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🌪️ Tornado Talk Updates!

Hi Tornado Talk Fans! First of all, I am so grateful for all of you following our work, sharing our content on social media, and supporting us on Patreon. We have SO much more to do as we organize, research, and create a Virtual Tornado Memorial to honor the lives lost in tornadoes.

It has been a whirlwind for me over the past 8 weeks since I decided to sell my house and set off into Nomad-land! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be traveling—visiting friends first and then heading to the National Weather Association Annual Meeting. Through September, my goal is to tackle some projects that were put off while I was selling the house and begin the organization process. I’m also working on finding a better work-life balance so I can stay focused and accomplish as much as possible on the road. Right now, I’m juggling three jobs to support myself during this new chapter.

I’ve been thinking through the best ways to stay connected with our followers and have decided to end this newsletter. This will be our last one. Many of you are Patreon supporters (free or paid), and since Patreon already has a built-in communication platform, I’ll be posting business updates there. Most updates will be free for all Patreon members, with some exclusive content for paid supporters.

I’ve also been producing a weekly “This Week in Tornado History” segment on Spotify. It’s primarily a reading of the history I’ve included in the newsletter, and it will continue to drop every Monday. That will remain free to the public.

On top of that, I’ll be launching a new blog. I’ve reserved the domain name chasingtornadohistory.com, and in September I’ll start a Travel Log documenting my personal journey as a nomad. As we research and meet historians and tornado survivors, I’ll share those experiences there.

If you are not one already, encourage you to sign up as a Patreon member—free or paid—so you can continue to receive updates on what we’re doing. Tornado Talk is my passion, and for years I’ve wanted to hit the road and follow in the footsteps of Thomas Grazulis, doing hands-on tornado history research. My goal is to find the names of those who have passed away in tornadoes, share their stories, and honor their lives. Please consider continuing to partner with us on Patreon. If you have any questions about Tornado Talk, my step into nomad life, or anything else, just reply to this newsletter and I’ll get back to you!

Thank you again for your support! I close on my house today, and it’s been an emotional time. I’m excited, nervous, and anxious to begin. It’s time to chase some tornado history!!

🌪️ This Week In Tornado History

August 25, 1992 - Louisiana: On August 25, 1992, just one day before Hurricane Andrew made its third and final landfall, the towns of LaPlace and Reserve, LA were struck by one of the strongest tornadoes ever produced by a hurricane. This twister, spawned by the outer bands of Hurricane Andrew, carved a nine-mile path through both communities late into the night. Tragically, it took the lives of two people, and 32 were injured.

August 26, 1864 - Indiana: Approximately 30 people were injured, some serious, when a the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Railroad was derailed by a tornado. This occurred in Dearborn County, Indiana. The three passenger cars, “made two complete revolutions, and landed with their wheels uppermost.”

August 27, 1964 - Arizona: The first recorded tornado in Arizona to cause fatalities occurred on this day. It was a quick-hitting storm later rated F2. The tornado struck a Native American settlement near the San Xavier Mission, about 4 miles from Tucson. Mrs. Lucy Norris and her 9-month-old son, Marcian, were killed when they were crushed beneath a pile of adobe bricks. Four dwellings were demolished, and the convent of the Sisters of St. Francis also sustained damage.

August 28, 1884 - South Dakota: A tornado family crossed through parts of South Dakota. The second member of the family traveled SSE and SE from about 5 miles NNW of Forestburg. Thomas Grazulis denoted that at least one home was leveled and swept away. “Two brothers were caught in the open in that area, and one was killed.” The photo below was taken by F.N. Robinson and is found in the NOAA library. Per Grazulis, the location of the tornado is 5 miles SE of Forestburg, almost due west of Howard. It is one of the oldest known photographs of a tornado.

August 29, 1925 - Texas: Thomas Grazulis documents a tornado in Wichita County, TX on this day. It moved south of Electra and hit several small homes. Two children were killed in one of those homes. Rating given: F2.

August 30, 2020 - South Dakota: An EF2 tornado tracked along a 1.6 mile “U” shaped path, about 13 miles north of Miller, SD on this day in 2020. It struck an RV. The driver was killed, and the vehicle was rolled about 200 yards. Corn was flattened, as well.

August 31, 1977 - Wisconsin: A tornado traveled over 31 miles through parts of Marathon County, WI on this day in 1977. The official record has a rating of F4 but others, including Thomas Grazulis, post an F3 rating. He mentioned “Near-F4” damage at 15 homes at Rib Mountain.

🌪️More Twister News

This short-lived tornado occurred last Monday in Las Vegas, NM. This was a landspout. What is that you may ask? Landspouts can occur with growing cumulus clouds that are not rotating, much different than a tornado that forms within a rotating supercell. Landspouts are commonly weak; however, in rare occasions, a landspout can reach EF2 or EF3 intensity.

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Thank you so much for supporting and promoting our work! - Jen Narramore, Owner Tornado Talk