View source for Tornado outbreak of April 21–24, 1968

{{Short description|Weather event in the United States}}
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = Tornado outbreak of April 21–24, 1968
 | image                = 
 | alt                  = 
 | caption              = 
 | type                 = Tornado outbreak
 | active               = April 21–24, 1968
 | lowest pressure      = 
 | lowest temperature   = 
 | tornadoes            = 26 confirmed
 | fujitascale          = F5
 | tornado duration     = 3 days and 12 hours
 | highest winds        = 
 | hail                 = {{convert|5|in|cm|abbr=on|lk=on}} on April 23
 | gusts                = {{convert|59|kn|mi/h km/h|abbr=on|lk=on}} on April 23
 | maximum snow         = 
 | power outages        = 
 | fatalities           = 14 fatalities, 525 injuries
 | damages              = $47.433 million (1968 [[United States dollar|USD]]){{refn|group=nb|name=Losses|All losses are in 1968 USD unless otherwise noted.}}<br>${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|47,433,000|1968|r=-4}}}} ({{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
 | affected             = [[Midwestern United States|Midwestern]] and [[Southern United States]]
 | current advisories   = 
 | enhanced             = no
 | notes                = 
 | partof               = the '''[[Tornadoes of 1968|tornado outbreaks of 1968]]'''
}}
On April&nbsp;21–24, 1968, a deadly [[tornado outbreak]] struck portions of the [[Midwestern United States]], primarily along the [[Ohio River#Geography and hydrography|Ohio River Valley]]. The worst tornado was an [[List of F5 and EF5 tornadoes|F5]] that struck portions of [[Ohio|Southeastern Ohio]] from [[Wheelersburg, Ohio|Wheelersburg]] to [[Gallipolis, Ohio|Gallipolis]], just north of the Ohio–[[Kentucky]] state line, killing seven&nbsp;people and injuring at least 93. Another long-tracked violent tornado killed six&nbsp;people, injured 364&nbsp;others, and produced possible F5 damage as it tracked along the [[Ohio River#Cities and towns along the river|Ohio River]]. At least one&nbsp;other violent tornado caused an additional fatality and 33&nbsp;injuries in Ohio. In the end, at least 26&nbsp;tornadoes touched down, leaving 14&nbsp;dead, including five&nbsp;in Kentucky and nine&nbsp;in Ohio.{{refn|group=nb|name=Outbreak|An [[tornado outbreak|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 [[tornado outbreak sequence|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 [[Fujita scale#Rating classifications|significant]] (F2 or stronger) tornado.<ref name=OutbreakClimo>{{cite conference |url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/publications/schneider/otbrkseq.pdf |title=Tornado Outbreak Day Sequences: Historic Events and Climatology (1875-2003) |last1=Schneider |first1=Russell S. |last2=Brooks |first2=Harold E. |last3=Schaefer |first3=Joseph T. |author-link2=Harold E. Brooks |date=2004 |publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]] |location=[[Hyannis, Massachusetts]] |conference=22nd Conf. Severe Local Storms |conference-url=https://ams.confex.com/ams/11aram22sls/techprogram/programexpanded_230.htm |access-date=17 September 2019}}</ref>}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Fujita|The [[Fujita scale]] was devised under the aegis of scientist [[Ted Fujita|T. Theodore Fujita]] in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=141}}{{sfn|Grazulis|2001a|p=[https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz/page/131 131]}} While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the [[Enhanced Fujita scale]] in the U.S. since February&nbsp;1, 2007,<ref name="EFscale">{{cite web|last1=Edwards|first1=Roger|title=Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ef-scale.html|website=The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)|publisher=Storm Prediction Center|access-date=25 February 2016|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> [[Canada]] utilized the old scale until April&nbsp;1, 2013;<ref name="FscaleCanada">{{cite web |title=Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) |url=https://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=41E875DA-1 |website=Environment and Climate Change Canada |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220706/http://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=41E875DA-1 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> nations elsewhere, like the [[United Kingdom]], apply other classifications such as the [[TORRO scale]].<ref name="TORROscale">{{cite web|title=The International Tornado Intensity Scale |url=http://www.torro.org.uk/tscale.php |website=Tornado and Storm Research Organisation |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120332/http://www.torro.org.uk/tscale.php |archive-date=5 March 2016 |date=2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Count|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.{{sfn|Grazulis|2001a|pp=251–4}} Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.<ref name="TornadoClimaFAQ">{{cite web|last1=Edwards|first1=Roger|title=The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/#Climatology|website=Storm Prediction Center: Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes|publisher=[[Storm Prediction Center]]|access-date=25 February 2016|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> 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.{{sfn|Cook|Schaefer|2008|p=3135}}}}

==Background==
{{Empty section|date=January 2022}}
{{clear}}

==Impact==
{{Empty section|date=January 2022}}
{{clear}}

==Outbreak statistics==
{| class="wikitable"  style="float:left; margin:10px;"
|+Impacts by region
|-
!Region
!Locale
!Deaths
!Injuries
!Damages
!Source
|-
! rowspan="9" |United States
| rowspan="1" |[[Kansas]]
| 0 || 0 || {{nts|250,000|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEIKS">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=20%2CKANSAS Events Reported]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data|1968|p=27}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[Kentucky]]
| 5 || 378 || {{nts|28,025,000|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEIKY">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=21%2CKENTUCKY Events Reported]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data|1968|pp=28–9}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[Louisiana]]
| 0 || 0 || {{nts|2,500|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEILA">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=22%2CLOUISIANA Events Reported]}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[Michigan]]
| 0 || 13 || {{nts|5,275,000|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEIMI">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=26%2CMICHIGAN Events Reported]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data|1968|p=30}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[North Carolina]]
| 0 || 0 || {{nts|25,000|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEINC">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=37%2CNORTHCAROLINA Events Reported]}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[Ohio]]
| 9 || 131 || {{nts|13,275,000|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEIOH">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=39%2COHIO Events Reported]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data|1968|pp=33–4}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[Oklahoma]]
| 0 || 2 || {{nts|300,250|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEIOK">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=40%2COKLAHOMA Events Reported]}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[Tennessee]]
| 0 || 1 || {{nts|250,000|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEITN">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=47%2CTENNESSEE Events Reported]}}
</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" |[[Texas]]
| 0 || 0 || {{nts|30,000|prefix=$}} ||<ref name="NCEITX">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=48%2CTEXAS Events Reported]}}
</ref>
|-
! colspan="2" |Total
! colspan="" |14
! colspan="" |525
! colspan="" |{{nts|47,433,000|prefix=$}}
! colspan="" |<ref name="NCEITotal">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=1968&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=24&endDate_yyyy=1968&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL Events Reported]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data|1968}}
</ref>
|}
{{clear}}

==Confirmed tornadoes==
{{Tornado Chart | Total=26 | F0=3 | F1=10 | F2=8 | F3=2| F4=2 | F5=1 |Enhanced=no}}

===April&nbsp;21 event===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+ Confirmed tornadoes – Sunday, April 21, 1968{{refn|group=nb|name=Date/Time|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 [[Central Time Zone|CST/CDT]] for consistency.}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Width|Prior to 1994, only the average widths of tornado paths were officially listed.<ref name="Brooks">{{cite journal |last1=Brooks |first1=Harold E. |authorlink1=Harold E. Brooks |title=On the Relationship of Tornado Path Length and Width to Intensity |journal=[[Weather and Forecasting]] |date=April 2004 |volume=19 |issue=2 |page=310 |doi=10.1175/1520-0434(2004)019<0310:OTROTP>2.0.CO;2 |publisher=American Meteorological Society |location=[[Boston]]|bibcode=2004WtFor..19..310B |doi-access=free }}</ref>}}
! scope="col"  style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|[[Fujita scale|F#]]
! scope="col"  style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish
! scope="col"  style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Start<br>{{abbr|coord.|Coordinates}}
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]])
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|{{abbr|Max.|Maximum}} width
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|NE of [[Cedar Valley, Oklahoma|Cedar Valley]]
|[[Logan County, Oklahoma|Logan]]
|[[Oklahoma|OK]]
|{{coord|35.88|-97.53|name=Cedar Valley (April&nbsp;21, F1)}}
|10:00–?
|{{convert|0.2|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado partially unroofed a home and tore its porch loose. Walls were damaged as well. The home itself shifted somewhat on its foundation. Tornado also wrenched a tree from the soil and felled it. Fencing and barbed wire were torn apart as well. A {{convert|2|by|4|in|mm|adj=mid|lk=on}} [[lumber#Dimensional lumber|board]] lodged itself into the ground and could not be removed. Losses totaled $25,000.<ref name="LoganOKF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10094693 #10094693]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=36}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|SW of [[Medicine Lodge, Kansas|Medicine Lodge]] to E of [[Nashville, Kansas|Nashville]]<!-- Per ''Storm Data'' publication -->
|[[Barber County, Kansas|Barber]]<!-- Per ''Storm Data'' publication -->, [[Kingman County, Kansas|Kingman]]
|[[Kansas|KS]]
|{{coord|37.40|-98.40|name=Medicine Lodge (April&nbsp;20, F2)}}<!-- Coordinates are incorrect per description in ''Storm Data'' -->
|21:00–22:10
|{{convert|30.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|33|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Damage was intermittent along the path. A trailer, post office, farmhouse, and barns were destroyed or damaged. Losses totaled $250,000. NCEI lists the path as starting south-southeast of Nashville and ending east-southeast of [[Varner, Kansas|Varner]], or west-northwest of [[Waterloo, Kansas|Waterloo]].<ref name="KingmanKSF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10024841 #10024841]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=27}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|NW of [[Roxana, Oklahoma|Roxana]]
|[[Kingfisher County, Oklahoma|Kingfisher]]
|[[Oklahoma|OK]]
|{{coord|36.15|-97.72|name=Roxana (April&nbsp;20, F1)}}
|23:20–23:45
|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|33|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado west of [[Marshall, Oklahoma|Marshall]] tore a tin roof off a barn and damaged trees. Losses totaled $250.<ref name="KingfisherOKF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10094697 #10094697]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=36}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|SW of [[Shawnee, Texas|Shawnee]]
|[[Angelina County, Texas|Angelina]]
|[[Texas|TX]]
|{{coord|31.20|-94.52|name=Shawnee (April&nbsp;20, F2)}}
|02:00–?
|{{convert|1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|17|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado blew a [[Concrete masonry unit#United States|CBS]]-type home off its foundation, damaged a barn, and tore roofing shingles off several houses. Tornado also smashed windows and tore screens loose. {{convert|3/4|in|cm|adj=mid|-diameter}} hail attended the parent storm. Losses totaled $2,500. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.<ref name="AngelinaTXF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10133586 #10133586]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=39}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|}

===April&nbsp;22 event===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+ Confirmed tornadoes – Monday, April 22, 1968{{refn|group=nb|name=Date/Time}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Width}}
! scope="col"  style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|[[Fujita scale|F#]]
! scope="col"  style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish
! scope="col"  style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Start<br>{{abbr|coord.|Coordinates}}
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]])
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|{{abbr|Max.|Maximum}} width
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|storm}} | F0
|SW of [[Aspermont, Texas|Aspermont]]
|[[Stonewall County, Texas|Stonewall]]
|[[Texas|TX]]
|{{coord|33.08|-100.28|name=Aspermont (April&nbsp;22, F0)}}
|07:00–07:30
|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|33|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado touched down over open farmland. Losses were unknown.<ref name="StonewallTXF0">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10133588 #10133588]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=39}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|SW of [[Ponder, Texas|Ponder]]
|[[Denton County, Texas|Denton]]
|[[Texas|TX]]
|{{coord|33.17|-97.30|name=Ponder (April&nbsp;22, F1)}}
|12:40–?
|{{convert|1.5|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|20|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado damaged three barns, sheared off a large [[pecan]] tree, and downed utility poles and fences. A house shifted on its foundation and sustained broken windows as well. Losses totaled $2,500.<ref name="DentonTXF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10133589 #10133589]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=39}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|NNW of [[Rhea Mills, Texas|Rhea Mills]]<!-- Per ''Storm Data'' publication -->
|[[Collin County, Texas|Collin]]
|[[Texas|TX]]
|{{coord|33.28|-96.73|name=Rhea Mills (April&nbsp;22, F1)}}
|13:50–?
|{{convert|0.5|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|17|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado southeast of [[Celina, Texas|Celina]] struck at a point {{convert|9|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of [[McKinney, Texas|McKinney]] and reportedly affected two communities, [[Chambersville, Texas|Chambersville]] and "Rollins". Tornado ripped off a porch and part of a roof from a farmhouse. A few nearby barns were also unroofed. [[High tension leads|High tension]] power lines were downed as well. Losses totaled $25,000.<ref name="CollinTXF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10133590 #10133590]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=39}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|Southwestern [[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth]]
|[[Tarrant County, Texas|Tarrant]]
|[[Texas|TX]]
|{{coord|32.67|-97.42|name=Fort Worth (April&nbsp;22, F1)}}
|17:08–17:15
|{{convert|0.3|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|20|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado reported east of [[Benbrook, Texas|Benbrook]]. Losses were unknown.<ref name="TarrantTXF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10133594 #10133594]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=39}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|storm}} | F0
|SE of [[Hobart, Oklahoma|Hobart]]
|[[Kiowa County, Oklahoma|Kiowa]]
|[[Oklahoma|OK]]
|{{coord|35.02|-99.08|name=Hobart (April&nbsp;22, F0)}}
|20:00–20:27
|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|33|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado reported. Losses were unknown.<ref name="KiowaOKF0">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10094702 #10094702]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=36}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|Southern [[Midwest City, Oklahoma|Midwest City]]
|[[Oklahoma County, Oklahoma|Oklahoma]]
|[[Oklahoma|OK]]
|{{coord|35.43|-97.40|name=Midwest City (April&nbsp;22, F2)}}
|21:50–?
|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|17|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado destroyed two [[hangar]]s at [[Tinker Air Force Base]]. Tornado then struck a nearby automobile dealership, unroofing the showroom and showering parked cars with debris. Windows, signage, a car wash, and a used-car lot also incurred damage. A {{convert|2|by|12|in|cm|adj=on}} rafter traveled {{convert|800|ft|yd|abbr=on}} and pierced a windshield. One person was injured and losses totaled $250,000.<ref name="OklahomaOKF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10094711 #10094711]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|pp=36–7}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|Northwestern [[Wilburton, Oklahoma|Wilburton]]
|[[Latimer County, Oklahoma|Latimer]]
|[[Oklahoma|OK]]
|{{coord|34.92|-95.35|name=Wilburton (April&nbsp;22, F1)}}
|23:40–?
|{{convert|3.3|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|67|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado damaged or destroyed 11 homes, a barn, and three mobile homes. Power lines and trees were downed as well. One person was injured and losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.<ref name="LatimerOKF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10093564 #10093564]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=37}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|}

===April&nbsp;23 event===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+ Confirmed tornadoes – Tuesday, April 23, 1968{{refn|group=nb|name=Date/Time}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Width}}
! scope="col"  style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|[[Fujita scale|F#]]
! scope="col"  style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish
! scope="col"  style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Start<br>{{abbr|coord.|Coordinates}}
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]])
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|{{abbr|Max.|Maximum}} width
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|[[Woodbridge Township, Michigan#Communities|Frontier]] to NNE of [[Pittsford, Michigan|Pittsford]]
|[[Hillsdale County, Michigan|Hillsdale]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|{{coord|41.78|-84.60|name=Frontier (April&nbsp;23, F1)}}
|17:50–?
|{{convert|9.3|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado damaged 54 cottages and homes. One person was injured and losses totaled $250,000.<ref name="HillsdaleMIF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10040713 #10040713]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=30}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|SW of [[Falmouth, Kentucky|Falmouth, KY]] to WNW of [[Mule Town, Ohio|Mule Town, OH]]
|[[Pendleton County, Kentucky|Pendleton (KY)]], [[Bracken County, Kentucky|Bracken (KY)]], [[Mason County, Kentucky|Mason (KY)]]<!-- Track passed through Mason County -->, [[Brown County, Ohio|Brown (OH)]], [[Adams County, Ohio|Adams (OH)]], [[Scioto County, Ohio|Scioto (OH)]]<!-- Endpoints are in Scioto County -->
|[[Kentucky|KY]], [[Ohio|OH]]
|{{coord|38.67|-84.37|name=Falmouth (April&nbsp;23, F4)}}<!-- Coordinates are somewhat incorrect, as ''Storm Data'' indicates tornado touched down southwest of Falmouth instead -->
|18:41–?
|{{convert|78.7|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|550|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|6 deaths – [[#Falmouth–Berlin–Bladeston–Chatham–Dover, Kentucky/Ripley–Decatur–Otway, Ohio|See section on this tornado]] – May have been a [[tornado family|family]] of two or three tornadoes and reached F5 intensity at one or more locations. 364 people were injured.<ref name="PendletonKYF4">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10038065 #10038065]}}</ref><ref name="BrackenKYF4">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033531 #10033531]}}</ref><ref name="MasonKYF4">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033539 #10033539]}}</ref><ref name="BrownOHF4">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083175 #10083175]}}</ref><ref name="AdamsOHF4">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083176 #10083176]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=28}}{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=34}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}<ref name="LMKTorlist">{{cite web |title=Tornadoes of 1968 |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/tornado_climatology_1968 |website=Louisville, KY [[List of National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices|Weather Forecast Office]] |publisher=[[National Weather Service]] |access-date=3 May 2021 |location=[[Louisville, Kentucky]]}}</ref>
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|[[Big Rapids, Michigan|Big Rapids]] to E of [[Marion, Michigan|Marion]]<!-- Per ''Storm Data'' publication -->
|[[Mecosta County, Michigan|Mecosta]], [[Osceola County, Michigan|Osceola]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|{{coord|43.70|-85.48|name=Big Rapids (April&nbsp;23, F3)}}<!-- Endpoint for latitude clearly should read 44.10 instead of 43.10, based on description in ''Storm Data'' -->
|18:53–?
|{{convert|60.9|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado family struck the town of Big Rapids. A total of 25 homes and businesses were damaged, causing $500,000 in damage. One home lost its roof and two walls, and several cottages were leveled. Four homes were torn apart east of [[Green Charter Township, Michigan#Communities|Paris]] as well, and extensive damage occurred just east of Marion. 11 people were injured and losses totaled $5 million. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.<ref name="MecostaMIF3">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10040714 #10040714]}}</ref><ref name="OsceolaMIF3">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10040715 #10040715]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=30}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|W of [[Glen Este, Ohio|Glen Este]] to E of [[Westboro, Ohio|Westboro]]
|[[Clermont County, Ohio|Clermont]], [[Brown County, Ohio|Brown]], [[Clinton County, Ohio|Clinton]]
|[[Ohio|OH]]
|{{coord|39.10|-84.27|name=Glen Este (April&nbsp;23, F4)}}
|18:56–?
|{{convert|24.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|300|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|1 death – Large tornado, proceeding at {{convert|45|to|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, passed through or near Glen Este, [[Willowville, Ohio|Willowville]], [[Perintown, Ohio|Perintown]], and [[Newtonsville, Ohio|Newtonsville]]. It destroyed 35 homes, 50 barns, and one house trailer. The tornado attained a peak width of {{convert|1000|yd|mi km|abbr=on}} near Newtonsville. 33 people were injured and losses totaled $7.5 million.<ref name="ClermontOHF4">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083172 #10083172]}}</ref><ref name="BrownOHF4b">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083174 #10083174]}}</ref><ref name="ClintonOHF4">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083177 #10083177]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=33}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|SE of [[Fayette, Ohio|Fayette]]<!-- Per ''Storm Data'' publication -->
|[[Fulton County, Ohio|Fulton]]
|[[Ohio|OH]]
|{{coord|41.70|-84.30|name=Fayette (April&nbsp;23, F1)}}
|19:15–?
|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Trees, power lines, and roofing were damaged. Losses totaled $25,000.<ref name="FultonOHF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083173 #10083173]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=33}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|storm}} | F0
|Western [[Livonia, Michigan|Livonia]]
|[[Wayne County, Michigan|Wayne]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|{{coord|42.37|-83.42|name=Livonia (April&nbsp;23, F0)}}
|19:30–?
|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|20|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|One person was injured and losses totaled $25,000.<ref name="WayneMIF0">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10040716 #10040716]}}</ref>
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|ENE of [[Chatham, Kentucky|Chatham]] to [[Dover, Kentucky|Dover]]<!-- Per description in ''Storm Data'', tornado continued on to Dover -->
|[[Bracken County, Kentucky|Bracken]], [[Mason County, Kentucky|Mason]]<!-- ''Storm Data'' narrative includes Mason County -->
|[[Kentucky|KY]]
|{{coord|38.72|-84.00|name=Chatham (April&nbsp;23, F2)}}
|19:30–?
|≥{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|33|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Secondary tornado struck the same counties already hit by the previous F4. Barns were destroyed in Bracken County. Losses totaled $30. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.<ref name="BrackenKYF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033540 #10033540]}}</ref>{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|N of [[Fursville, Ohio|Fursville]] to NE of [[Alexandria, Ohio|Alexandria]]
|[[Licking County, Ohio|Licking]]
|[[Ohio|OH]]
|{{coord|40.02|-82.72|name=Fursville (April&nbsp;23, F1)}}
|20:30–?
|{{convert|8.2|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado formed northwest of [[Columbia Center, Ohio|Columbia Center]], south of [[Jersey, Ohio|Jersey]], and bypassed [[Pataskala, Ohio|Pataskala]]. Barns and other outbuildings were extensively damaged or destroyed. A school was partly unroofed and other structures incurred damage to their roofs as well. Losses totaled $250,000.<ref name="LickingOHF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083183 #10083183]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=34}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|SE of [[Harrison Furnace, Ohio|Harrison Furnace]] to NNW of [[Pinkerman, Ohio|Pinkerman]]
|[[Scioto County, Ohio|Scioto]]
|[[Ohio|OH]]
|{{coord|38.82|-82.87|name=Harrison Furnace (April&nbsp;23, F2)}}
|20:30–?
|{{convert|4.9|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado passed south of [[Minford, Ohio|Minford]] and struck the [[Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport]], which was known as Scioto County Airport at the time. 12 aircraft were destroyed or damaged at the airport. One man was severely injured when a [[Concrete masonry unit#Uses|CBS]]-type barn collapsed. Several outbuildings and homes were damaged or destroyed as well. Losses totaled $250,000.<ref name="SciotoOHF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083184 #10083184]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=34}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat1}} | F1
|Southern [[Smithville, Tennessee|Smithville]]
|[[DeKalb County, Tennessee|DeKalb]]
|[[Tennessee|TN]]
|{{coord|35.95|-85.82|name=Smithville (April&nbsp;23, F1)}}
|20:58–?
|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|3|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado struck the Miller Heights subdivision in Smithville, unroofing and tearing apart a home. Numerous other structures and three trailers were destroyed or damaged as well. One person was injured and losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.<ref name="DeKalbTNF1">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10124215 #10124215]}}</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=38}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat5}} | F5
|SSE of [[South Shore, Kentucky|South Shore]] to [[Wheelersburg, Ohio|Wheelersburg]] to [[Gallipolis, Ohio|Gallipolis]]
|[[Greenup County, Kentucky|Greenup]], [[Scioto County, Ohio|Scioto]], [[Lawrence County, Ohio|Lawrence]], [[Gallia County, Ohio|Gallia]]
|[[Kentucky|KY]], [[Ohio|OH]]
|{{coord|38.70|-82.80|name=Wheelersburg (April&nbsp;23, F5)}}<!-- Coordinates are incorrect, per narrations in ''Storm Data'' and Grazulis -->
|21:05–?
|{{convert|43|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|400|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|7 deaths – [[#South Shore, Kentucky/Wheelersburg–Lyra–Buckhorn–Cadmus–Centenary–Gallipolis, Ohio|See section on this tornado]] – Rating disputed. 93 people were injured.<ref name="SciotoOHF5">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083187 #10083187]}}</ref><ref name="LawrenceOHF5">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083189 #10083189]}}</ref><ref name="GalliaOHF5">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083190 #10083190]}}</ref>
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|NNE of [[Lyons Point, Louisiana|Lyons Point]]<!-- Per ''Storm Data'' tornado occurred closest to Lyons Point -->
|[[Acadia Parish, Louisiana|Acadia]]
|[[Louisiana|LA]]
|{{coord|30.13|-92.35|name=Lyons Point (April&nbsp;23, F2)}}
|22:00–?
|{{convert|1|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|67|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado occurred south of [[Crowley, Louisiana|Crowley]]. One barn was destroyed, a second barn was damaged, and a house trailer was overturned. Losses totaled $2,500. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger. NCEI lists the touchdown as southwest of [[Ebenezer, Louisiana|Ebenezer]].<ref name="Crowley">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033104 #10033104]}}</ref>{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|pp=1096–7}}
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|Southern [[Nicholasville, Kentucky|Nicholasville]] to WNW of [[Union Mills, Kentucky|Union Mills]]
|[[Jessamine County, Kentucky|Jessamine]]
|[[Kentucky|KY]]
|{{coord|37.87|-84.58|name=Nicholasville (April&nbsp;23, F2)}}
|22:34–?
|{{convert|3.3|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|60|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Several homes sustained roof damage and one lost its roof entirely. Another home shifted off its foundation. A barn was obliterated and scattered over {{convert|60|to|70|acre|ha|abbr=on|lk=on}}. Three people were injured and losses totaled $250,000. Grazulis listed six injuries.<ref name="JessamineKYF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033556 #10033556]}}</ref><ref name="LMKTorlist" />{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1097}}
|}

===April&nbsp;24 event===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+ Confirmed tornadoes – Wednesday, April 24, 1968{{refn|group=nb|name=Date/Time}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Width}}
! scope="col"  style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|[[Fujita scale|F#]]
! scope="col"  style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish
! scope="col"  style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State
! scope="col" text-align:center;"|Start<br>{{abbr|coord.|Coordinates}}
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]])
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|{{abbr|Max.|Maximum}} width
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|SSW of [[Bayview, North Carolina|Bayview]]
|[[Beaufort County, North Carolina|Beaufort]]
|[[North Carolina|NC]]
|{{coord|35.42|-76.8|name=Bayview (April&nbsp;24, F2)}}
|22:00–?
|{{convert|2|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Intermittent, localized damage affected three separate points. Various outbuildings, barns, and a dwelling were destroyed or damaged. Tornado also twisted apart {{convert|2|ft|cm m|adj=mid|-diameter}} trees. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.<ref name="BeaufortNCF2">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10087458 #10087458]}}</ref>{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1097}}
|}
{{clear}}

===Falmouth–Berlin–Bladeston–Chatham–Dover, Kentucky/Ripley–Decatur–Otway, Ohio===
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Falmouth–Berlin–Bladeston–Chatham–Dover, Kentucky/Ripley–Decatur–Otway, Ohio
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| fujita-scale = F4
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1968
| deaths = 6
| injuries = 364
| damages = $27,775,250
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}
This destructive, long-tracked, intense tornado began {{convert|1 + 1/2|to|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Falmouth, Kentucky]], and tracked generally eastward or east-northeastward into town at approximately 3:45&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|EDT]] (19:45&nbsp;UTC). The tornado passed just southeast of the [[business district]], its parent [[supercell]] attended by [[grapefruit]]-sized [[hail|hailstones]]. The tornado damaged 380&nbsp;homes in Falmouth and 40% of the town itself. 280&nbsp;homes in Falmouth were described as having been either destroyed or sustained major damage. Four&nbsp;fatalities and 350&nbsp;injuries occurred in [[Pendleton County, Kentucky]], primarily in and near Falmouth. Crossing into Bracken County, the tornado caused additional damage in or near the communities of [[Berlin, Kentucky|Berlin]], [[Bladeston, Kentucky|Bladeston]], and [[Chatham, Kentucky|Chatham]]. Across Bracken County about 70&nbsp;homes were destroyed or damaged and 175&nbsp;barns were destroyed. One&nbsp;fatality was reported outside [[Augusta, Kentucky|Augusta]], and eight&nbsp;other people were injured in Bracken County. Entering Mason County, the tornado devastated [[Dover, Kentucky|Dover]] at 4:15&nbsp;p.m. EDT (20:15&nbsp;UTC), severely damaging 115&nbsp;of 127&nbsp;houses there. Six&nbsp;trailers and churches were destroyed and three&nbsp;businesses were damaged as well. Eyewitnesses in Dover reported two&nbsp;or three&nbsp;[[funnel cloud]]s during the passage of the primary tornado. Two&nbsp;injuries occurred in Mason County. In Kentucky the tornado left 500&nbsp;to 700&nbsp;people homeless.

The tornado then crossed into Brown County, Ohio, south of [[Levanna, Ohio|Levanna]] and struck [[Ripley, Ohio|Ripley]], where 30&nbsp;homes were damaged, 40&nbsp;barns were destroyed, and a tobacco warehouse and a shoe plant were badly damaged. Local reports suggested two&nbsp;separate tornado tracks in the area, one north of Ripley and another through town. One&nbsp;fatality occurred about {{convert|3|mi|km|abbr=on}} north of Ripley. The main tornado, moving east-northeastward at about {{convert|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, then continued through Brown County, destroying 17&nbsp;barns near [[Decatur, Ohio|Decatur]], before moving through Adams County, where 25&nbsp;homes and barns were damaged or destroyed and four&nbsp;trailer homes were destroyed. Final reports of damage occurred near [[Otway, Ohio|Otway]] and Lucasville in Scioto County. Four&nbsp;people were injured in Brown County. The tornado occasionally lifted as it dipped into valleys but mostly remained on the ground, though it may have been a [[tornado family]]. It produced high-end F4 damage and may have been an F5 like the Wheelersburg–Gallipolis event, but is officially rated F4. In all, the tornado injured 364&nbsp;people and caused $27,775,250 in losses.<ref name="FalmouthList">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10038065 #10038065]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033531 #10033531]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033539 #10033539]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083175 #10083175]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083176 #10083176]}}
*{{cite web |title=Tornadoes of 1968 |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/tornado_climatology_1968 |website=Louisville, KY [[List of National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices|Weather Forecast Office]] |publisher=[[National Weather Service]] |access-date=3 May 2021 |location=[[Louisville, Kentucky]]}}
</ref>{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=28}}{{sfn|Storm Data|1968|p=34}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|p=1096}}
{{clear}}

===South Shore, Kentucky/Wheelersburg–Lyra–Buckhorn–Cadmus–Centenary–Gallipolis, Ohio===
{{Infobox weather event
| name = South Shore, Kentucky/Wheelersburg–Lyra–Buckhorn–Cadmus–Centenary–Gallipolis, Ohio
| formed = {{circa|5:00 p.m.}}<br>April 23, 1968
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| winds = >{{convert|261|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
| fujita-scale = F5
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1968
| fatalities = 7
| injuries = 93
| damages = $2,750,030
| affected = South Shore, KY to Wheelersburg and Gallipolis, Ohio
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}

At around 5:00&nbsp;p.m. EDT (21:00&nbsp;UTC), the deadliest tornado of the outbreak touched down in the South Shore, Kentucky area where it caused F3 level damage to multiple homes and trees. The tornado crossed the Ohio River into Ohio; while doing so, the tornado struck a freight train stationed beside the river, toppling 10&nbsp;empty coal-[[hopper car|hopper]]s, one of which it lifted {{convert|100|ft|m yd|abbr=on}}. The tornado then affected a combined trucking terminal and garage, a transfer company, a farm supplier, and seven&nbsp;homes at the foot of a hillside. One&nbsp;of the homes was swept from its foundation. Cars were tossed from [[U.S. Route 52 in Ohio|US 52]] as well. The tornado missed downtown Wheelersburg, but peripheral winds downed tree limbs in town, and a number of homes incurred damage as well. Outside Wheelersburg proper, the tornado intensified as it struck the Dogwood Ridge subdivision, causing F5&nbsp;damage there. Of the 550&nbsp;homes reportedly destroyed or damaged around Wheelersburg, most were located in the Dogwood Ridge area, approximately {{convert|4|mi|km|abbr=on}} east-northeast of town. All&nbsp;known fatalities and 75&nbsp;injuries occurred in this area. A greenhouse was destroyed and a furniture company had its roof torn off. A large metal power line truss tower was ripped off at the base and thrown by the tornado. Wheelersburg Cemetery was damaged as well.

Meteorological reports suggested that the tornado weakened after passing Dogwood Ridge and only traveled {{convert|4|to|5|mi|km|abbr=on}} in Ohio before dissipating. However, official records indicate that the storm moved east into [[Lawrence County, Ohio|Lawrence]] and [[Gallia County, Ohio|Gallia]] counties and affected areas near and around the communities of [[Lyra, Ohio|Lyra]], [[Buckhorn, Ohio|Buckhorn]], [[Cadmus, Ohio|Cadmus]], [[Centenary, Ohio|Centenary]], and [[Gallipolis, Ohio|Gallipolis]], where the tornado dissipated {{convert|34|mi|km|abbr=on}} after its initial touchdown. One&nbsp;injury occurred in Lawrence County and 17&nbsp;more in Gallia County. The tornado caused damage in the Gallipolis area before dissipating, where six&nbsp;house trailers, eight&nbsp;homes, and four&nbsp;farm buildings were destroyed. 15&nbsp;buildings were damaged at the Gallipolis State Institute. In all, the tornado killed seven people, injured 93&nbsp;others, and caused at least $2,750,030&nbsp;in damage (1968 [[United States dollar|USD]]), approximately $2&nbsp;million of which occurred in Scioto County alone. Approximately 69&nbsp;homes and 28&nbsp;other buildings were destroyed and another 476&nbsp;structures were damaged. Then-[[Governor of Ohio|Governor]] of Ohio [[Jim Rhodes]] called in the [[National Guard (United States)|National Guard]] to assist the rescue and cleanup efforts. The F5&nbsp;rating is disputed due to the fact that the homes that were swept away were not properly anchored to their foundations. Some National Weather Service records show that the tornado began with F3-level damage in [[Greenup County, Kentucky]], making its track {{convert|43|mi|km|abbr=on}} in length. This was the first [[List of F5 and EF5 tornadoes#Official F5/EF5/T10+ tornadoes|official F5]]&nbsp;tornado in Ohio since tornado records began in 1950. Other F5 tornadoes in Ohio took place in [[Cincinnati]] and [[Xenia, Ohio|Xenia]] (near [[Dayton, Ohio|Dayton]]) on [[1974 Super Outbreak|April 3, 1974]], and in [[Niles, Ohio|Niles]] near [[Youngstown, Ohio|Youngstown]] and [[Warren, Ohio|Warren]] on [[1985 United States–Canada tornado outbreak|May 31, 1985]].<ref name="WheelersburgList">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083187 #10083187]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083189 #10083189]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10083190 #10083190]}}
*{{cite web |title=Wheelersburg Tornado 102 |url=http://sciotoville.org/Photos/WheelersburgTornado/wheelersburgtornado102.html |website=Sciotoville.org |access-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029230024/http://sciotoville.org/Photos/WheelersburgTornado/wheelersburgtornado102.html |archive-date=29 October 2013}}
*{{cite web |title=Wheelersburg Tornado |url=http://www.sciotoville.org/Photos/WheelersburgTornado/index.html |website=Sciotoville.org |access-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031083705/http://www.sciotoville.org/Photos/WheelersburgTornado/index.html |archive-date=31 October 2013}}
*{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=L. W. |title=Six Die as Tornado Hits Area |work=Portsmouth Daily Times |volume=117 |issue=28 |date=April 24, 1968 |location=Portsmouth, Ohio}}
*{{cite news |last1=Mathews |first1=Don |title=8 Killed in Ohio Tornado |work=[[The Columbus Dispatch|Columbus Evening Dispatch]] |agency=Staff |volume=97 |issue=299 |date=April 24, 1968 |location=[[Wheelersburg, Ohio]] |publication-place=[[Columbus, Ohio]]}}
*{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Russ |title='Grey Fog' Swirled Up the River |work=[[The Herald-Dispatch]] |agency=Staff |volume=68 |issue=97 |date=April 24, 1968 |location=[[Ashland, Kentucky]]}}
*{{cite news |title=Many Homes Demolished; Guard Called |work=The Herald-Dispatch |agency=Staff |volume=68 |issue=97 |date=April 24, 1968 |location=Wheelersburg, Ohio |publication-place=Ashland, Kentucky}}
*{{cite news |title=Warning Preceded Tornado, Public Unsure of Meaning |work=The Herald-Dispatch |agency=Staff |volume=68 |issue=97 |date=April 24, 1968 |location=Ashland, Kentucky}}
*{{cite web |title=Tornado Devastates Scioto County April 23, 1968 |url=http://www.minford.k12.oh.us/mhs/history/PortsmouthHistory/tornado.html |website=Portsmouth History |publisher=[[Minford High School]] |access-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040829235737/http://www.minford.k12.oh.us/mhs/history/PortsmouthHistory/tornado.html |archive-date=29 August 2004 |location=[[Minford, Ohio]]}}
*{{cite web|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|year=2013|access-date=June 25, 2013|title=F5 and EF5 Tornadoes of the United States|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/f5torns.html}}
</ref>{{sfn|Lott|McCown|Ross|2000|p=14}}{{sfn|Grazulis|1993|pp=1096–7}}{{sfn|Grazulis|2001b|p=24}}
{{clear}}

==Non-tornadic effects==
[[Hail]] of up to {{convert|5|in|cm|abbr=on}} in diameter piled {{convert|1|ft|m|abbr=on}} high near [[Baxter, Kentucky|Baxter]], [[Harlan County, Kentucky]], on April&nbsp;23.<ref name="NCEIHail">Multiple sources:
*{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10033536 #10033536]}}
*{{harvnb|Storm Data|1968|p=40}}
</ref> [[Severe thunderstorm warning|Severe thunderstorm]] winds gusted to {{convert|59|kn|mi/h km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Wayne County, Michigan]], on April&nbsp;23.<ref name="NCEIWind">{{harvnb|Storm Data Publication|1968|loc=[https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10040718 #10040718]}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Aftermath and recovery==
{{Empty section|date=January 2022}}
{{clear}}

==See also==
*[[List of tornadoes and tornado outbreaks]]
**[[List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Sources==
*{{cite journal |last1=Brooks |first1=Harold E. |author-link1=Harold E. Brooks |title=On the Relationship of Tornado Path Length and Width to Intensity |journal=[[Weather and Forecasting]] |date=April 2004 |volume=19 |issue=2 |pages=310–19 |doi=10.1175/1520-0434(2004)019<0310:OTROTP>2.0.CO;2 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2004WtFor..19..310B }}
*{{cite journal|last1=Cook|first1=A. R.|last2=Schaefer|first2=J. T. |title=The Relation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to Winter Tornado Outbreaks|journal=[[Monthly Weather Review]] |date=August 2008|volume=136|issue=8|page=3135|doi=10.1175/2007MWR2171.1 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2008MWRv..136.3121C}}
*{{cite book |last1=Grazulis |first1=Thomas P. |title=Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events |date=July 1993 |publisher=The Tornado Project of Environmental Films |location=St. Johnsbury, Vermont |isbn=1-879362-03-1 }}
*{{cite book|last1=Grazulis|first1=Thomas P.|title=The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm|url=https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz|url-access=registration|date=2001a|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|location=Norman, Oklahoma|isbn=978-0-8061-3538-0}}
*{{Cite book|last=Grazulis|first=Thomas P. |title=F5-F6 Tornadoes|publisher=The Tornado Project of Environmental Films|year=2001b |location=St. Johnsbury, Vermont}}
*{{cite journal |ref={{harvid|Storm Data|1968}} |author=National Weather Service |title=Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena |journal=Storm Data |date=April 1968 |volume=10 |issue=4 |publisher=National Climatic Data Center |location=Asheville, North Carolina|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/sd/sd.html}}
*{{cite report|ref={{harvid|Storm Data Publication|1968}}|author=National Weather Service|date=April 1968 |title=Storm Data Publication|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|via=Storm Events Database}}
*{{cite tech report |first=Lott |last=Neal |author2=Sam McCown |author3=Tom Ross |title=1998-1999 Tornadoes and a Long-Term U.S. Tornado Climatology |series=National Climatic Data Center Technical Report |number=99-02 |institution=[[National Climatic Data Center]] |orig-year=1999 |date=August 2000 |url=https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/techrpts/tr9902/tr9902.pdf |location=Asheville, North Carolina |ref={{harvid|Lott|McCown|Ross|2000}}}}
{{F5 and EF5 tornadoes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1968-04-24 Tornado Outbreak, Wheelersburg, Ohio}}
[[Category:F5 tornadoes]]
[[Category:Tornadoes of 1968]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Michigan]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Ohio]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Louisiana]]
[[Category:1968 natural disasters in the United States|Wheelersburg, Ohio Tornado Outbreak, 04-24]]
[[Category:1968 in Ohio|04-24 Tornado Outbreak, Wheelersburg]]
[[Category:1968 in Kentucky|04-24 Tornado Outbreak, Wheelersburg, Ohio]]
[[Category:April 1968 events in the United States|Tornado Outbreak, Wheelersburg, Ohio, 24]]