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Tornado outbreak of April 2–3, 1982

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Tornado outbreak of April 2–3, 1982
A black-and-white map depicting the linear paths of tornadoes on April 2, 1982
Overview of the outbreak
Tornado outbreak
Tornadoes62
Maximum ratingF5 tornado
DurationApril 2–3, 1982
Highest winds78 kn (90 mph; 144 km/h)[1]
Largest hail3 in (7.6 cm)[2]
Overall effects
Fatalities30
Injuries415
Damage$176,811,500 ($558,240,000 in 2024 USD)[note 1]
Areas affectedMidwestern and Southern United States (primarily Ark-La-Tex region: Red River Valley, Piney Woods)
Part of the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1982

From April 2–3, 1982, a major tornado outbreak resulted in over 60 tornadoes and 30 fatalities, primarily over portions of Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas, as well as Southeastern Oklahoma. Three of the tornadoes were rated F4, and one officially was recorded as an F5 near Broken Bow, Oklahoma, all on April 2. Beginning on April 2, a series of tornado-producing supercells formed across portions of northeastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. One produced an F5 tornado, the first since April 4, 1977, which crossed mostly rural areas near Speer and Broken Bow, and deposited a motel sign from Broken Bow 30 miles (48 km) away in Arkansas. However, reanalysis a decade later found the rating to be lower, owing to unsound construction practices.[note 2] The F5 tornado resulted in no fatalities, but an F4 tornado in Paris, Texas, resulted in 10 fatalities and 170 injuries.[4] Additionally, the Storm Prediction Center, known then as the Severe Local Storms Unit, issued its first officially documented high risk on April 2, as well as the first tornado watch to contain the wording Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS).[5][note 3]

Background

[edit]

Outbreak statistics

[edit]
Daily statistics of tornadoes during the tornado outbreak of April 2–3, 1982
Date[note 4] Total F-scale rating[note 5] Deaths Injuries Damage[note 6]
 FU   F0   F1   F2   F3   F4   F5 
April 2 49 0 6 19 11 9 4 1 27 345 $142,730,500
April 3 13 0 2 7 2 2 0 0 3 70 $34,081,000
Total 62 0 8 26 13 11 4 1 30 415 $176,811,500
Outbreak death toll[13][14]
State Total County County
total
Arkansas 14 Faulkner 2
Fulton 2
Hempstead 5
Howard 3
Little River 1
St. Francis 1
Mississippi 3 Neshoba 3
Missouri 1 Howell 1
Texas 11 Fannin 1
Lamar 10
Totals 30
All deaths were tornado-related

Confirmed tornadoes

[edit]
Confirmed tornadoes by Fujita rating
FU F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 Total
0 8 26 13 11 3 1 62

Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of NEXRAD Doppler weather radar in 1990–1991.[15][note 7] 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of Fujita scale assessments.[19][note 5] Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.

Color/symbol key
Color / symbol Description
† Data from Grazulis 1990/1993/2001b
Data from a local National Weather Service office
※ Data from the 1982 Storm Data publication
‡ Data from the NCEI database
♯ Maximum width of tornado
± Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable.
Confirmed tornadoes – Friday, April 2, 1982[note 4]
F# Location County / Parish State Start Coord.[note 8] Time (UTC) Path length Width[note 9] Damage
F0 Hot Springs Village※ Garland Arkansas 34°30′N 93°03′W / 34.50°N 93.05°W / 34.50; -93.05 (Hot Springs (April 2, F0)) 20:00–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ 10 yd (9.1 m)‡ $2,500
A short-lived tornado damaged a few thousand trees and utility lines near La Villa.[23][24][25]
F1 SSW of Earlham※ Madison Iowa 41°27′N 94°10′W / 41.45°N 94.17°W / 41.45; -94.17 (Earlham (April 2, F1)) 20:10–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 50 yd (46 m) $25,000
A brief tornado unroofed a garage, destroyed two sheds, and damaged two windmills and a farmhouse. An 80-foot-tall (24 m) radio tower was downed, shingles were torn loose, and windows were smashed as well.[26][27]
F2 Silo※ Bryan Oklahoma 34°03′N 95°29′W / 34.05°N 95.48°W / 34.05; -95.48 (Silo (April 2, F2)) 20:25–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 30 yd (27 m) $2,500,000
This tornado damaged a total of 16 mobile homes and houses. One person received minor injuries.[3][28][29]
F1 Pink Hill to SSW of Levasy※ Jackson Missouri 39°03′N 94°11′W / 39.05°N 94.18°W / 39.05; -94.18 (Pink Hill (April 2, F1)) 20:30–? 6.8 mi (10.9 km)‡ 300 yd (270 m) $250,000
This tornado, which developed 1+1⁄2 mi (2.4 km) north of Grain Valley, sheared treetops. Nearby, a home and several buildings were damaged.[30][31]
F1 SE of Emet Johnston Oklahoma 34°11′N 96°31′W / 34.18°N 96.52°W / 34.18; -96.52 (Emet (April 2, F1)) 20:30–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 10 yd (9.1 m) $250,000
A pickup truck, a barn, and several other structures were damaged or destroyed.[28][32]
F1 W of Levasy※ Jackson Missouri 39°08′N 94°08′W / 39.13°N 94.13°W / 39.13; -94.13 (Levasy (April 2, F1)) 20:32–? 2 mi (3.2 km) 700 yd (640 m) $25,000
This multiple-vortex tornado destroyed a couple of barns, a garage, and poles.[30][33]
F0 E of Allen※ Hughes Oklahoma 34°52′N 96°20′W / 34.87°N 96.33°W / 34.87; -96.33 (Gerty (April 2, F0)) 20:40–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ 10 yd (9.1 m)‡ $250
Trees in the countryside were downed. The tornado passed northwest of Gerty.[23][28][34]
F2 Northeastern Claremore※ Rogers Oklahoma 36°24′N 95°33′W / 36.40°N 95.55°W / 36.40; -95.55 (Sequoyah (April 2, F2)) 20:45–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 50 yd (46 m) $250,000
A school and several businesses incurred damage. The NCEI incorrectly list the touchdown as being southwest of Sequoyah.[3][28][35]
F1 Southwestern Baxter Springs※ Cherokee Kansas 37°01′N 94°44′W / 37.02°N 94.73°W / 37.02; -94.73 (Baxter Springs (April 2, F1)) 20:50–? 0.2 mi (0.32 km) 17 yd (16 m) $25,000
Mobile homes and other structures received damage, as well as roofing, windows, and electrical lines.[26][36]
F3± N of Marietta Love Oklahoma 33°58′N 97°07′W / 33.97°N 97.12°W / 33.97; -97.12 (Marietta (April 2, F3)) 20:50–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 30 yd (27 m) $2,500,000
This tornado derailed 24 freight cars, most of which were unfilled. Outbuildings and trees were also damaged nearby.[14][28][37]
F2± ENE of Pryor Creek Mayes Oklahoma 36°20′N 95°16′W / 36.33°N 95.27°W / 36.33; -95.27 (Pryor Creek (April 2, F2)) 21:00–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 10 yd (9.1 m) $25,000
This tornado flipped a mobile home.[14][28][38]
F2 N of Bokchito※ Bryan Oklahoma 34°02′N 96°08′W / 34.03°N 96.13°W / 34.03; -96.13 (Bokchito (April 2, F2)) 21:05–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 10 yd (9.1 m) $25,000
This tornado damaged seven homes.[3][28][39]
F0 Iconium※ St. Clair Missouri 38°07′N 93°32′W / 38.12°N 93.53°W / 38.12; -93.53 (Iconium (April 2, F0)) 21:07–? 0.3 mi (0.48 km)‡ 50 yd (46 m) Un­known
A brief touchdown failed to produce any damage.[23][30][40]
F3 WNW of Boswell to N of Soper‡ Choctaw Oklahoma 34°04′N 95°57′W / 34.07°N 95.95°W / 34.07; -95.95 (Soper (April 2, F3)) 21:10–? 8 mi (13 km) 100 yd (91 m) $250,000
Many farms and outbuildings were damaged.[3][28][41]
F0 Green Ridge※ Pettis Missouri 38°37′N 93°24′W / 38.62°N 93.40°W / 38.62; -93.40 (Green Ridge (April 2, F0)) 21:15–? 0.3 mi (0.48 km)‡ 50 yd (46 m) Un­known
No damage was reported.[23][30][42]
F3 SW of Boyd to WNW of Toco※ Fannin, Lamar Texas 33°38′N 96°17′W / 33.63°N 96.28°W / 33.63; -96.28 (Boyd (April 2, F3)) 21:20–21:55※ 32 mi (51 km) 150 yd (140 m) ~$1,000,000※
1 death – This tornado developed near Ravenna and tracked eastward at 50 mph (80 km/h) through Allens Chapel and Allens Point. The most extensive damage occurred in these two communities; an elderly woman in the area was killed, and her husband sustained injuries. Along its entire path, the tornado destroyed numerous frame houses, mobile homes, barns, and rural outbuildings. The NCEI incorrectly list the path as extending from north of Ector to just north of Brookston.[3][43][44][45][46]
F1 SW of Waverly Lafayette Missouri 39°10′N 93°33′W / 39.17°N 93.55°W / 39.17; -93.55 (Waverly (April 2, F1)) 21:25–? 1.3 mi (2.1 km)‡ 50 yd (46 m) $250
This tornado felled trees in an orchard.[30][47]
F2± Boyd Fannin Texas 33°39′N 96°10′W / 33.65°N 96.17°W / 33.65; -96.17 (Bonham (April 2, F2)) 21:25–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 50 yd (46 m)※ Un­known
Trees were damaged near Lake Bonham.[43][14][44][48]
F2 Keo Lonoke Arkansas 34°36′N 92°01′W / 34.60°N 92.02°W / 34.60; -92.02 (Keo (April 2, F2)) 21:45–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) $2,500,000
This was the first member of a long-tracked tornado family, the parent thunderstorm of which generated a 100-mile-long (160 km) swath of scattered damage, felling 60 transmission towers along the way, and traveled as far as Forrest City. Two homes and a cropdusting firm were destroyed or damaged. Two people were injured.[3][24][49]
F5 S of Speer to Messer to SE of Eagletown※ Choctaw, McCurtain Oklahoma 34°08′N 95°34′W / 34.13°N 95.57°W / 34.13; -95.57 (Broken Bow (April 2, F5)) 21:50–? 53 mi (85 km) 2,640 yd (2,410 m)♯※ $8,000,000※
See section on this tornado – 29 people were injured.
F2 Slovak Prairie Arkansas 34°39′N 91°35′W / 34.65°N 91.58°W / 34.65; -91.58 (Slovak (April 2, F2)) 22:00–? 2.25 mi (3.62 km)※ 20 yd (18 m)† $250,000
This short-lived tornado damaged rural shops, roofs, outbuildings, machinery, and electrical transmission towers.[24][50][51]
F4 Northern Paris to NE of Detroit※ Lamar, Red River Texas 33°39′N 95°38′W / 33.65°N 95.63°W / 33.65; -95.63 (Toco (April 2, F4)) 22:00–22:30※ 23 mi (37 km) 300 yd (270 m)♯※ ≥ $50,000,000※
10 deaths – See section on this tornado – 170 people were injured.
F1 SSW of Paris Lamar Texas 33°38′N 95°35′W / 33.63°N 95.58°W / 33.63; -95.58 (Paris (April 2, F1)) 22:05–? ≥ 1 mi (1.6 km) 50 yd (46 m) $25,000
Outflow by the Paris F4 may have helped generate this near-simultaneous tornado. A small structure was destroyed on the outskirts of Paris. The tornado may have continued farther, damaging trailers on the southern sides of Blossom and Reno, as it paralleled the main event.[52][53]
F2 Northern Bagwell※ Red River Texas 33°38′N 95°13′W / 33.63°N 95.22°W / 33.63; -95.22 (Bagwell (April 2, F2)) 22:30–? 5 mi (8.0 km) 100 yd (91 m) $25,000
This tornado began and ended a few miles west-southwest and east-northeast of town, respectively. Some businesses and homes were unroofed. Trees were torn apart as well.[50][54][55]
F1 N of Clarksville‡ Red River Texas 33°39′N 95°03′W / 33.65°N 95.05°W / 33.65; -95.05 (Clarksville (April 2, F1)) 22:40–22:42※ 2 mi (3.2 km) 50 yd (46 m)※ $2,500
Only minor damage was reported.[54][56]
F3 NE of Clarksville (TX)‡ to NNW of Ogden (AR)※ Red River (TX), Bowie (TX), McCurtain (OK), Little River (AR) Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas 33°38′N 95°02′W / 33.63°N 95.03°W / 33.63; -95.03 (Ashdown (April 2, F3)) 22:40–23:40※ 52 mi (84 km) 400 yd (370 m) Un­known
1 death – See section on this tornado – Four people were injured.
F2 Brinkley Monroe Arkansas 34°53′N 91°11′W / 34.88°N 91.18°W / 34.88; -91.18 (Brinkley (April 2, F2)) 22:49–? 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 33 yd (30 m) $2,500,000
20 transmission towers were downed. Several homes, a trio of farms, and a cemetery were damaged as well.[50][24][57]
F2 Forrest City St. Francis Arkansas 35°01′N 90°46′W / 35.02°N 90.77°W / 35.02; -90.77 (Forrest City (April 2, F2)) 23:15–? 2 mi (3.2 km)† 60 yd (55 m) $250,000
1 death – This tornado damaged or destroyed a dozen homes, seven mobile homes, half a dozen businesses, and a school. The death occurred in a trailer. 13 people were injured.[50][24][58]
F4 WSW of Stringtown to ESE of Wallaceburg Sevier, Howard, Hempstead Arkansas 33°56′N 94°17′W / 33.93°N 94.28°W / 33.93; -94.28 (Buck Range (April 2, F4)) 23:20–? 45 mi (72 km) 200 yd (180 m) $7,500,000
3 deaths – This powerful tornado proceeded generally eastward at 25 mph (40 km/h) and affected several rural communities. 15 homes, two mobile homes, 16 chicken coops, and various outbuildings were damaged or destroyed, along with many trees. All of the deaths occurred in the community of Buck Range, near Nashville, where a home was flattened. Most of the damage was F2 or F3 in intensity. Storm Data and the NCEI listed 23 injuries, but a reanalysis by Grazulis found 27.[59][60][24][61][62][63]
F1 E of Eldon Miller Missouri 38°21′N 92°32′W / 38.35°N 92.53°W / 38.35; -92.53 (Eldon #1 (April 2, F1)) 23:25–? 0.25 mi (0.40 km)※ 30 yd (27 m) $250,000
A few outbuildings were destroyed.[30][64]
F3 Bergman※ Boone Arkansas 36°19′N 93°00′W / 36.32°N 93.00°W / 36.32; -93.00 (Bergman (April 2, F3)) 23:28–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) $2,500,000
A few trailers were destroyed, along with a pair of homes, the fire department, and city hall. 29 homes sustained damage as well. Five injuries occurred.[24][65]
F1 N of Phillipsburg Laclede Missouri 37°37′N 92°47′W / 37.62°N 92.78°W / 37.62; -92.78 (Phillipsburg (April 2, F1)) 23:30–? 0.25 mi (0.40 km)※ 30 yd (27 m) $250,000
A house was damaged, a barn wrecked, and cattle killed.[30][66]
F1 NE of Beaman※ Pettis Missouri 38°46′N 93°08′W / 38.77°N 93.13°W / 38.77; -93.13 (Beaman (April 2, F1)) 23:35–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 30 yd (27 m) $25,000
A few barns were wrecked and a home partly so.[30][67]
F1 N of Eldon Miller Missouri 38°23′N 92°35′W / 38.38°N 92.58°W / 38.38; -92.58 (Eldon #2 (April 2, F1)) 23:45–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 25 yd (23 m)※ $250,000
A few barns and a trailer were wrecked. A shed was severely damaged as well.[30][68]
F3 S of McNab to E of Hope※ Hempstead Arkansas 33°38′N 93°48′W / 33.63°N 93.80°W / 33.63; -93.80 (McNab (April 2, F3)) 00:55–? 18 mi (29 km) 200 yd (180 m) $2,500,000
5 deaths – This erratic tornado destroyed or damaged 37 homes. A five-member family at home was fatally crushed beneath a 40-foot-tall (12 m) oak tree. The tornado also damaged 850 acres (340 ha) of pine and hardwood forest. 23 people were injured.[69][24][70][71][72]
F4 E of Tecumseh※ to Caulfield to West Plains Ozark, Howell Missouri 36°34′N 92°13′W / 36.57°N 92.22°W / 36.57; -92.22 (Tecumseh (April 2, F4)) 00:15–? 20 mi (32 km) 500 yd (460 m) $50,000,000
2 deaths – This violent tornado damaged 20 homes and destroyed five trailers, but leveled only one home. Lesser damage occurred to businesses. Most of the damage was to 200 used automobiles at a dealership. 28 people were injured, three seriously.[59][60][73][74][75]
F1 S of Camdenton※ Camden Missouri 39°59′N 92°45′W / 39.98°N 92.75°W / 39.98; -92.75 (Camdenton (April 2, F1)) 00:15–? 0.25 mi (0.40 km)※ 25 yd (23 m)※ Un­known
Details are unavailable.[73][76]
F3 N of Vidette† Fulton Arkansas 36°26′N 92°07′W / 36.43°N 92.12°W / 36.43; -92.12 (Vidette (April 2, F3)) 00:20–? 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 880 yd (800 m) $250,000
2 deaths – A barn and five homes were damaged. A number of cattle were killed, and one home was wrecked. Two injuries occurred.[60][24][77]
F1 NE of Eldon※ Miller Missouri 38°22′N 92°34′W / 38.37°N 92.57°W / 38.37; -92.57 (Eldon #3 (April 2, F1)) 00:37–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 50 yd (46 m) Un­known
Details are unavailable.[73][78]
F0 Taos Cole Missouri 38°30′N 92°04′W / 38.50°N 92.07°W / 38.50; -92.07 (Taos (April 2, F0)) 00:45–? 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 50 yd (46 m) Un­known
Details are unavailable.[73][79]
F1 Magnolia Columbia Arkansas 33°16′N 93°14′W / 33.27°N 93.23°W / 33.27; -93.23 (Magnolia (April 2, F1)) 01:00–? 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 200 yd (180 m) $25,000
Roofing, power lines, and trees were damaged. Fallen wires ignited a few fires. Two people were injured.[24][80]
F3 Conway Faulkner Arkansas 35°05′N 92°27′W / 35.08°N 92.45°W / 35.08; -92.45 (Conway (April 2, F3)) 01:00–? 3.5 mi (5.6 km) 440 yd (400 m) $2,500,000
2 deaths – A machine shop, 38 trailers, and 10 homes were flattened. A few other trailers and three homes were seriously damaged. One of the dead was a stillborn infant. 37 injuries occurred, many quite severe.[60][81][82]
F1 E of Whelen Springs to WNW of Kansas Clark Arkansas 33°50′N 93°07′W / 33.83°N 93.12°W / 33.83; -93.12 (Whelen Springs (April 2, F1)) 01:15–? 8 mi (13 km) 75 yd (69 m)※ $250,000
Some roofing was damaged, along with much timber.[81][83]
F3 NE of Dyersburg※ Dyer Tennessee 36°02′N 89°23′W / 36.03°N 89.38°W / 36.03; -89.38 (Dyersburg (April 2, F3)) 01:20–? 8 mi (13 km) 75 yd (69 m)※ $2,500,000
A factory, mobile homes, eight homes, and some businesses were destroyed or damaged. Trees were impacted as well. An injury occurred.[60][84][85]
F2 W of Kenton to W of Martin※ Obion, Weakley Tennessee 36°13′N 89°04′W / 36.22°N 89.07°W / 36.22; -89.07 (Kenton (April 2, F2)) 01:58–? 12 mi (19 km)† 80 yd (73 m)† $250,000※
Windows were broken and structures damaged at a Texas Gas Transmission facility. A few trailers were wrecked elsewhere, and several better-built buildings were damaged, along with trees.[60][84][86][87]
F1 NW of Lillie Union Louisiana 32°57′N 92°43′W / 32.95°N 92.72°W / 32.95; -92.72 (Lillie (April 2, F1)) 02:00–? 5 mi (8.0 km) 50 yd (46 m) Un­known
Only trees were damaged.[88][89]
F1 W of Milo to N of Snyder※ Ashley Arkansas 33°18′N 91°58′W / 33.30°N 91.97°W / 33.30; -91.97 (Milo (April 2, F1)) 03:00–? 19 mi (31 km) 100 yd (91 m) $2,500,000
Outbuildings, power lines, and trailers received damage. 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 board feet (2,400 to 4,700 m3) of pinewood were flattened.[81][90]
F1 Hazel Calloway Kentucky 36°30′N 88°19′W / 36.50°N 88.32°W / 36.50; -88.32 (Hazel (April 2, F1)) 04:00–? 2 mi (3.2 km) 50 yd (46 m) $250,000
Many older structures in town were wrecked.[88][91]
F0 Union City Obion Tennessee 36°25′N 89°03′W / 36.42°N 89.05°W / 36.42; -89.05 (Union City (April 2, F0)) 04:33–?※ 0.3 mi (0.48 km) 30 yd (27 m)※ $250,000
A few large, fallen trees damaged vehicles and homes. Signage and windows were damaged as well.[84][92]

April 3 event

[edit]
Confirmed tornadoes – Saturday, April 3, 1982[note 4]
F# Location County / Parish State Start Coord.[note 8] Time (UTC) Path length Width[note 9] Damage
F0 NE of Pontiac※ Livingston Illinois 40°54′N 88°35′W / 40.90°N 88.58°W / 40.90; -88.58 (Pontiac (April 2, F0)) 05:00–05:15※ 0.3 mi (0.48 km) 200 yd (180 m) $250,000
A toolshed, a garage, and a quartet of silos were wrecked.[93][94]
F1 Southeastern Ridge Farm※ Vermilion Illinois 39°54′N 87°39′W / 39.90°N 87.65°W / 39.90; -87.65 (Ridge Farm (April 3, F1)) 05:18–? 4 mi (6.4 km) 125 yd (114 m)※ $250,000
A five-block swath of town was impacted. A trailer and five homes were wrecked. 15 other homes sustained damage as well. Five injuries occurred.[93][95]
F1 S of Forrest to S of Chatsworth※ Livingston Illinois 40°14′N 88°24′W / 40.23°N 88.40°W / 40.23; -88.40 (Forest (April 3, F1)) 05:18–? 6 mi (9.7 km) 500 yd (460 m) $250,000
This tornado blew central heating and refrigeration units off rooftops. A wall was knocked down as well. After hitting Chatsworth the tornado apparently redeveloped to the south, damaging high-voltage cables, sheds, a pair of large barns, a garage, a home, and roofing. 41 utility poles along the path were felled as well.[93][96]
F2± E of Grand Gulf Claiborne※ Mississippi 32°02′N 91°02′W / 32.03°N 91.03°W / 32.03; -91.03 (Grand Gulf (April 3, F2)) 05:20–?※ 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ 33 yd (30 m)‡ $6,000※
A few steel outbuildings were wrecked and a couple of big trees splintered near a hunting camp. One other outbuilding sustained damage as well. The NCEI incorrectly list the touchdown as Adams County and spuriously count 40 injuries; the latter are not listed in Storm Data.[97][98][99]
F3 S of Carthage to N of De Kalb† Leake, Neshoba, Kemper Mississippi 32°43′N 89°31′W / 32.72°N 89.52°W / 32.72; -89.52 (Carthage (April 3, F3)) 05:35–06:10※ 42 mi (68 km) 400 yd (370 m) >$5,000,000※
3 deaths – This intense tornado destroyed five automobiles, 25 mobile homes, seven businesses, and 29 homes. Severe damage occurred to 47 other homes, 25 vehicles, 16 mobile homes, and seven more businesses. All the dead were killed in a trailer. 40 injuries occurred.[97][98][100][101][102][103]
F3 Irwin to Bourbonnais to Indian Oaks※ Kankakee Illinois 41°03′N 87°59′W / 41.05°N 87.98°W / 41.05; -87.98 (Irwin (April 3, F3)) 05:40–? 12 mi (19 km) 750 yd (690 m) $25,000,000
This intense tornado tore walls and a steeple off structures in Irwin, causing a church to shift on its foundation. The tornado apparently lifted before causing further damage at Bourbonnais. 174 trailers were damaged or destroyed in a mobile home park at Indian Oaks. The tornado also damaged 10 homes elsewhere in town. 15 injuries occurred.[97][93][104]
F1 E of Charleston to northeastern Oakland※ Coles Illinois 39°29′N 88°11′W / 39.48°N 88.18°W / 39.48; -88.18 (Charleston (April 3, F1)) 06:05–? 14 mi (23 km) 450 yd (410 m) $250,000
Most of the losses were to sheds, homes, and garages at Oakland. Roofing was torn loose as well.[93][105]
F0 SW of Goodenow to Crete※ Will Illinois 41°20′N 87°41′W / 41.33°N 87.68°W / 41.33; -87.68 (Goodenow (April 3, F0)) 06:10–? 8 mi (13 km) 125 yd (114 m) $250,000
A few mobile homes were tipped onto their sides, and 25 others were carried off their homesites. A few trees were downed and a chimney was damaged as well. Damage was discontinuous.[106][107]
F1 Near West Jefferson※ Madison Ohio 39°56′N 83°16′W / 39.93°N 83.27°W / 39.93; -83.27 (West Jefferson (April 3, F1)) 10:00–? 3 mi (4.8 km) 50 yd (46 m) $2,500,000
Mobile homes were extensively damaged, other homes less severely. One person was injured.[28][108]
F1 SSE of Greenmount Laurel Kentucky 37°15′N 84°02′W / 37.25°N 84.03°W / 37.25; -84.03 (Greenmount (April 3, F1)) 10:00–? 1 mi (1.6 km) 25 yd (23 m)※ $25,000
A 108-by-36-foot (33 by 11 m) barn was wrecked, crushing implements inside.[109]
F2 N of Fredericktown Knox Ohio 40°30′N 82°33′W / 40.50°N 82.55°W / 40.50; -82.55 (Fredericktown (April 3, F2)) 10:55–? 0.75 mi (1.21 km)※ 50 yd (46 m) $250,000
A few trailers and a frame home were wrecked. Trees were felled as well, and other structures were damaged. Nine minor injuries were reported.[97][28][110]
F1 Glasgow to S of Boston Thomas Georgia 30°44′N 83°52′W / 30.73°N 83.87°W / 30.73; -83.87 (Glasgow (April 3, F1)) 17:15–? 6 mi (9.7 km) 70 yd (64 m) $25,000
A pumping station and a cottage were wrecked. Trees were knocked down as well.[111][112]
F1 Western Allentown Lehigh Pennsylvania 40°36′N 75°30′W / 40.60°N 75.50°W / 40.60; -75.50 (Allentown (April 3, F1)) 20:55–? 0.15 mi (0.24 km)※ 17 yd (16 m)※ $25,000
A trailer and a shed were flattened. A restaurant was damaged as well. Wires and trees were toppled.[113][114]

Speer–Messer–Hugo Reservoir–Golden–Broken Bow–Eagletown, Oklahoma

[edit]
Speer–Messer–Hugo Reservoir–Golden–Broken Bow–Eagletown, Oklahoma
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Injuries29
Damage$8 million ($25,260,000 in 2024 USD)

This powerful, multiple-vortex tornado touched down near Speer, tracked east-southeastward through the rural community of Messer, and traversed the Hugo Reservoir. A newly constructed home near Messer was obliterated, with only strips of carpet tacking left on its foundation. Surveyed by Ted Fujita, the tornado was assigned a rating of F5 based on this damage and is still listed as an F5 in official records. Photographs of the bare concrete slab suggested, however, that the home was improperly anchored: only F3-level winds may have been needed to produce the observable effects on the structure. A reanalysis by Thomas P. Grazulis in 1993 concluded that the tornado did not attain F5 intensity. Further on, the tornado attained a peak width of 1+1⁄2 mi (2.4 km; 2,600 yd; 2,400 m) and produced F4-level damage to ranch-style homes near Golden. In all, the tornado destroyed approximately 35 homes and yielded losses of $8 million, though it missed densely populated areas. The tornado also destroyed chicken coops, mobile homes, and a church, along with agricultural implements, electrical lines, and tracts of timber. Up to 40 barns were wrecked as well. As it passed just south of Broken Bow, the tornado struck the Tri-A-Nite Motel; signage from the motel was later found 30 mi (48 km) distant, in Arkansas. Near Messer, the tornado hurled a 2-by-4-inch (51 by 102 mm) board into and pierced a tree. 29 injuries occurred along the path. The NCEI incorrectly list the path as extending from south-southwest of Hamden to south of Eagletown.[115]

Paris–Reno–Blossom, Texas

[edit]
Paris–Reno–Blossom, Texas
F4 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Fatalities10
Injuries170
Damage≥ $50 million ($157,860,000 in 2024 USD)
"Paris, Texas tornado" redirects here. For the 2022 event, see Tornado outbreak of November 4–5, 2022 § Brookston–Midcity–Arthur City, Texas/Sawyer, Oklahoma.

This destructive tornado, the deadliest of the outbreak, headed eastward through the northern section of Paris. Developing near the intersection of Campbell Street and Loop 286, it extensively damaged or destroyed more than 465 residences and left approximately 1,000 people homeless in town. Of the 10 deaths in Paris, two occurred at a trailer park; the rest of the fatalities were mainly in unsheltered locations. Debris from the trailer park was dispersed for hundreds of yards. Most of the damage in Paris was rated F2 or F3 on the Fujita scale, but a few CBS homes were leveled at low-end F4 intensity. These homes, however, were dubiously constructed, so the official rating may have been too high. Large, well-built apartments with numerous interior walls were unroofed as the "ragged funnel cloud" left behind $50 million in losses at Paris. 92 homes and other structures were heavily damaged or destroyed in the neighbouring communities of Reno and Blossom. That more casualties did not occur was attributable to the fact that residents of Paris received ample warning, up to half an hour in advance, in part via NOAA Weather Radio.[116]

White Rock–Beaver Dam, Texas/Ashdown, Arkansas

[edit]
White Rock–Beaver Dam, Texas/Ashdown, Arkansas
F3 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Fatalities1
Injuries4

This intense, long-tracked tornado destroyed barns, outbuildings, trees, and electrical lines as it struck White Rock. Brick homes in the area were wrecked as well, indicating F3 intensity. The tornado then tracked to the north of Annona, Avery, and English. Entering Bowie County, it destroyed five homes in Beaver Dam. Two minor injuries occurred nearby. The tornado then widened to 400 yd (370 m) as it neared the Red River. Upon crossing the river, it damaged a 4-mile-long (6.4 km) swath of trees across McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Some outbuildings were also damaged as the tornado passed through southeastern Oklahoma. In Arkansas, the tornado destroyed 17 homes, a paper mill, a granary, and an orchard. One of the homes dated to the early nineteenth century. One person died and two others were injured near Ashdown before the tornado dissipated. The parent storm continued on and later spawned another F3 tornado in Hempstead County, near McNab.[117]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ All losses are in 1982 USD unless otherwise noted.
  2. ^ Tornado researcher Thomas P. Grazulis contested the official F5 rating, having concluded that the basis for it was unsound.[3]
  3. ^ 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.[6]
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b 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.[7][8] Tornado ratings were retroactively applied to events prior to the formal adoption of the F-scale by the National Weather Service.[9] While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the Enhanced Fujita scale in the U.S. since February 1, 2007,[10] Canada used the old scale until April 1, 2013;[11] nations elsewhere, like the United Kingdom, apply other classifications such as the TORRO scale.[12]
  6. ^ The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Data publication does not list exact damage totals for every event, instead giving damage categories. As such, damage for individual tornadoes is not comprehensive.
  7. ^ 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.[16] Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.[17] 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.[18]
  8. ^ a b All starting coordinates are based on the NCEI database and may not reflect contemporary analyses
  9. ^ a b The listed width values are primarily the average/mean width of the tornadoes, with those having known maximum widths denoted by ♯. From 1952 to 1994, reports largely list mean width whereas contemporary years list maximum width.[20] Values provided by Grazulis are the average width, with estimates being rounded down (i.e. 0.5 mi (0.80 km) is rounded down from 880 yards to 800 yards.[21][22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Thunderstorm Wind reported between 04/01/1982 and 04/03/1982 (3 days). Storm Events Database (Report). NOAA – National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  2. ^ Hail reported between 04/01/1982 and 04/03/1982 (3 days). Storm Events Database (Report). NOAA – National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Grazulis 1993, p. 1235.
  4. ^ Multiple sources:
  5. ^ Edwards, Roger; Fred Ostby. "Time Line of SELS and SPC". Historical SELS and SPC Images. Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ Grazulis 1993, p. 141.
  8. ^ Grazulis 2001a, p. 131.
  9. ^ Edwards et al. 2013, p. 641–642.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ "Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale)". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada. June 6, 2013. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  12. ^ "The International Tornado Intensity Scale". Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. 2016. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  13. ^ Tornado reported between 04/01/1982 and 04/03/1982 (3 days). Storm Events Database (Report). NOAA – National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  14. ^ a b c d Grazulis 1993, pp. 1235–1238.
  15. ^ Agee and Childs 2014, p. 1496.
  16. ^ Grazulis 2001a, pp. 251–4.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ Cook & Schaefer 2008, p. 3135.
  19. ^ Agee and Childs 2014, pp. 1497, 1503.
  20. ^ Agee and Childs 2014, p. 1494.
  21. ^ Brooks 2004, p. 310.
  22. ^ Grazulis 1990, p. ix.
  23. ^ a b c d "Severe Weather Database Files (1950-2021)". Storm Prediction Center Maps, Graphics, and Data Page. Norman, Oklahoma: Storm Prediction Center. July 11, 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Storm Data 1982, p. 11.
  25. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980172
  26. ^ a b Storm Data 1982, p. 17.
  27. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10012924
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Storm Data 1982, p. 26.
  29. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108974
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h i Storm Data 1982, p. 21.
  31. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10057537
  32. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108975
  33. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10057539
  34. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108978
  35. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108979
  36. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10021853
  37. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108981
  38. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108982
  39. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108984
  40. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10057544
  41. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10108985
  42. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10057546
  43. ^ a b "Remembering The Paris Tornado: April 2, 1982". Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. Fort Worth, Texas: National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office. 15 October 2008. Archived from the original on 13 June 2010. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  44. ^ a b Storm Data 1982, p. 29.
  45. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10128749
  46. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10128753
  47. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10057551
  48. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10128752
  49. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980173
  50. ^ a b c d Grazulis 1993, p. 1236.
  51. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980174
  52. ^ Storm Data 1982, pp. 29–30.
  53. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10128755
  54. ^ a b Storm Data 1982, p. 30.
  55. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10128758
  56. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10128759
  57. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980177
  58. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980179
  59. ^ a b Grazulis 1984, p. A-95.
  60. ^ a b c d e f Grazulis 1993, p. 1237.
  61. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980181
  62. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980184
  63. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980188
  64. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058640
  65. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980182
  66. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058641
  67. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058642
  68. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058644
  69. ^ Grazulis 1993, pp. 1237–8.
  70. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980185
  71. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980185
  72. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980187
  73. ^ a b c d Storm Data 1982, p. 22.
  74. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058649
  75. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058650
  76. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058648
  77. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980190
  78. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058651
  79. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10058652
  80. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980191
  81. ^ a b c Storm Data 1982, p. 12.
  82. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980192
  83. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980194
  84. ^ a b c Storm Data 1982, p. 28.
  85. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10119222
  86. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10119223
  87. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10119225
  88. ^ a b Storm Data 1982, p. 18.
  89. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10044428
  90. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9980195
  91. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10030260
  92. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10119227
  93. ^ a b c d e Storm Data 1982, p. 15.
  94. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10004553
  95. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10004555
  96. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10004554
  97. ^ a b c d Grazulis 1993, p. 1238.
  98. ^ a b Storm Data 1982, p. 20.
  99. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10062277
  100. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10062274
  101. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10062275
  102. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10062276
  103. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10062278
  104. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10004560
  105. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10004561
  106. ^ Storm Data 1982, p. 16.
  107. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10004562
  108. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10100142
  109. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10030270
  110. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10100145
  111. ^ Storm Data 1982, p. 14.
  112. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #9995961
  113. ^ Storm Data 1982, p. 27.
  114. ^ Storm Data Publication 1982, #10116382
  115. ^ Multiple sources:
  116. ^ Multiple sources:
  117. ^ Multiple sources:

Sources

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