Tornado outbreak | |
---|---|
Tornadoes | ≥ 28 |
Maximum rating | F5 tornado |
Duration | March 16–17, 1942 |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 149 |
Injuries | ≥ 1,312 |
Damage | $5.25 million (1942
USD)
[nb 1] $97.9 million (2024 USD) |
Areas affected | Central and Southern United States |
Part of the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1942 |
On March 16–17, 1942, a deadly late-winter tornado outbreak struck a large area of the Central and Southern United States. The tornado outbreak killed 149 people and injured at least 1,312. At least five states reported violent tornadoes, from Illinois and Indiana south to Mississippi, beginning with an F4 tornado in the morning in Illinois. Intense activity spread south to the Gulf Coast and north to the Michigan–Indiana border as the day went on. Seven violent tornadoes were reported, one of which was a powerful F5 in Illinois. A long-tracked F4 tornado family in Mississippi claimed 63 lives as well, becoming the deadliest tornado of the outbreak. Another long-lived F4 in Tennessee killed 15 more people, and a series of intense tornadoes caused 23 other deaths in Kentucky. The outbreak also produced 18 tornadoes that caused at least one death, one of the highest such totals for a single outbreak. [1] [nb 2] [nb 3] [nb 4]
Date | Total | Fujita scale rating | Deaths | Injuries | Damage [nb 1] | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | ||||||
March 16 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 149 | 1,304 | $5,195,000 | [11] [12] |
March 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | $25,000 | [11] [12] |
Total | 28 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 149 | 1,312 | $5,250,000 | [11] [12] |
FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 6 | 1 | ≥ 28 |
"FU" denotes confirmed but unrated tornadoes. |
F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Time ( UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Damage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F3 | SW of Okarche to E of Kingfisher | Canadian, Kingfisher | OK | 05:10–? | 12 mi (19 km) | 500 yd (460 m) | $30,000 |
The first tornado of the outbreak attained a peak width of up to 1 mi (1.6 km). The tornado first struck Okarche and caused minor damage in town, but did most of its damage to several rural farmsteads. In the countryside, the tornado destroyed many barns and a home, and killed hundreds of farm animals. The tornado severely injured one person, but did not cause any deaths. Total losses reached $30,000. [14] [15] | |||||||
F4 | W of Ivesdale to NE of Alvin | Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion | IL | 16:30–17:45 | 60 mi (97 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $300,000 |
12 deaths — This violent tornado either originated as or was related to a separate tornado that developed near Bement. It moved northeast at about 50 mph (80 km/h), and generated F4-level damage at two separate locations along its path. As it passed near Savoy, Mayview, and St. Joseph, the tornado obliterated several farms. Subsequently, the tornado killed six people, including one each in five different homes, as it impacted the western portion of Alvin. There, it destroyed or damaged approximately 25 homes, along with a church and several stores. Other fatalities occurred near Savoy, Mayview, St. Joseph, and Hope. In all, the tornado injured 60 people and caused $300,000 in damages. [16] [17] [18] [14] | |||||||
F4 | S of Berclair to New Harmony | Leflore, Carroll, Grenada, Tallahatchie, Yalobusha, Lafayette, Pontotoc, Union | MS | 21:00–? | 110 mi (180 km) | 600 yd (550 m) | $600,000 |
63+ deaths — See section on this tornado | |||||||
F2 | WNW of Smithfield to W of Farmington | Fulton | IL | 22:00–? | 10 mi (16 km) | Unknown | $100,000 |
This tornado began near Smithfield, passed through Fairview, and dissipated near Farmington. The tornado destroyed homes and barns as it struck 13 farmsteads. It also unroofed several of the homes. In all, the tornado injured 11 people, including a teacher, and caused $100,000 in damages. The teacher had canceled school early. [16] [19] | |||||||
F2 | WNW of Fairview to NNE of Elmwood | Knox, Peoria | IL | 22:15–? | 8 mi (13 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | Unknown |
This tornado passed near Middlegrove and Yates City as it affected 10 or more farmsteads, four of which incurred the complete destruction of all outbuildings and barns; however, the tornado only managed to unroof and destroy a few homes. The tornado began near Fairview and ended near Elmwood. [16] [19] | |||||||
F2 | S of Grenada | Grenada | MS | 22:15–? | 5 mi (8.0 km) | 100 yd (91 m) | $300,000 |
1 death — This tornado moved northeastward through an industrial section on the outskirts of Grenada. It passed within 20 yd (18 m) of a hospital whose staff were tending to victims of the Otoucalofa tornado. Near Grenada, the tornado produced $300,000 in losses, a large proportion of which were confined to a factory, though the tornado also hit 23 homes. Four injuries occurred as well. [19] | |||||||
F3 | W of Holly Springs to NE of Spring Hill | Marshall, Benton | MS | 22:20–? | 15 mi (24 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $100,000 |
5 deaths — This tornado destroyed about 50 homes and damaged the North Mississippi Branch Experiment Station (Mississippi Experimental Farm Station) of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES). The tornado continued northeastward to the Mississippi–Tennessee state line before dissipating. In all, 40 people were injured, and losses totalled $100,000. [19] [20] | |||||||
F5 | SSE of Dunlap to SE of Henry | Peoria, Marshall | IL | 22:30–? | 30 mi (48 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $600,000 |
7 deaths — See section on this tornado | |||||||
F3 | WSW of Huntingdon to S of Dover | Carroll, Henry, Stewart | TN | 22:30–? | 55 mi (89 km) | 800 yd (730 m) | $100,000 |
5 deaths — This long-tracked tornado first destroyed eight homes and severely injured 15 people in the Huntingdon area. Near Mansfield, four people died, 45 sustained injuries, and a student was injured in a school. Afterward, the tornado narrowly missed Manleyville and Springville. Near Stribling, south of Short Creek, the tornado removed soil and swept away one home. One person died and seven others were injured in the home. Eight rural farms were destroyed across Stewart County, near Lick Creek. In all, 68 people were injured and total losses reached $100,000. [19] [21] | |||||||
F4 | Bethel Springs to Beacon | McNairy, Henderson, Chester, Decatur | TN | 22:30–? | 45 mi (72 km) | 800 yd (730 m) | $400,000 |
15 deaths — This violent, long-lived tornado mostly affected sparsely populated areas, but obliterated homes, farmsteads, and tracts of forested land. It killed eight people almost immediately as it touched down and caused four more deaths near Reagan. Other deaths were reported east of Finger, near Enville, and near Beacon. Many small homes were flattened. 200 injuries occurred, along with $400,000 in losses. [22] [19] An EF3 tornado also struck Bethel Springs on March 31, 2023. | |||||||
F2 | WNW of Bolivar | Hardeman | TN | 22:30–? | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
This tornado struck the Western Mental Health Institute, known then as Western State Hospital, and unroofed a number of buildings there. 12 patients sustained injuries from broken glass. [19] [23] | |||||||
F3 | SE of Hornsby | Hardeman, McNairy | TN | 22:45–? | 8 mi (13 km) | Unknown | $40,000 |
This tornado injured five people and destroyed a total of eight homes. Losses totalled $40,000. [19] | |||||||
F3 | W of Lincoln to SSE of Evans | Lincoln | IL | 23:00–? | 5 mi (8.0 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $25,000 |
2 deaths – This tornado destroyed six barns and three homes, one of which sustained borderline-F4-level damage. A couple sustained severe injuries and later died. In all, three people were injured, and losses totalled $25,000. [24] [16] | |||||||
F2 | S of Ofahoma to Carthage | Leake | MS | 23:00–? | 16 mi (26 km) | Unknown | Unknown |
1 death – This tornado produced intermittent damage along its path. In Carthage, the tornado destroyed several small homes, a sizeable church, and barns. 10 injuries were reported. [19] | |||||||
F2 | Shelbyville to NE of Lewisville | Shelby, Rush, Henry | IN | 23:00–? | 30 mi (48 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $300,000 |
As this tornado touched down on the southern side of Shelbyville, it injured seven people and damaged homes, factories, and a hatchery, with losses totalling $300,000. Intermittent damage occurred elsewhere, primarily on the eastern outskirts of Mays and near Lewisville. Near the latter, a number of cattle died and a barn was destroyed. [25] | |||||||
F4 | Northern Baldwyn (1st tornado) | Lee, Prentiss | MS | 23:05–? | 5 mi (8.0 km) | 300 yd (270 m) | $250,000 |
5 deaths – This was one of two powerful tornadoes to strike Baldwyn in close succession. It damaged or destroyed more than 50 homes, several of which were leveled. F4 damage only occupied a limited area, however. 50 injuries occurred, along with losses of $250,000. A separate but related tornado may have caused an additional fatality near Verona, but this could not be confirmed. [22] [25] | |||||||
F3 | Downtown Baldwyn (2nd tornado) | Lee, Prentiss | MS | 23:40–? | 5 mi (8.0 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | $750,000 |
This tornado closely followed the first event in Baldwin, but produced greater losses than the latter, owing to its having struck the center of town. The tornado damaged or destroyed homes, schools, and businesses before ending as a downburst. 15 injuries occurred, and losses totalled $750,000. [25] | |||||||
F3 | SE of Greenville to E of Drakesboro | Muhlenberg | KY | 23:40–? | 10 mi (16 km) | 300 yd (270 m) | $300,000 |
11 deaths – This intense tornado obliterated 12 small homes in Browder and killed 10 people in town, five of whom perished in one family. A final death occurred on a farm near Drakesboro. Losses totalled $300,000, and 50 injuries occurred. [25] | |||||||
F3 | Waterloo | Lauderdale | AL | 00:00–? | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $35,000 |
2 deaths – This short-lived tornado damaged or destroyed 24 homes. The bodies of the dead were found 200 yd (180 m) from their home. 30 injuries occurred, and losses totalled $35,000. [25] | |||||||
F4 | N of Caneyville to N of Summit | Grayson, Hardin | KY | 00:15–? | 30 mi (48 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | $150,000 |
9 deaths – This powerful tornado, which formed from the same storm as the Browder F3, injured 40 people and caused $150,000 in losses as it tracked near Millwood, Leitchfield, Clarkson, and Summit. Approximately 20 homes were destroyed, several of which were obliterated. [22] [25] | |||||||
F3 | SSW of McEwen | Humphreys | TN | 00:30–? | Unknown | 150 yd (140 m) | Unknown |
2 deaths – This tornado injured 10 people and destroyed six homes as it passed near Hurricane Creek, a tributary of the Duck River, and Bold Spring. [25] | |||||||
F3 | Coopertown | Cheatham, Robertson | TN | 01:00–? | 9 mi (14 km) | 800 yd (730 m) | $100,000 |
1 death – This tornado destroyed a total of at least 24 barns and homes. Many chickens were killed, 20 people were injured, and losses totalled $100,000. [25] | |||||||
F3 | N of Bardstown | Nelson | KY | 01:30–? | 15 mi (24 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | $70,000 |
4 deaths – This tornado flattened rural homes as it tracked from near Deatsville to Coxs Creek. 40 injuries occurred, and losses totalled $70,000. [25] | |||||||
F3 | Goodspring to Diana | Giles | TN | 02:00–? | 20 mi (32 km) | 150 yd (140 m) | $150,000 |
2 deaths – This tornado damaged or destroyed 24 homes as it struck Diana. Four injuries occurred, and losses totalled $150,000. [25] | |||||||
F2 | SW of Plymouth | Marshall | IN | 02:15–? | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
This short-lived tornado destroyed a barn and injured two people beside the Yellow River. [25] | |||||||
F4 | SE of Goshen | Elkhart | IN | 02:32–? | 10 mi (16 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | $500,000 |
2 deaths – This violent tornado destroyed or damaged 87 homes on the outskirts of Goshen. As the tornado neared the end of its life, it narrowed and intensified to F4-level intensity. As it did so, it obliterated a home and caused two deaths. In all, 53 injuries occurred, along with losses of $500,000. [22] [25] | |||||||
FU | W of Findlay | Shelby | IL | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
A tornado was reported. [16] |
F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Time ( UTC) | Path length | Max. width | Damage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F3 | Between Norway and Springfield | Orangeburg | SC | 23:30–? | 10 mi (16 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $25,000 |
This tornado injured seven people as it destroyed or damaged 15 homes, with losses of $25,000. [25] |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | March 16, 1942, 4:00 p.m. CDT ( UTC−05:00) |
F4 tornado | |
on the Fujita scale | |
Overall effects | |
Casualties | ≥ 63 fatalities, 500 injuries |
Damage | $600,000 (1942 USD) $11.2 million (2024 USD) |
This long-tracked tornado family caused at least 19 deaths in Leflore County as it leveled many small homes. Three of the fatalities occurred near Itta Bena and Greenwood. In Carroll County, the tornado caused five additional deaths near Avalon. The tornado also impacted and hurled a school bus for 50 yd (46 m); 11 children and the driver sustained injuries. As it traversed Grenada County, the tornado struck another school bus and killed a child. Nearby, the tornado obliterated a house and claimed three more lives. Three other people died in another home near Cascilla in Tallahatchie County. The tornado generated its worst damage in Otoucalofa, known then as O'Tuckalofa, near Water Valley. In this area, the tornado destroyed 10 sq mi (26 km2) of timber and killed 19 people, including the school superintendent, whose home and school were leveled and whose car was moved 300 yd (900 ft). Northwest of Tula, five more deaths occurred, four of which took place in a single home. In all, the tornado injured 500 people and caused $600,000 in losses. [26]
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | March 16, 1942, 5:30 p.m. CDT ( UTC−05:00) |
F5 tornado | |
on the Fujita scale | |
Overall effects | |
Casualties | 7 fatalities, 70 injuries |
Damage | $600,000 (1942 USD) $11.2 million (2024 USD) |
This extremely violent tornado remains the most recent F5 or EF5 tornado on record in Central Illinois. It touched down east of Kickapoo and impacted areas near Alta and on the northwestern outskirts of Chillicothe. The tornado subsequently struck the settlement of Barrville, beside the Illinois River, before crossing the river to the south of Sparland. Near the river, the tornado caused one fatality. The tornado intensified to its peak intensity as it entered Lacon; although it bypassed the business district, the tornado destroyed a quarter of the town, which inclusively totaled about 60 homes, several of which were entirely swept away. Three deaths occurred in Lacon. About 3 mi (4.8 km) farther on to the northeast, the tornado produced F5-level damage to a farmhouse and killed three people there. The tornado also lofted debris from Lacon for a total distance of up to 25 mi (40 km). Two schools in Lacon received extensive damage as well, and a home in town was uplifted and deposited in a neighboring yard. Along the entire path, about 70 injuries occurred, along with $600,000 in losses. [16] [26]