mile... |
0602 | 50.3 miles (80.5 km) |
1 death | |
| Ohio Ohio Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus... |
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| F1 | SE of Wooster Wooster, Ohio Wooster is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Wayne County. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio approximately SSW of Cleveland and SW of Akron. Wooster is noted as the location of The College of Wooster... |
Wayne Wayne County, Ohio Wayne County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States, and is named for General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. As of the 2010 census, the population was 114,520. Its county seat is Wooster.... |
2315 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
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| F2 | Dalton Dalton, Ohio Dalton is a village in Wayne County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,605 at the 2000 census. Dalton is served by a branch of the Wayne County Public Library.-Geography:Dalton is located at .... area |
Wayne Wayne County, Ohio Wayne County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States, and is named for General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. As of the 2010 census, the population was 114,520. Its county seat is Wooster.... |
0000 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
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| Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River... |
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| F3 | NE of Mountain Home Mountain Home, Arkansas Mountain Home is a city in and the county seat of Baxter County, Arkansas, United States, in the southern Ozark Mountains.It was recently listed in the top 20 cities in the U.S. for sportsmen in the current edition of Outdoor Life magazine, was recently ranked #2 for Field and Stream's Best Fishing... |
Baxter Baxter County, Arkansas Baxter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is in the northern part of the state, and shares a border with Missouri. It is commonly referred to as the Twin Lakes Area because it is bordered by two of Arkansas' largest lakes, Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake... |
0030 | 7.3 miles (11.7 km) |
3 deaths | |
| F1 | NE of Viola Viola, Arkansas Viola is a town in Fulton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 381 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Viola is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all land.-Demographics:... |
Fulton | 0115 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F4 | N of Oil Trough Oil Trough, Arkansas Oil Trough is a town in Independence County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 218 at the 2000 census. The town is believed to have acquired its name in the early 19th century from a trough used to render bear fat, which was sold to customers in New Orleans... |
Independence | 0236 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
7 deaths | |
| F4 | E of Tuckerman Tuckerman, Arkansas Tuckerman is a city in Jackson County, Arkansas, USA. The population was 1,757 at the 2000 census.Each year on the second weekend of May, Tuckerman hosts Hometown Days, a festival for the town and fundraiser for the Tuckerman Fire Department.-Geography:... to SW of Blytheville Blytheville, Arkansas Blytheville is the largest city in and one of the two county seats of Mississippi County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 15,620 at the 2010 census.... |
Jackson, Craighead Craighead County, Arkansas Craighead County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 96,443. It is included in the Jonesboro, Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area. Craighead County is Arkansas's 58th county, formed on February 19, 1859, and named for state Senator Thomas... , Mississippi |
0245 | 20.9 miles (33.4 km) |
35 deaths | |
| Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area... |
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| F1 | Memphis Memphis, Tennessee Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers.... area (southeast) |
Shelby Shelby County, Tennessee Shelby County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the state's largest both in terms of population and geographic area, with a population of 927,644 at the 2010 census... |
0520 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F1 | Germantown Germantown, Tennessee Germantown is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee. The population was 38,844 at the 2010 census.Germantown is a suburb of Memphis, bordering it to the east. Germantown's economy is dominated by the retail and commercial service sectors; there is no heavy industry in Germantown... area |
Shelby Shelby County, Tennessee Shelby County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the state's largest both in terms of population and geographic area, with a population of 927,644 at the 2010 census... |
0715 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F1 | SW of Dixonville | Shelby Shelby County, Tennessee Shelby County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the state's largest both in terms of population and geographic area, with a population of 927,644 at the 2010 census... |
0750 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| Mississippi Mississippi Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi... |
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| F2 | SW of Lewisburg Lewisburg, Mississippi Lewisburg is an unincorporated community located in DeSoto County, Mississippi, United States. Lewisburg is approximately south of Cockrum and approximately north of Independence along Mississippi Highway 305.... |
DeSoto DeSoto County, Mississippi -Demographics:As of the census of 2005 estimate, there were 137,004 people, 38,792 households, and 30,102 families residing in the county. The population density was 224 people per square mile . There were 40,795 housing units at an average density of 85 per square mile... |
0620 | 5.2 miles (8.3 km) |
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| F1 | E of Bowman | Tate Tate County, Mississippi -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 25,370 people, 8,850 households, and 6,717 families residing in the county. The population density was 63 people per square mile . There were 9,354 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile... |
0640 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F1 | NW of Taska | Marshall Marshall County, Mississippi -Demographics:At the 2000 census, there were 34,993 people, 12,163 households and 9,110 families residing in the county. The population density was 50 per square mile . There were 13,252 housing units at an average density of 19 per square mile... |
0730 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| Source: Tornado History Project Storm Data - May 15, 1968 |
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May 16 event
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Fujita scale The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... |
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| Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state... |
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| F0 | SE of Wilson Wilson, Oklahoma Wilson is a Town in Carter County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,584 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ardmore, Oklahoma Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Wilson is located at .... |
Carter Carter County, Oklahoma Carter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 47,557. Its county seat is Ardmore.Carter County is part of the Ardmore, Oklahoma, Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:According to the U.S... |
2015 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F0 | NW of Overbrook Overbrook, Oklahoma Overbrook is an unincorporated community in Love County, Oklahoma, United States. Although it is unincorporated, Overbrook has a post office, with the ZIP code of 73453.... |
Love Love County, Oklahoma Love County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population is 8,831. Its county seat is Marietta.Love County is part of the Ardmore, Oklahoma, Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:According to the U.S... |
2115 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F0 | NW of Taylor | Cotton Cotton County, Oklahoma Cotton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 6,614. Its county seat is Walters.When Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907, the area which is now Cotton County fell within the boundaries of Comanche County... , Stephens Stephens County, Oklahoma Stephens County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 43,182. Its county seat is Duncan.-Geography:According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,308 km²... |
2143 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F1 | W of Marietta Marietta, Oklahoma Marietta is a city in Love County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 2,445 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Love County.Marietta is part of the Ardmore, Oklahoma Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:... |
Love Love County, Oklahoma Love County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population is 8,831. Its county seat is Marietta.Love County is part of the Ardmore, Oklahoma, Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:According to the U.S... |
2345 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F0 | NE of Asphaltum | Jefferson Jefferson County, Oklahoma Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 6,818. Its county seat is Waurika.-Geography:... |
0000 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| Texas Texas Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in... |
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| F1 | NW of Bellevue Bellevue, Texas Bellevue is a city in Clay County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Wichita Falls, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 386 at the 2000 census.- History :... |
Clay Clay County, Texas As of the census of 2000, there were 11,006 people, 4,323 households, and 3,181 families residing in the county. The population density was 10 people per square mile . There were 4,992 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile... |
2015 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F3 | SW of Vernon Vernon, Texas Vernon is a city in Wilbarger County, Texas, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 11,660; it was 11,077 in the 2005 census estimate. Vernon is the county seat of Wilbarger County.... |
Wilbarger Wilbarger County, Texas *Harrold *Odell *Oklaunion *Vernon-Notable natives and residents:*Jack English Hightower, Memphis, Texas, native; former member of both houses of the Texas State Legislature, and former U.S... |
2110 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| Source: Tornado History Project Storm Data - May 16, 1968 | ||||||