Our First European Summary!

Plus a treat from the podcast archives...

October 02, 2023

👋 Another week! More Tornado History!

Thank you for joining us on this history adventure. Here is a sneak peek into this week’s newsletter:

  • One of the worst tornadoes in Connecticut history happened this week in 1979.

  • We dug through the archives and uncovered something from the podcast days…

  • Call us the Mythbusters - we’re going to show you that tornadoes in fact do hit mountains.

First, here’s what NEW with Tornado Talk:

  1. A NEW FREE summary is coming out this week! It is our first summary for an event in Europe. The title is: Moerdijk, South Holland, Netherlands Tornado - October 6, 1981. We will make this article to the public on the anniversary date this Friday. If you’re a Patreon member, be on the lookout - you’ll see it today!!

  2. A new This Week in Tornado History Video has dropped on our YouTube channel.

Do you enjoy reading about nature’s most fascinating phenomenon? If so, subscribe for free below. We send a newsletter every Monday morning!

🌪️ This Week In Tornado History

October 2, 1880 - Assyria, MI: Thomas Grazulis in Significant Tornadoes documents a possible F3 tornado that moved ESE from Johnstown Township in Michigan passing south of Assyria. A house in extreme SW Eaton County was carried 200 feet. Two children were killed here. Ten buildings were damaged/destroyed in town and at the Baptist Female College.

October 3, 1979 - Windsor, CT: One of the most destructive twisters to ever hit the state of Connecticut occurred on this day. It traveled 11.3 miles through Hartford County. Three people were killed and at least 500 were injured.

Damage survey map from Dr. Ted Fujita

October 4, 2019 - Tenino, WA: This brief tornado caused no known damage and was given a rating of EF-Unknown.

October 5, 1948 - Florida: Thomas Grazulis documents three hurricane-spawned tornadoes in Florida on this day. All were given an F2 rating. Two were in Broward County and one in Dade County. A total of 27 people were injured.

October 6, 2016 - Saline County, KS: An EF3 tornado tracked for about 6 miles through rural Saline County, east of Salina. An anchored double-wide trailer was leveled, and a jeep was thrown 200 yards.

Damage photo from NWS Wichita.

October 7, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL: A waterspout spawned by Hurricane Nate made landfall in Gulf Shores, AL. It dissipated quickly after coming onto the beach and was rated EF0.

October 8, 1958 - Parnell-Grant City-Eagleville, MO: This twister was rated F3 and moved 23.1 miles. At least 33 homes were damaged/destroyed. Two people were killed and seven were injured.

 

Which of these tornadoes did you like best? Want to see your favorite tornado highlighted in this section?

 

Want exclusive access alongside 100+ other tornado enthusiasts and professionals? Come on board with us over at Patreon.

Here are just a few of the membership perks:

  • Exclusive access to our detailed Premium summaries and videos.

  • Exclusive early access to free summaries and videos.

  • A special title in our community Discord server.

  • … and much more!

You’ll also have the chance to have your voice be heard with a future summary - cast your vote with 100+ fellow enthusiasts and professionals who also respect the polygon! We also offer swag and other discounts as a thank you for supporting our work!

👉️ Become a member today! 👈️ 

Twister Tales

We have several Premium Summaries detailing tornado events from the 2011 Super Outbreak. One explores twisters that struck the Great Smoky Mountains. Here is an excerpt:

“We confirmed the existence of a satellite tornado (1B) that formed in association with the main twister in Monroe County. It began about 1.9 miles southeast of Chilhowee, east of the EF4, and moved along an arcing path. The tornado initially moved northwest, then curved to the WSW before dissipating. EF1 tree damage was observed. The satellite had a path length of 0.57 miles and a maximum width of about 100 yards.”

Is that the only satellite tornado we uncovered? Explore the history in our premium summary!

From the Podcast Archives

Episode 22: What Happened in Wayne?

During our podcast days, we told the story of the EF4 tornado that struck Wayne, NE on October 4, 2013. We share the story of Wayne from the perspective of NWS Warning coordination meteorologist Brian Smith. He was working Oct 4, 2013 when the tornado struck and conducted the damage survey. Storm Chaser James Wilson gives us details on what it was like to chase and see a massive tornado over a mile wide. Storm Chaser Alex Schueth drove through Wayne after the tornado hit and relays some of the damage seen. Jim and Sandy Hoffman were new to the town of Wayne in October of 2013. Hear their amazing story as the tornado hit their new residence and workplace at the Wayne Municipal Airport. John Dunning, chief information officer for Wayne State College was driving home with a co-worker when disaster struck. He and his friend are caught up in the tornado. Hear from John what happened when they decided to take cover in a ditch. A remarkable story of survival, recovery and hope.

Reply

or to participate.