Tornado outbreak sequence of April 19–21, 1973

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Tornado outbreak sequence of April 19–21, 1973
TypeTornado outbreak sequence
DurationApril 19–21, 1973
Highest winds
Tornadoes
confirmed		≥ 68 confirmed
Max. rating1F4 tornado
Duration of
tornado outbreak2		2 days, 13 hours, 25 minutes
Largest hail4 inches (10 cm) in diameter
in Iowa on April 21
Fatalities2 fatalities, 106 injuries
Damage$31,355,000 (1973 USD)[nb 1]
$340 million (2024 USD)
Areas affectedSouthern and Midwestern United States, primarily Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma

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

On April 19–21, 1973, a significant tornado outbreak sequence affected portions of the Southern and Midwestern United States, primarily in the states of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The severe weather event generated at least 68 tornadoes, 12 of which were rated as intense events on the Fujita scale. A destructive F3 tornado struck Batesville, Arkansas, injuring 18 people. An F4 tornado killed one person and injured three others near Atlanta, Missouri, though its rating is disputed among tornado specialists. Additionally, destructive F3 tornadoes occurred near Ada, Oklahoma, and Harrison, Arkansas, respectively, killing one person and injuring 40 others.[nb 2][nb 3][nb 4]

Outbreak statistics[edit]

Confirmed tornadoes by Fujita rating
FU F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 Total
0 4 26 26 9 3 0 ≥ 68*
"FU" denotes unclassified but confirmed tornadoes.
  • At least four other tornadoes were reported by either Storm Data or Grazulis, but are not listed in the official records maintained by the Storm Prediction Center. They are as follows:
•Benton County, Missouri (west of Lincoln) – Possible F2 tornado razed a barn and a trailer.[10]
•Andrew County, Missouri (Savannah) – Tornado reported.[11]
•DeKalb County, Missouri – Tornado reported.[11]
•Harrison County, Missouri (Eagleville) – Tornado reported.[11]
Impacts by region
Region Locale Deaths Injuries Damages Source
United States Arizona 0 0 Un­known [12][13]
Arkansas 1 39 $5,533,000 [12][13]
Illinois 0 2 $8,300,000 [12][13]
Iowa 0 6 $2,703,000 [12][13]
Kansas 0 0 $2,530 [12][13]
Kentucky 0 0 $75,000 [12][13]
Missouri 1 29 $9,490,000 [12][13]
Oklahoma 0 27 $5,050,000 [12][13]
North Dakota 0 0 $25,000 [12][13]
South Dakota 0 2 $102,500 [12][13]
Tennessee 0 1 $75,000 [12][13]
Total 2 106 $31,355,000 [12][13]

Confirmed tornadoes[edit]

April 19 event[edit]

Confirmed tornadoes – Thursday, April 19, 1973[nb 5][nb 6][12]
F# Location County / Parish State Start
coord. 		Time (UTC) Path length Max. width Summary
F1 Nashville Sevier AR 33°57′N 93°51′W / 33.95°N 93.85°W / 33.95; -93.85 (Nashville (April 19, F1)) 15:45–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) A brief, narrow tornado produced minimal damage, accompanied by 1-inch-diameter (2.5 cm) hail. Losses only totaled $30.[15][16]
F1 E of Millington Shelby TN 35°20′N 89°50′W / 35.33°N 89.83°W / 35.33; -89.83 (Millington (April 19, F1)) 16:15–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 100 yards (91 m) This short-lived tornado struck a number of mobile homes, six of which were damaged significantly. Nearby, 13 others sustained minor damage. Losses totaled $25,000. The tornado occurred near present-day Naval Support Activity Mid-South.[17][18]
F2 N of Kensington Smith KS 39°52′N 99°02′W / 39.87°N 99.03°W / 39.87; -99.03 (Kensington (Apr 19, F2)) 16:31–? 4.6 miles (7.4 km) 100 yards (91 m) A tornado affected farmland in northern Kansas, wrecking farm equipment and several outbuildings. Losses totaled $2,500. Tornado researcher Thomas P. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[19][20][21][22]
F1 E of Mountain Valley Garland AR 34°38′N 93°03′W / 34.63°N 93.05°W / 34.63; -93.05 (Mountain Valley (April 19, F1)) 16:55–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) Another short-lived tornado downed trees and electrical lines. Nearby, it leveled a barn as well. Losses totaled $2,500. The actual touchdown location may have been south of Hot Springs.[15][23]
F3 Southern Batesville Independence AR 35°45′N 91°38′W / 35.75°N 91.63°W / 35.75; -91.63 (Batesville (April 19, F3)) 17:15–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 500 yards (460 m) See section on this tornado – A total of 18 people were injured.[24][15][25]
F2 Northeastern North Little Rock Pulaski AR 34°48′N 92°15′W / 34.8°N 92.25°W / 34.8; -92.25 (North Little Rock (April 19, F2)) 17:17–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 100 yards (91 m) This tornado occurred near present-day Lakewood Park and caused general tree damage as it skipped along. Losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[26][22][15]
F1 N of Olive Branch Lauderdale TN 35°45′N 89°40′W / 35.75°N 89.67°W / 35.75; -89.67 (Olive Branch (April 19, F1)) 17:30–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 100 yards (91 m) A store received minimal damage to its roof and one of its walls. A home in the area slid off its foundation, and several trees were downed. Losses totaled $25,000.[17][27]
F1 WSW of Tylersville Dyer TN 36°00′N 89°35′W / 36°N 89.58°W / 36; -89.58 (Tylersville (April 19, F1)) 18:35–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 50 yards (46 m) A very brief tornado inflicted damage to several structures, including a mobile home that was flattened, as well as an electrical wire. One person was injured and losses totaled $25,000.[17][28]
F2 N of Covington Pemiscot MO 36°08′N 89°52′W / 36.13°N 89.87°W / 36.13; -89.87 (Covington (April 19, F2)) 19:00–? 2.5 miles (4.0 km) 33 yards (30 m) This tornado occurred near Gibson and Hayti. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[29][11][22]
F2 S of Hickman to WNW of Farmington Fulton, Hickman, Graves KY 36°33′N 89°11′W / 36.55°N 89.18°W / 36.55; -89.18 (Hickman (April 19, F2)) 19:30–? 35.4 miles (57.0 km) 33 yards (30 m) A long-tracked, skipping tornado or tornado family produced three intermittent areas of damage. It first caused minimal damage to a cemetery near Hickman. Later, it leveled several barns and felled trees in its path near Pryorsburg and Mayfield. Losses totaled $25,000.[30][31][25]
F2 ESE of Artesian to ENE of Alpena Sanborn SD 44°00′N 97°54′W / 44°N 97.9°W / 44; -97.9 (Artesian (April 19, F2)) 20:15–? 20.1 miles (32.3 km) 200 yards (180 m) A tornado tracked northwest across Sanborn County, tearing the roof off a business and leveling a barn. Some other barns sustained damage as well. The time of occurrence may have been 23:15 UTC. Two people were injured and losses totaled $25,000.[32][25][17]
F2 S of England Lonoke AR 34°30′N 91°58′W / 34.5°N 91.97°W / 34.5; -91.97 (England (April 19, F2)) 20:15–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) A short-lived tornado caused damage to four mobile homes, trees, electrical wires, and farm equipment. Losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[33][15][20][22]
F2 SSE of Hendron to NW of Little Cypress McCracken, Marshall KY 37°02′N 88°37′W / 37.03°N 88.62°W / 37.03; -88.62 (Little Cypress (April 19, F2)) 21:30–? 9.1 miles (14.6 km) 33 yards (30 m) A skipping tornado or series of tornadoes first appeared south of Paducah and struck the edge of the Little Cypress settlement, where it leveled a few trailers and caused marginal F2-level damage. Power lines were blown down as well, and nearby structures sustained some damage. Losses totaled $25,000.[34][31][25]
F1 WNW of Oak Level Marshall KY 36°52′N 88°28′W / 36.87°N 88.47°W / 36.87; -88.47 (Oak Level (April 19, F1)) 22:00–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) A short-lived tornado occurred near Kaler and struck a rural area, producing minimal damage to trees and structures. Losses were unknown.[35][31]
F1 S of Alvord Lyon IA 43°18′N 96°18′W / 43.3°N 96.3°W / 43.3; -96.3 (Alvord (April 19, F1)) 22:00–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 50 yards (46 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[36]
F1 SSE of Goodwin Lee AR 34°53′N 91°00′W / 34.88°N 91°W / 34.88; -91 (Godwin (April 19, F1)) 22:15–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) A tornado struck a home, causing minor damage, and leveled outbuildings before dissipating. Nearby trees were prostrated as well. Losses totaled $2,500.[37][15]
F2 ENE of Harding Union KY 37°39′N 87°58′W / 37.65°N 87.97°W / 37.65; -87.97 (Harding (April 19, F2)) 22:30–? 0.5 miles (0.80 km) 33 yards (30 m) A low-end F2 tornado near Grove Center killed cattle on a farm and damaged or destroyed several structures. Losses totaled $25,000.[38][25]
F2 ENE of King City to NE of Gentryville Gentry MO 40°05′N 94°24′W / 40.08°N 94.4°W / 40.08; -94.4 (King City (April 19, F2)) 23:00–? 5.9 miles (9.5 km) 50 yards (46 m) A strong tornado caused $2,500 in damage. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[39][11][22]
F1 ENE of Kiron Crawford IA 42°12′N 95°18′W / 42.2°N 95.3°W / 42.2; -95.3 (Kiron (April 19, F1)) 23:00–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 300 yards (270 m) This tornado caused $25,000 in damage.[40]
F1 NW of Volin Turner SD 43°00′N 97°14′W / 43°N 97.23°W / 43; -97.23 (Volin (April 19, F1)) 23:07–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 33 yards (30 m) This tornado caused $25,000 in damage.[41]
F2 WNW of Rockham to SW of Miranda Faulk SD 44°55′N 98°54′W / 44.92°N 98.9°W / 44.92; -98.9 (Rockham (April 19, F2)) 23:30–? 4.9 miles (7.9 km) 27 yards (25 m) This tornado caused $2,500 in damage. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[42][22]
F1 NE of Spencer McCook SD 43°47′N 97°30′W / 43.78°N 97.5°W / 43.78; -97.5 (Spencer (April 19, F1)) 23:30–? 2 miles (3.2 km) 27 yards (25 m) This tornado caused $25,000 in damage.[43]
F2 N of Carbon Hill Grundy IL 41°18′N 88°18′W / 41.3°N 88.3°W / 41.3; -88.3 (Carbon Hill (April 19, F2)) 23:45–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) Losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[44][20][22]
F1 NE of Miranda to WNW of Devoe Edmunds SD 45°00′N 98°56′W / 45°N 98.93°W / 45; -98.93 (Devoe (April 19, F1)) 00:00–? 6.4 miles (10.3 km) 20 yards (18 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[45]
F2 SE of Cameron Clinton, Caldwell MO 39°42′N 94°12′W / 39.7°N 94.2°W / 39.7; -94.2 (Cameron (April 19, F2)) 00:00–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 50 yards (46 m) Losses totaled $2,500. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[46][11][22]
F1 SW of Beaconsfield Ringgold IA 40°46′N 94°06′W / 40.77°N 94.1°W / 40.77; -94.1 (Beaconsfield (April 19, F1)) 00:15–? 2.7 miles (4.3 km) 300 yards (270 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[47]
F1 Southeastern Creston Union IA 41°03′N 94°21′W / 41.05°N 94.35°W / 41.05; -94.35 (Creston (April 19, F1)) 00:20–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 200 yards (180 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[48]
F4 Western Windsor Henry MO 38°32′N 93°32′W / 38.53°N 93.53°W / 38.53; -93.53 (Windsor (April 19, F4)) 01:30–? 10 miles (16 km) 880 yards (800 m) A large tornado, reportedly up to 1+1⁄2 mi (2.4 km) wide at times, struck the Windsor area, resulting in five injuries. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[49][50][11][22]
F2 NW of Osceola Clarke IA 41°06′N 93°50′W / 41.1°N 93.83°W / 41.1; -93.83 (Osceola (April 19, F2)) 02:00–? 2 miles (3.2 km) 400 yards (370 m) This tornado passed a short distance west-southwest of Jamison. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[51][19][22]
F0 W of Wishek McIntosh ND 46°15′N 99°46′W / 46.25°N 99.77°W / 46.25; -99.77 (Wishek (April 19, F0)) 02:00–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) A brief, very weak tornado demolished some structures on a couple of farms, including granaries. Losses totaled $25,000.[52][53]

April 20 event[edit]

Confirmed tornadoes – Friday, April 20, 1973[nb 5][nb 6][12]
F# Location County / Parish State Start
coord. 		Time (UTC) Path length Max. width Summary
F2 N of Velma Stephens OK 34°30′N 97°40′W / 34.5°N 97.67°W / 34.5; -97.67 (Velma (April 20, F2)) 05:00–? 2 miles (3.2 km) 83 yards (76 m) This tornado destroyed or damaged several homes. Four minor injuries were reported. Losses totaled $25,000.[54][53][10]
F2 NE of Hiawatha Brown KS 39°53′N 95°28′W / 39.88°N 95.47°W / 39.88; -95.47 (Hiawatha (April 20, F2)) 05:30–? 0.2 miles (0.32 km) 100 yards (91 m) Losses totaled only $30. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger. The tornado may have occurred earlier than officially listed, at around 17:00 UTC.[55][31][22]
F2 SW of Pauls Valley to W of Byars Garvin, McClain OK 34°42′N 97°18′W / 34.7°N 97.3°W / 34.7; -97.3 (Pauls Valley (April 20, F2)) 05:45–? 16.8 miles (27.0 km) 250 yards (230 m) Outbuildings and a school were destroyed or extensively damaged. Two people were injured. Losses totaled $2.5 million.[56][10]
F3 Ada to WNW of Francis Pontotoc OK 34°47′N 96°41′W / 34.78°N 96.68°W / 34.78; -96.68 (Ada (April 20, F3)) 06:15–? 7.9 miles (12.7 km) 100 yards (91 m) A large and intense tornado, attended by downbursts, destroyed numerous homes and a trailer park as it moved through parts of Ada. At the Ada Municipal Airport, the tornado flattened a hangar and destroyed many airplanes. A phonograph record became lodged in a utility pole. The tornado attained a peak width of up to 1+1⁄2 mi (2.4 km) at times. 21 people were injured and losses totaled $2.5 million.[57][53][10][49]
F1 SSE of Subiaco Logan AR 35°15′N 93°37′W / 35.25°N 93.62°W / 35.25; -93.62 (Subiaco (April 20, F1)) 13:30–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) A very short-lived tornado touched down north-northeast of Corley. A barn and a chicken coop sustained minor damage. Losses totaled $2,500. The tornado may have first affected Cove Lake.[58][15]
F2 E of Morrison Bluff Logan AR 35°23′N 93°30′W / 35.38°N 93.5°W / 35.38; -93.5 (Morrison Bluff (April 20, F2)) 13:50–? 1.5 miles (2.4 km) 500 yards (460 m) 11 homes and barns were damaged. Two people were injured and losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[15][22]
F3 ENE of Gaither to NE of Harrison Boone AR 36°09′N 93°09′W / 36.15°N 93.15°W / 36.15; -93.15 (Gaither Township (April 20, F3)) 16:15–? 7.8 miles (12.6 km) 500 yards (460 m) 1 death – About 200 structures were destroyed or damaged. Several homes shifted on their foundations and partly disintegrated, large fragments of which careened through the air. A woman was thrown 100 yards (91 m) from her home and killed. 19 people were injured and losses totaled $2.5 million. This tornado may have first touched down near Mount Sherman in Newton County.[59][15][10]
F1 N of Kalona Washington IA 41°30′N 91°42′W / 41.5°N 91.7°W / 41.5; -91.7 (Kalona (April 20, F1)) 18:15–? 2 miles (3.2 km) 350 yards (320 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[60]
F0 NW of Osceola to ENE of Lowry City St. Clair MO 38°05′N 93°45′W / 38.08°N 93.75°W / 38.08; -93.75 (Lowry City (April 20, F0)) 19:00–? 5.7 miles (9.2 km) 17 yards (16 m) Losses totaled $2,500.[61]
F1 E of Crooks Springs St. Clair MO 37°55′N 93°50′W / 37.92°N 93.83°W / 37.92; -93.83 (Crooks Springs (April 20, F1)) 19:08–? 13 miles (21 km) 17 yards (16 m) This tornado, which touched down south-southwest of Roscoe, leveled barns and cabins in its path. Losses totaled $250,000. The tornado may have continued as far as Osceola, as homes sustained damage or had their roofs torn off there. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.[62][10]
F2 W of Roscoe to WSW of Osceola St. Clair MO 37°58′N 93°51′W / 37.97°N 93.85°W / 37.97; -93.85 (Osceola (April 20, F2)) 19:10–? 5.7 miles (9.2 km) 17 yards (16 m) Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[63][22]
F1 ESE of Billingsville Cooper MO 38°54′N 92°47′W / 38.9°N 92.78°W / 38.9; -92.78 (Billingsville (April 20, F1)) 19:50–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 10 yards (9.1 m) Losses totaled $2,500.[64]
F3 SW of Crisp Cedar, Dade MO 37°34′N 93°48′W / 37.57°N 93.8°W / 37.57; -93.8 (Crisp (April 20, F3)) 20:30–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 50 yards (46 m) This tornado developed east-northeast of Arcola. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[65][22]
F3 ESE of Santiago Pettis, Benton MO 38°25′N 93°24′W / 38.42°N 93.4°W / 38.42; -93.4 (Santiago (April 20, F3)) 20:30–? 5 miles (8.0 km) 50 yards (46 m) Losses totaled $2,500. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[66][22]
F0 SW of Holbrook Navajo AZ 34°50′N 110°14′W / 34.83°N 110.23°W / 34.83; -110.23 (Holbrook (April 20, F0)) 20:55–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 33 yards (30 m) A brief tornado was reported by aircraft flying in the vicinity. Losses were unknown.[67]
F0 WNW of Pulaski Davis IA 40°42′N 92°18′W / 40.7°N 92.3°W / 40.7; -92.3 (Pulaski (April 20, F0)) 22:00–? 2 miles (3.2 km) 150 yards (140 m) Losses totaled $2,500.[68]
F2 S of Carrollton Carroll MO 39°19′N 93°30′W / 39.32°N 93.5°W / 39.32; -93.5 (Carrollton (April 20, F2)) 22:55–? 5 miles (8.0 km) 33 yards (30 m) Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[69][22]
F1 NE of Vista to ENE of Iconium St. Clair, Benton MO 38°01′N 93°38′W / 38.02°N 93.63°W / 38.02; -93.63 (Vista (April 20, F1)) 23:05–? 9.8 miles (15.8 km) 33 yards (30 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[70]
F3 NE of Warsaw to Western Cole Camp to W of Bahner Benton, Pettis MO 38°18′N 93°17′W / 38.3°N 93.28°W / 38.3; -93.28 (Warsaw (April 20, F3)) 23:15–? 19.4 miles (31.2 km) 100 yards (91 m) This intense tornado leveled numerous structures, including both small and large homes in its path. The tornado tore off the roof of a farmhouse and dispersed debris more than 2 mi (3.2 km) from foundations. Four injuries (possibly three) occurred, two of which were inside a barn. Losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F4. The tornado may have occurred at 23:45 UTC.[71][72]
F4 N of Atlanta to SE of La Plata Macon MO 39°56′N 92°29′W / 39.93°N 92.48°W / 39.93; -92.48 (Atlanta (April 20, F4)) 23:30–? 3.8 miles (6.1 km) 440 yards (400 m) 1 death – A violent tornado leveled a couple of homes, 12 barns, and several garages. A woman died in a home that crumpled and disintegrated. Three injuries occurred. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F3.[73][10]
F2 Mora Benton MO 38°32′N 93°13′W / 38.53°N 93.22°W / 38.53; -93.22 (Mora (April 20, F2)) 00:00–? 2 miles (3.2 km) 33 yards (30 m) Losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[74][22]
F3 NNW of Santiago to NNW of Manila Benton, Pettis MO 38°27′N 93°28′W / 38.45°N 93.47°W / 38.45; -93.47 (Manila (April 20, F3)) 00:25–? 10.1 miles (16.3 km) 100 yards (91 m) This tornado severely damaged a home near Brandon and caused significant damage to farm equipment. Other homes and barns had their roofs ripped off and sustained general damage. Losses totaled $250,000. The tornado ended southeast of Green Ridge.[75][72]
F3 SW of Arbela to NE of Prospect Grove Scotland MO 40°26′N 92°03′W / 40.43°N 92.05°W / 40.43; -92.05 (Arbela (April 20, F3)) 00:35–? 9.5 miles (15.3 km) 440 yards (400 m) This tornado destroyed or damaged at least nine homes, one of which it unroofed. Only the kitchen of one home remained. A gas station was destroyed as well, and a car was thrown and tumbled for 100 yd (91 m). Losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.[76][72]
F2 SSW of Hoffman Cooper MO 38°50′N 92°57′W / 38.83°N 92.95°W / 38.83; -92.95 (Hoffman (April 20, F2)) 00:35–? 2.3 miles (3.7 km) 50 yards (46 m) This tornado occurred outside Pilot Grove. It struck and leveled a pair of large barns. A nearby home lost its roof as well. Losses totaled $25,000.[77][72]
F2 E of Sedalia Pettis MO 38°42′N 93°11′W / 38.7°N 93.18°W / 38.7; -93.18 (Sedalia (April 20, F2)) 01:25–? 2 miles (3.2 km) 50 yards (46 m) This tornado, which struck near the Sedalia Memorial Airport, injured eight (possibly 13) people as it leveled numerous mobile homes and barns in its path. Airborne 2-by-4-inch (51 by 102 mm) boards reportedly pierced vehicles, and debris was strewn for a few miles. Losses totaled $2.5 million.[78][72][49]
F3 WSW of Lockwood to N of Greenfield Dade MO 37°23′N 93°58′W / 37.38°N 93.97°W / 37.38; -93.97 (Lockwood (April 20, F3)) 04:40–? 7.8 miles (12.6 km) 100 yards (91 m) An intense tornado wrecked 15 homes as it passed through Lockwood, injuring six (possibly 12) people. A few of the homes were reportedly leveled. The tornado also damaged or destroyed half a dozen mobile homes and 31 other residences. Winds lofted and dispersed debris for 35 mi (56 km). Grazulis classified the tornado as an F4.[79][72][49]

April 21 event[edit]

Confirmed tornadoes – Saturday, April 21, 1973[nb 5][nb 6][12]
F# Location County / Parish State Start
coord. 		Time (UTC) Path length Max. width Summary
F4 NE of Mill Grove to WNW of Lucerne Mercer, Putnam MO 40°20′N 93°33′W / 40.33°N 93.55°W / 40.33; -93.55 (Lucerne (April 21, F4)) 20:00–? 14.6 miles (23.5 km) 440 yards (400 m) A violent tornado leveled all structures on a few farms, including four homes and one mobile home. Several cattle were killed, and about 20 barns sustained at least some damage. The tornado lofted a car for up to 150 yd (140 m) from its original location and caused a pickup truck to disintegrate; portions of the truck were transported for 1⁄2 mi (0.80 km). One injury (possibly two) occurred inside a barn. Losses totaled $2.5 million.[80][81][82][49]
F2 S of Holbrook to NE of Oxford Iowa, Johnson IA 41°35′N 91°55′W / 41.58°N 91.92°W / 41.58; -91.92 (Holbrook (April 21, F2)) 21:40–? 13.2 miles (21.2 km) 33 yards (30 m) This tornado hit 25 farms in its path, tearing off roofs, leveling several barns, and causing one home to slide and buckle. Six injuries (possibly only one) occurred. Losses totaled $2.5 million. The tornado dissipated west-southwest of Green Castle Airport.[83][84][85][49]
F2 NNW of Millersburg to ENE of Green River Mercer, Rock Island, Henry IL 41°16′N 90°50′W / 41.27°N 90.83°W / 41.27; -90.83 (Millersburg (April 21, F2)) 23:43–? 30.2 miles (48.6 km) 33 yards (30 m) A long-tracked, erratic tornado or tornado family extensively damaged farm buildings in its path and killed livestock. Mobile homes and barns were leveled as well, resulting in two injuries. Losses totaled $2.5 million (possibly only $500,000).[86][87][88][85]
F1 E of Houghton Lee, Henry IA 40°47′N 91°35′W / 40.78°N 91.58°W / 40.78; -91.58 (Houghton (April 21, F1)) 00:10–? 4.1 miles (6.6 km) 250 yards (230 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[89]
F1 SSW of Success Craig OK 36°36′N 95°02′W / 36.6°N 95.03°W / 36.6; -95.03 (Success (April 21, F1)) 02:00–? 0.1 miles (0.16 km) 120 yards (110 m) Trees and power lines were downed as a tornado passed near Ketchum and Cleora. Losses totaled $25,000.[90][53]
F1 NNE of Success to SSE of Afton Craig, Delaware, Ottawa OK 36°38′N 95°01′W / 36.63°N 95.02°W / 36.63; -95.02 (Afton (April 21, F1)) 02:40–? 5.1 miles (8.2 km) 40 yards (37 m) A tornado only damaged power lines in its path. Losses were unknown.[91][53]
F2 Southern Wheaton Cook IL 41°51′N 88°06′W / 41.85°N 88.1°W / 41.85; -88.1 (Southern Wheaton (April 21, F2)) 03:00–? 0.2 miles (0.32 km) 33 yards (30 m) A brief tornado caused damage to approximately 10 residences. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[92][93][22]
F1 Western Wheaton Cook IL 41°52′N 88°07′W / 41.87°N 88.12°W / 41.87; -88.12 (Western Wheaton (April 21, F1)) 03:15–? 0.2 miles (0.32 km) 33 yards (30 m) A weak tornado flattened a home and lightly damaged several others nearby. Losses totaled $25,000.[94][93]
F1 W of Winfield Henry IA 41°08′N 91°27′W / 41.13°N 91.45°W / 41.13; -91.45 (Winfield (April 21, F1)) 03:20–? 1 mile (1.6 km) 150 yards (140 m) Losses totaled $25,000.[95]
F2 SSW of Maxville Jasper MO 37°11′N 94°17′W / 37.18°N 94.28°W / 37.18; -94.28 (Maxville (April 21, F2)) 03:35–? 5 miles (8.0 km) 100 yards (91 m) Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger. The tornado developed east of Carthage.[96][22]
F1 ENE of Langley to SSE of Walnut Bureau IL 41°22′N 89°41′W / 41.37°N 89.68°W / 41.37; -89.68 (Langley (April 21, F1)) 04:15–? 11.6 miles (18.7 km) 33 yards (30 m) This tornado and the following event badly damaged farms and killed livestock near Sheffield and Wyanet. Losses totaled $250,000.[97][93]
F1 S of Manlius to W of Princeton Bureau IL 41°27′N 89°40′W / 41.45°N 89.67°W / 41.45; -89.67 (Manlius (April 21, F1)) 04:20–? 8.6 miles (13.8 km) 60 yards (55 m) This tornado, the companion of the preceding event, produced an intermittent swath of damage. Losses totaled $250,000.[98][93]

Batesville, Arkansas[edit]

Batesville, Arkansas
F3 tornado
Max. rating1F3 tornado
Fatalities0 fatalities, 18 injuries
Damage$2.5 million (1973 USD)
$27.1 million (2024 USD)
1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale

An intense tornado struck the town of Batesville and caused widespread destruction in its path. The tornado passed over the campus of Lyon College, which was called Arkansas College at the time. The tornado tore roofs from buildings on campus. The tornado also dislodged homes and other structures from their foundations, some of which sustained collapse of their walls or lost their roofs. At least one home was completely swept from its foundation but remained intact, suggesting little or no anchoring.[25] 18 people were injured and losses totaled $2.5 million.[24][49] Prolific rains attended the parent supercell, further damaging structures in town, and severe damage occurred to trees as well.[15] The tornado is officially rated F3, but Thomas P. Grazulis assigned an F2 rating because structures were unattached to their foundations.[25]

Non-tornadic effects[edit]

Numerous reports of strong winds and hail came out of this outbreak sequence, including an 80-mile-per-hour (130 km/h) wind gust in Huron, South Dakota, on April 19 and 4-inch-diameter (10 cm) hail in New London, Iowa, on April 21. Overall, there were 101 reports of hail and strong winds.[99]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ All losses are in 1973 USD unless otherwise noted.
  2. ^ An outbreak is generally defined as a group of at least six tornadoes (the number sometimes varies slightly according to local climatology) with no more than a six-hour gap between individual tornadoes. An outbreak sequence, prior to (after) the start of modern records in 1950, is defined as a period of no more than two (one) consecutive days without at least one significant (F2 or stronger) tornado.[1]
  3. ^ The Fujita scale was devised under the aegis of scientist T. Theodore Fujita in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.[2][3] While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the Enhanced Fujita scale in the U.S. since February 1, 2007,[4] Canada used the old scale until April 1, 2013;[5] nations elsewhere, like the United Kingdom, apply other classifications such as the TORRO scale.[6]
  4. ^ Historically, the number of tornadoes globally and in the United States was and is likely underrepresented: research by Grazulis on annual tornado activity suggests that, as of 2001, only 53% of yearly U.S. tornadoes were officially recorded. Documentation of tornadoes outside the United States was historically less exhaustive, owing to the lack of monitors in many nations and, in some cases, to internal political controls on public information.[7] Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.[8] Significant low biases in U.S. tornado counts likely occurred through the early 1990s, when advanced NEXRAD was first installed and the National Weather Service began comprehensively verifying tornado occurrences.[9]
  5. ^ a b c All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time and dates are split at midnight CST/CDT for consistency.
  6. ^ a b c Prior to 1994, only the average widths of tornado paths were officially listed.[14]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Schneider, Russell S.; Brooks, Harold E.; Schaefer, Joseph T. (2004). Tornado Outbreak Day Sequences: Historic Events and Climatology (1875–2003) (PDF). 22nd Conf. Severe Local Storms. Hyannis, Massachusetts: American Meteorological Society. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  2. ^ Grazulis 1993, p. 141.
  3. ^ Grazulis 2001a, p. 131.
  4. ^ Edwards, Roger (March 5, 2015). "Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage". The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC). Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  5. ^ "Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale)". Environment and Climate Change Canada. June 6, 2013. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  6. ^ "The International Tornado Intensity Scale". Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. 2016. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  7. ^ Grazulis 2001a, pp. 251–4.
  8. ^ Edwards, Roger (March 5, 2015). "The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)". Storm Prediction Center: Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes. Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  9. ^ Cook & Schaefer 2008, p. 3135
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Grazulis 1993, p. 1137.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Storm Data 1973, p. 8.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Storm Data Publication 1973, Events Reported
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Storm Data 1973, pp. 2, 4–6, 8–11.
  14. ^ Brooks 2004, p. 310
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Storm Data 1973, p. 2.
  16. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984481
  17. ^ a b c d Storm Data 1973, p. 11.
  18. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10126473
  19. ^ a b Storm Data 1973, p. 5.
  20. ^ a b c Storm Data 1973, p. 3.
  21. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10022455
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Grazulis 1993, pp. 1136–1139.
  23. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984483
  24. ^ a b Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984484
  25. ^ a b c d e f g Grazulis 1993, p. 1136.
  26. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984485
  27. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10126475
  28. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10126476
  29. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058146
  30. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10030026
  31. ^ a b c d Storm Data 1973, p. 6.
  32. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10030026
  33. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984487
  34. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10030027
  35. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10030028
  36. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10014715
  37. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984489
  38. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10030029
  39. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058147
  40. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10014718
  41. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10111270
  42. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10111273
  43. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10111272
  44. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10006824
  45. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10111274
  46. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058149
  47. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10012230
  48. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10012231
  49. ^ a b c d e f g "Storm Prediction Center WCM Page: Severe Weather Database Files (1950–2014)". Storm Prediction Center. March 17, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  50. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058150
  51. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10012232
  52. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10083507
  53. ^ a b c d e Storm Data 1973, p. 10.
  54. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10092315
  55. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10022456
  56. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10092316
  57. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10092318
  58. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984490
  59. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9984492
  60. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10012233
  61. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058156
  62. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058157
  63. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058158
  64. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058159
  65. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058160
  66. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058161
  67. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #9981085
  68. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10012234
  69. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058163
  70. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058164
  71. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058165
  72. ^ a b c d e f Grazulis 1993, p. 1138.
  73. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058166
  74. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058167
  75. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058168
  76. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058170
  77. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058169
  78. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058171
  79. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058172
  80. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058180
  81. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058183
  82. ^ Grazulis 1993, p. 1138–9.
  83. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10013307
  84. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10013308
  85. ^ a b Grazulis 1993, p. 1139.
  86. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058180
  87. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10006830
  88. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10007678
  89. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10013311
  90. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10092322
  91. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10092323
  92. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10007679
  93. ^ a b c d Storm Data 1973, p. 4.
  94. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10007895
  95. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10013312
  96. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10058193
  97. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10007896
  98. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, #10007897
  99. ^ Storm Data Publication 1973, Events Reported

Sources[edit]

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