1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale 2Time from first tornado to last tornado
The tornado outbreak of April 20–22, 1912 was a large tornado outbreak that affected portions of the High Plains, the Upper Midwest, and the Southern United States, including portions of what is now known as the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, from April 20–22, 1912. The severe-weather event produced at least 32 tornadoes, at least nine—and possibly 10 or more—of which were violent tornadoes, all of which rated F4 on the Fujita scale. Powerful tornado activity was distributed from the Great Plains to South Carolina. The first day of the outbreak occurred on April 20 and produced numerous strong to violent tornadoes across parts of North Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. A second day of intense tornadoes occurred on April 21, with several strong to violent tornadoes across Illinois and Indiana. The final day, April 22, produced an F4 tornado in Georgia as well. The entire outbreak killed 56 people, and was followed days later by another intense tornado outbreak on April 27. That outbreak killed about 40 people, mostly in Oklahoma. Both outbreaks produced a combined total of nine F4 tornadoes in Oklahoma alone.
The first of four strong tornadoes to hit North Texas on April 20 destroyed nine homes and a church as it passed through Alvord. The tornado then destroyed farms near "Audubon" and "Dan", scattering debris for miles around. It later struck 12 more barns and homes 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Rosston. 10 people were injured along the path.[1]
2 deaths – An intense tornado leveled entire farms near Rush Center and almost obliterated 12 farms in its path. Debris was reported 8 miles (13 km) from the destroyed farms. The tornado also destroyed or damaged approximately 50 homes in Bison, or about half of the town, with losses estimated at $70,000. An elderly farmer who dismissed the danger was killed with his daughter on a farm near Bison. 15 people were injured along the path.[1]
1 death – A tornado leveled a schoolhouse and two farms in its path. Students departed from the school only 15 minutes before the tornado arrived. The tornado resembled a large elephant's trunk as it passed just 15 mi (24 km) northwest of Oklahoma City.[2]
1 death – A powerful, widely-visible tornado caused devastation to six farms. It killed one person and caused five of eight injuries on one farm. The funnel may have reached F4 intensity as it passed between Waldron and Corwin.[2]
2 deaths – A very intense tornado swept away farms near Hennessey before entering town and causing some F4 damage in Hennessey. 15 homes were reported destroyed in Hennessey, with losses reaching approximately $100,000.[2] Some sources indicate that the tornado may have reached F5 intensity.[3][4]
3 deaths – A destructive tornado swept away 12 homes as it struck approximately 25 farms in its path. All three deaths occurred 10 miles (16 km) east of Perry.[2]
A tornado injured 14 people and damaged or destroyed about 50 buildings before ending as a downburst in Perry. One hotel lost its second story in Perry.[2]
2 deaths – A tornado damaged 20 homes and tore apart six others. Two children died, one each in different farm houses. The funnel briefly lifted while passing over Farmersville, but then touched down again northeast of town.[2]
4 deaths – One of two violent tornadoes to hit North Texas on April 20 leveled at least 10 farms and numerous barns, scattering debris for miles. The tornado also destroyed and blew away an iron bridge. The bodies of the victims were found 200 yards (600 ft) from their homesite.[2]
1 death – A huge, intense tornado swept away at least five farms in its path. It first passed just .5 miles (0.80 km) north of Roanoke, then moved directly through Flower Mound, killing a male child and severely injuring his family. The tornado maimed or killed much livestock, but its audibility allowed most people to seek shelter in time.[2]
April 21
List of confirmed tornadoes – April 21, 1912[nb 1]
This tornado produced near-F4 damage to two farmsites that were swept away north of Kinsman and Verona. The damage may have been F4 in intensity, but too few details were available to assign that rating. Most of the 37 injuries occurred in barns.[2]
A tornado unroofed, damaged, or destroyed barns on 15 farmsites. Its path passed just .5 mi (0.80 km) southeast of where an F4 tornado hit on May 18, 1883.[2][5]
5 deaths – Three people died in one family as their farmhouse was destroyed near Reddick. The tornado destroyed farm buildings east of Reddick. Two women died in a collapsed stone barn.[2]
9 deaths – This tornado swept away farms north of Pittwood and east of Donovan. Six people in one family (the family of future baseball Hall of Famer Sam Rice) and their hired hand died on one of the farms. A wood stove was moved .5 mi (0.80 km). Two children also died northwest of Morocco in Indiana.[2]
11 deaths – This tornado roughly paralleled the path of the 1925 Tri-State tornado. It touched down 3 mi (4.8 km) north of Murphysboro and moved east-northeast. The tornado leveled farms near Murphysboro, killing a person. Seven people died as frail homes were destroyed in Bush. There, damage to railroad property reached $25,000 and damage to mining property over $100,000 (1912 USD). Two people died as their farm was swept away 6 mi (9.7 km) north of Herrin.[2] Observers reported that the tornado divided into several parts as it moved along—a possible reference to multiple vortices.[6]
1 death – One person died at Pinkney City. The tornado damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes. One baby may have been transported 1 mi (1.6 km), unharmed.[7]
A tornado unroofed large homes and leveled small ones. Many farm animals were reported dead. The tornado passed 4 mi (6.4 km) north of Locust Grove.[7]
6 deaths – A large and intense tornado swept away 12 homes, carrying debris for miles around. Some of the deaths occurred in or near "Pitts Chapel." Survivors reportedly failed to even detect the tornado as it approached.[7]
