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Tornado outbreak of April 13–16, 2012

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Tornado outbreak of April 13–16, 2012
A violent EF4 tornado near Marquette, Kansas.
TypeTornado outbreak
DurationApril 13–16, 2012
Highest winds
  • Tornadic - 170 mph (270 km/h) near Marquette, Kansas on April 14; Straight-line - 97 mph (156 km/h) near Oskaloosa, Iowa on April 14.
Tornadoes
confirmed
113 confirmed
Max. rating1EF4 tornado
Duration of
tornado outbreak2
2 days, 16 hours, 37 minutes
Largest hail4.50 in (11.4 cm) in diameter in Randolph, Kansas, on April 15
Fatalities6 fatalities, 101 injuries.[2]
DamageAt least $500 million (in Wichita, unknown elsewhere)[1]
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale
2Time from first tornado to last tornado

From April 13 to 16, 2012, a major tornado outbreak occurred across a large portion of the Great Plains. The storms resulted in six tornado-related fatalities, all of which occurred as a result of a nighttime EF3 tornado that caused major damage in and around Woodward, Oklahoma. Numerous other tornadoes occurred, including a violent EF4 tornado that passed near Marquette, Kansas, and an EF3 that caused major damage in Wichita.

Meteorological synopsis

[edit]

An impressive low pressure area and associated trough began tracking into the Great Plains on April 13, and a slight risk of severe weather was issued. The outlook mentioned the possibility of tornadoes, including the risk for isolated strong tornadoes. No strong tornadoes occurred, though an EF1 tornado caused considerable damage in Norman, Oklahoma.

A montage of the Storm Prediction Center's severe weather outlooks leading up to the outbreak. The final image is a verification of the day one high-risk outlook with reported events.

For only the second time in history (previously for April 7, 2006), a day two high risk [3] of severe weather was issued by the Storm Prediction Center. In the discussion, the SPC stated that a major tornado outbreak was likely across central Kansas and north-central Oklahoma during the afternoon and overnight hours of April 14, with long-tracked violent tornadoes likely. It was later expanded to include a second high risk area across much of Nebraska, where a rare 45% tornado probability was given during the late morning update on April 13. During the morning hours on the 14th, the high risk area was expanded again to combine the two separate areas into a single large one. Later in the day, the 45% tornado probability was shifted from Nebraska south to Kansas and northern Oklahoma. A large outbreak of tornadoes impacted the Great Plains states on April 14, and several PDS tornado warnings were issued during the outbreak. Initially, most of the tornadoes were small or remained over open country, though more significant tornado activity began to develop throughout the day. A high-end EF2 tornado struck Creston, Iowa, flipping vehicles and causing major structural damage to homes and other buildings in town. Another EF2 wedge tornado struck Thurman, Iowa, damaging 75% of the town. In Nebraska, a strong EF2 tornado destroyed outbuildings and badly damaged a home near Cook, while a large and violent EF4 tornado leveled a home and debarked trees near Marquette, Kansas.[4] Later that evening, a cyclic supercell thunderstorm developed in northern Oklahoma before moving into southern Kansas, producing multiple tornadoes along the way. This included a large EF3 wedge tornado that destroyed homes near Conway Springs. As this supercell moved into Wichita around 10:15 pm CDT (0315 UTC), another large EF3 wedge tornado touched down and caused major damage in the southeastern part of the city. Staff at the Wichita National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport were forced to hand over responsibility for their County Warning Area to the National Weather Service office in Topeka and take shelter at about 10:00 pm CDT (0300 UTC), returning to duty half an hour later. Another supercell thunderstorm also produced two EF3 wedge tornadoes that passed near Fellsburg and Hudson, causing significant damage.[5]

Around 10:00 p.m. CDT (0300 UTC), a broken squall line began to form across the eastern portions of the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles; a thunderstorm developed ahead of the northern line segment in northwestern Wheeler County, Texas, at approximately 10:30 p.m. CDT (0330 UTC), and began developing supercell characteristics as it tracked northeastward into the Oklahoma counties of Ellis and Roger Mills. A tornado warning was issued for Ellis, Harper and Woodward counties at 12:00 am CDT (0500 UTC) on April 15 after weather spotters reported a tornado spawned by this supercell located 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Gage in Ellis County.[6] This high-end EF3 tornado later struck Woodward, Oklahoma, at 12:20 am CDT (0520 UTC), killing six people. Multiple homes and businesses were destroyed in Woodward, and all fatalities occurred as a result of destroyed mobile homes.[7][8] Additional weak tornadoes occurred on April 15 and 16 before the outbreak came to an end.[9]

Confirmed tornadoes

[edit]
Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
0 68 36 3 5 1 0 113

April 13 event

[edit]
List of confirmed tornadoes – Friday, April 13, 2012[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 Norman McClain, Cleveland OK 35°13′N 97°26′W / 35.22°N 97.44°W / 35.22; -97.44 (Norman (Apr. 13, EF1)) 2059-2112 5.5 miles (8.9 km) 600 yd (550 m) This tornado caused considerable damage in Norman, and was broadcast live on television via news helicopter. Numerous homes and businesses sustaining varying degrees of damage along the path, and many trees and power poles were downed. An apartment building had its roof blown off, and a vacant paint store sustained roof loss and exterior wall collapse. Twenty people were injured by the tornado, though only one required hospitalization.[10][11][12]
EF0 NNW of Shawnee Pottawatomie OK 35°23′N 97°00′W / 35.39°N 97.00°W / 35.39; -97.00 (Shawnee (Apr. 13, EF0)) 2224 0.3 miles (0.48 km) 20 yd (18 m) A small outbuilding was damaged by this brief, weak tornado.[11][12]
EF0 SE of Blair (1st tornado) Jackson OK 34°46′N 99°19′W / 34.76°N 99.31°W / 34.76; -99.31 (Blair (Apr. 13, EF0)) 2310-2312 0.5 miles (0.80 km) 25 yd (23 m) Brief tornado remained over open country. No damage was reported.[11][12]
EF0 SE of Blair (2nd tornado) Jackson OK 34°45′N 99°18′W / 34.75°N 99.30°W / 34.75; -99.30 (Blair (Apr. 13, EF0)) 2314-2316 0.5 miles (0.80 km) 25 yd (23 m) Brief tornado remained over open country. No damage was reported.[11][12]
EF0 E of Blair Jackson OK 34°47′N 99°13′W / 34.78°N 99.21°W / 34.78; -99.21 (Blair (Apr. 13, EF0)) 2330-2335 2 miles (3.2 km) 25 yd (23 m) Tornado remained over open country. No damage was reported.[11][12]
EF0 SE of Cooperton Kiowa OK 34°52′N 98°52′W / 34.86°N 98.86°W / 34.86; -98.86 (Cooperton (Apr. 13, EF0)) 0025-0027 0.5 miles (0.80 km) 300 yd (270 m) Brief tornado remained over open country. No damage was reported.[11][12]
EF0 S of Cooperton (1st tornado) Kiowa OK 34°52′N 98°52′W / 34.86°N 98.87°W / 34.86; -98.87 (Cooperton (Apr. 13, EF0)) 0027 0.2 miles (0.32 km) 100 yd (91 m) Brief tornado remained over open country. No damage was reported; however, the famous stormchaser Hank Schyma was nearly caught by this tornado due to its erratic path.[11][12][13][14]
EF1 S of Cooperton (2nd tornado) Kiowa OK 34°51′N 98°53′W / 34.85°N 98.89°W / 34.85; -98.89 (Cooperton (Apr. 13, EF0)) 0028-0033 5 miles (8.0 km) 500 yd (460 m) A silo was damaged and another structure sustained roof damage as a result of this large tornado. Schyma escaped this tornado as it emerges from the west.[11][12][13][14]
EF0 NE of Cooperton Kiowa OK 34°56′N 98°50′W / 34.94°N 98.84°W / 34.94; -98.84 (Cooperton (Apr. 13, EF0)) 0052-0112 6 miles (9.7 km) 500 yd (460 m) Large tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[11][12]
EF0 SSE of Carnegie (1st tornado) Caddo OK 35°01′N 98°34′W / 35.02°N 98.56°W / 35.02; -98.56 (Carnegie (Apr. 13, EF0)) 0136-0138 2 miles (3.2 km) 50 yd (46 m) Tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[11][12]
EF0 SSE of Carnegie (2nd tornado) Caddo OK 35°00′N 98°33′W / 35.00°N 98.55°W / 35.00; -98.55 (Carnegie (Apr. 13, EF0)) 0142 0.3 miles (480 m) 50 yd (46 m) Tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[11][12]
EF0 SSE of Carnegie (3rd tornado) Caddo OK 35°01′N 98°33′W / 35.01°N 98.55°W / 35.01; -98.55 (Carnegie (Apr. 13, EF0)) 0150-0155 4 miles (6.4 km) 100 yd (91 m) Tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[11][12]
EF1 NNW of Mustang Canadian OK 35°24′N 97°44′W / 35.40°N 97.74°W / 35.40; -97.74 (Mustang (Apr. 13, EF1)) 0452-0455 2 miles (3.2 km) 75 yd (69 m) Numerous frame homes sustained minor damage, mostly to roofs and siding, and had garage doors and windows blown out. One home sustained partial roof loss. Four mobile homes also sustained minor damage, and many trees, fences, and power lines were downed.[11][12]

April 14 event

[edit]
List of confirmed tornadoes – Saturday, April 14, 2012[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 NW of Burdett Pawnee KS 38°12′N 99°32′W / 38.20°N 99.54°W / 38.20; -99.54 (Burdett (Apr. 14, EF1)) 1638 4.1 miles (6.6 km) This tornado struck a farmstead, damaging an outbuilding and the roof of a house.[15][16]
EF1 Rush Center to ESE of Loretta Rush KS 38°26′N 99°20′W / 38.43°N 99.33°W / 38.43; -99.33 (Rush Center (Apr. 14, EF1)) 1714 17.2 miles (27.7 km) A pivot sprinkler and a few outbuildings were damaged, and trees were downed along the path.[15][16]
EF0 S of Russell Russell KS 38°50′N 98°51′W / 38.83°N 98.85°W / 38.83; -98.85 (Russell (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1823-1825 0.75 miles (1.21 km) 75 yd (69 m) A barn suffered minor damage as a result of this brief, weak tornado.[15][17]
EF0 NE of Russell Russell KS 38°56′N 98°43′W / 38.93°N 98.72°W / 38.93; -98.72 (Russell (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1834-1838 1.75 miles (2.82 km) 75 yd (69 m) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF0 WSW of Lucas Russell KS 39°03′N 98°37′W / 39.05°N 98.61°W / 39.05; -98.61 (Lucas (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1843-1848 3 miles (4.8 km) 75 yd (69 m) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF1 NNE of Dodge City to W of Burdett Ford, Hodgeman KS 37°55′N 99°52′W / 37.91°N 99.87°W / 37.91; -99.87 (Dodge City (Apr. 14, EF1)) 1857 32.9 miles (52.9 km) This long-tracked cone tornado remained mostly over open fields, remaining on the ground for over one hour. Barns, outbuildings, and pivot sprinklers sustained damage, and trees were downed along the path.[15][16]
EF1 S of Tipton Mitchell KS 39°19′N 98°28′W / 39.32°N 98.46°W / 39.32; -98.46 (Tipton (Apr. 14, EF1)) 1903 3 miles (4.8 km) Homes sustained roof and siding damage, and garages and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. Trees and power poles were downed as well.[15][16]
EF0 E of Hardy Nuckolls NE 40°01′N 97°54′W / 40.01°N 97.90°W / 40.01; -97.90 (Hardy (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1910 3.1 miles (5.0 km) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF1 E of Minneola Clark KS 37°25′N 99°44′W / 37.41°N 99.74°W / 37.41; -99.74 (Minneola (Apr. 14, EF1)) 1924 6.3 miles (10.1 km) Several trees were downed along the path of this tornado.[15][16]
EF0 NW of Castana Monona IA 42°08′N 95°59′W / 42.13°N 95.99°W / 42.13; -95.99 (Castana (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1928-1929 0.4 miles (0.64 km) 40 yd (37 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][18]
EF0 E of Deshler Thayer NE 40°09′N 97°41′W / 40.15°N 97.68°W / 40.15; -97.68 (Deshler (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1930 100 yards (91 m) This brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF0 NW of Woodward Woodward OK 36°32′N 99°31′W / 36.53°N 99.52°W / 36.53; -99.52 (Woodward (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1949-1953 4 miles (6.4 km) 30 yd (27 m) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF0 N of Alexandria Thayer NE 40°16′N 97°23′W / 40.27°N 97.39°W / 40.27; -97.39 (Alexandria (Apr. 14, EF0)) 1956 0.3 miles (480 m) A home and several small outbuildings sustained minor siding and window damage. A grain bin was destroyed, two irrigation pivots were overturned, and several trees and power lines were damaged.[15]
EF1 N of Woodward Woodward (OK), Harper (KS) OK, KS 36°32′N 99°23′W / 36.53°N 99.39°W / 36.53; -99.39 (Woodward (Apr. 14, EF1)) 1959-2000 0.5 miles (0.80 km) 30 yd (27 m) This brief tornado damaged a barn.[15][19]
EF1 NE of Burdett to SSW of Rush Center Pawnee, Rush KS 38°19′N 99°25′W / 38.31°N 99.41°W / 38.31; -99.41 (Ash Valley (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2024 4.7 miles (7.6 km) Several trees were downed and an outbuilding was damaged.[15][16]
EF0 WNW of Freedom Woodward OK 36°47′N 99°13′W / 36.79°N 99.21°W / 36.79; -99.21 (Freedom (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2026 0.2 miles (320 m) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF1 SE of Lewis Edwards KS 37°50′N 99°12′W / 37.83°N 99.20°W / 37.83; -99.20 (Lewis (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2028 9.4 miles (15.1 km) Several trees and power lines were downed.[15][16]
EF0 NNW of Freedom Woods OK 36°49′N 99°10′W / 36.81°N 99.16°W / 36.81; -99.16 (Freedom (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2033 0.3 miles (480 m) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF1 E of Coldwater Comanche, Barber KS 37°19′N 99°00′W / 37.32°N 99.00°W / 37.32; -99.00 (Wilmore (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2059 10.9 miles (17.5 km) Several trees and power lines were downed and a barn was damaged.[15][16]
EF0 ENE of Timken Rush KS 38°29′N 99°09′W / 38.48°N 99.15°W / 38.48; -99.15 (Timken (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2104 0.9 miles (1.4 km) This brief tornado remained over open country and caused no damage.[15][16]
EF0 SSW of Tangier Woodward OK 36°14′N 99°35′W / 36.24°N 99.59°W / 36.24; -99.59 (Tangier (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2118 0.2 miles (320 m) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF0 SSW of Tangier Woodward OK 36°16′N 99°34′W / 36.27°N 99.57°W / 36.27; -99.57 (Tangier (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2124 0.2 miles (320 m) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF1 ESE of Seward to NNE of Hudson Stafford KS 38°09′N 98°44′W / 38.15°N 98.73°W / 38.15; -98.73 (Seward (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2125 9.75 miles (15.69 km) Several trees and power poles were downed along the path.[15][16]
EF1 NW of Hudson Stafford KS 38°06′N 98°46′W / 38.10°N 98.77°W / 38.10; -98.77 (Hudson (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2135 14.4 miles (23.2 km) Power poles and a few trees were downed along the path.[15][16]
EF0 NW of Sawyer Pratt KS 37°29′N 98°43′W / 37.49°N 98.71°W / 37.49; -98.71 (Sawyer (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2144 2.3 miles (3.7 km) A weak tornado remained over open country and caused no damage.[15][16]
EF0 Sterling Johnson NE 40°28′N 96°22′W / 40.46°N 96.37°W / 40.46; -96.37 (Sterling (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2150 2.75 miles (4.43 km) This tornado touched down at a baseball field in Sterling, blowing over signs and a concession stand. Trees were uprooted and tree limbs were downed further to the east.[15]
EF0 SSE of Ellinwood Barton KS 38°17′N 98°32′W / 38.28°N 98.54°W / 38.28; -98.54 (Ellinwood (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2150-2151 0.5 miles (0.80 km) 50 yd (46 m) This brief tornado remained over an open field and caused no damage.[15][17]
EF2 WSW of Cook Johnson NE 40°29′N 96°16′W / 40.49°N 96.26°W / 40.49; -96.26 (Cook (Apr. 14, EF2)) 2156 5.75 miles (9.25 km) A house sustained major structural damage, losing its roof and two exterior walls. Debris was scattered a quarter-mile downwind, and nearby large shed was completely destroyed. A pivot irrigation sprinkler was overturned, and many trees and power poles were snapped along the path.[15]
EF0 W of Penalosa Kingman KS 37°43′N 98°23′W / 37.72°N 98.39°W / 37.72; -98.39 (Penalosa (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2202-2203 0.5 miles (0.80 km) 50 yd (46 m) This brief tornado remained over an open field and caused no damage.[15][17]
EF0 ESE of Cook Johnson, Nehama NE 40°31′N 96°04′W / 40.51°N 96.07°W / 40.51; -96.07 (Cook (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2207 3.75 miles (6.04 km) A few outbuildings were damaged and pivot irrigation sprinklers were overturned. Several trees were downed as well.[15]
EF0 ENE of Cairo Pratt KS 37°40′N 98°30′W / 37.67°N 98.50°W / 37.67; -98.50 (Cairo (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2208 2.3 miles (3.7 km) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][16]
EF0 NE of Mooreland Woodward OK 36°31′N 99°07′W / 36.52°N 99.11°W / 36.52; -99.11 (Mooreland (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2215 0.2 miles (320 m) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF0 S of North Platte (1st tornado) Lincoln NE 41°07′N 100°47′W / 41.11°N 100.78°W / 41.11; -100.78 (North Platte (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2218 0.1 miles (0.16 km) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF1 NW of Nebraska City Otoe NE 40°41′N 95°53′W / 40.68°N 95.89°W / 40.68; -95.89 (Nebraska City (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2221 2 miles (3.2 km) Seven homes were damaged, including damage to siding, garages, and windows. An outbuilding at a vineyard was partially collapsed with debris scattered hundreds of yards downwind. A machine shed was destroyed, and other outbuildings also sustained damage. Many trees were snapped or uprooted as well.[15]
EF0 NNE of Dickens Lincoln NE 40°57′N 100°52′W / 40.95°N 100.87°W / 40.95; -100.87 (Dickens (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2227 100 yards (91 m) Brief rope tornado remained over open country and caused no damage.[15]
EF0 SSW of North Platte (1st tornado) Lincoln NE 41°02′N 100°49′W / 41.04°N 100.82°W / 41.04; -100.82 (North Platte (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2228 100 yards (91 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF2 W of Percival to S of Tabor Fremont IA 40°49′N 95°45′W / 40.82°N 95.75°W / 40.82; -95.75 (Thurman (Apr. 14, EF2)) 2228-2241 12 miles (19 km) 880 yd (800 m) This half-mile wide wedge tornado caused significant damage in Thurman, where 70% of the structures in town sustained some degree of damage, including 14 homes that were destroyed. Many trees were snapped or uprooted, some of which landed on homes. Four people were injured, including a semi-truck driver who was severely injured after his truck was blown off of Interstate 29 and flipped.[15][18]
EF0 SSW of North Platte (2nd tornado) Lincoln NE 41°02′N 100°49′W / 41.04°N 100.82°W / 41.04; -100.82 (North Platte (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2232 0.5 miles (0.80 km) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF0 S of North Platte (2nd tornado) Lincoln NE 41°05′N 100°48′W / 41.08°N 100.80°W / 41.08; -100.80 (North Platte (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2232 0.5 miles (0.80 km) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF4 N of Lyons to N of Salina Rice, Ellsworth, McPherson, Saline KS 38°28′N 98°05′W / 38.46°N 98.08°W / 38.46; -98.08 (Geneseo (Apr. 14, EF4)) 2233-2336 50.30 miles (80.95 km) 400 yd (0.23 mi) A large, violent, and long-tracked tornado caused damage to farms along its path, passing near Kanopolis Lake, Marquette, Langley, Falun, Smolan and Bavaria before dissipating north of Salina. At one farmstead, a house was swept away with only part of a staircase left on the foundation. Many large trees in this area were shredded and debarked, a car was tossed and flipped onto its roof, and a gravel road was scoured and dug out to a depth of around 5 inches (13 cm). Five wooden power poles were snapped and thrown out into a field, and two vehicle axles from an unknown location were found nearby. Near the end of the path, large trees and a house sustained severe damage near Smolan. Another home at the edge of the damage path sustained gutter and shingle damage, and a metal road sign that originated near Kanopolis Lake was found 27 miles away at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.[15][17][20]
EF0 SE of North Platte Lincoln NE 41°05′N 100°44′W / 41.09°N 100.74°W / 41.09; -100.74 (North Platte (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2247 100 yards (91 m) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF0 ESE of Mooreland Woodward OK 36°24′N 99°05′W / 36.40°N 99.09°W / 36.40; -99.09 (Mooreland (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2250 0.1 miles (160 m) 20 yd (18 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF0 ENE of Mooreland Woodward OK 36°31′N 98°59′W / 36.51°N 98.99°W / 36.51; -98.99 (Mooreland (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2251 0.2 miles (320 m) 50 yd (46 m) A brief multiple-vortex tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF0 SSW of Waynoka Major OK 36°28′N 98°56′W / 36.46°N 98.94°W / 36.46; -98.94 (Waynoka (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2301 0.1 miles (160 m) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF1 S of Waynoka Major, Woods OK 36°29′N 98°53′W / 36.49°N 98.88°W / 36.49; -98.88 (Waynoka (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2306-2320 7 miles (11 km) 150 yd (140 m) Equipment at an oil field was damaged by this tornado, causing a fire.[15][19]
EF0 NNE of Oxford Harlan NE 40°18′N 99°37′W / 40.30°N 99.62°W / 40.30; -99.62 (Oxford (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2316 1 mile (1.6 km) This rope tornado remained mainly over open country, though a grain bin was destroyed.[15]
EF0 SE of Waynoka Woods OK 36°33′N 98°50′W / 36.55°N 98.83°W / 36.55; -98.83 (Waynoka (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2319-2321 1 mile (1.6 km) 75 yd (69 m) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF0 E of Waynoka to NE of Hopeton Woods OK 36°35′N 98°42′W / 36.59°N 98.70°W / 36.59; -98.70 (Hopeton (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2330-2346 9 miles (14 km) 400 yd (370 m) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][19]
EF0 NW of Wellfleet to SW of Brady Lincoln NE 40°50′N 100°49′W / 40.84°N 100.81°W / 40.84; -100.81 (Wellfleet (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2336 15 miles (24 km) An intermittent tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF1 W of Cherokee Alfalfa OK 36°41′N 98°31′W / 36.69°N 98.52°W / 36.69; -98.52 (Dacoma (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2347-0004 10 miles (16 km) 400 yd (370 m) This likely significant tornado was photographed and caught on video by many storm chasers, though it avoided well-built structures. Farm equipment, two metal barns, and some outbuildings were damaged or destroyed.[15][19]
EF0 N of New Cambria Saline KS 38°53′N 97°30′W / 38.88°N 97.50°W / 38.88; -97.50 (New Cambria (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2350-2351 0.25 miles (400 m) 50 yd (46 m) This brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF2 SW of Cromwell to NE of Creston Adams, Union IA 41°04′N 94°22′W / 41.07°N 94.36°W / 41.07; -94.36 (Creston (Apr. 14, EF2)) 2352-0019 16.54 miles (26.62 km) 700 yd (640 m) A high-end EF2 wedge tornado struck the northwestern part of Creston, causing major damage. Multiple frame homes were severely damaged, and a few manufactured homes were completely swept away and destroyed. Apartment buildings and condominiums sustained major structural damage, and vehicles were flipped and tossed in parking lots. The Green Hills Education Agency building had total roof loss and collapse of masonry exterior walls, while the Greater Regional Medical Center also sustained major roof and exterior wall damage. The tornado inflicted significant damage to buildings at the Southwestern Community College campus, and many trees were snapped or uprooted. Farmsteads outside of town also sustained damage, including one where a small and frail home was leveled. 10 people were injured.[15][18]
EF0 N of Kingman Kingman KS 37°41′N 98°07′W / 37.69°N 98.11°W / 37.69; -98.11 (Kingman (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2355 0.25 miles (0.40 km) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][16]
EF1 NNE of New Cambria to SW of Manchester Saline, Ottawa, Dickinson KS 38°57′N 97°25′W / 38.95°N 97.42°W / 38.95; -97.42 (Manchester (Apr. 14, EF1)) 2355-0007 6.75 miles (10.86 km) 100 yd (91 m) A large tornado blew the roof off of a farmhouse, which also sustained damage from projectiles. Nearby outbuildings were destroyed, and a hay baler was overturned. A gas transfer station near Niles was also damaged, and many trees and power poles were downed. Several other farmsteads sustained outbuilding damage along the path. This tornado was likely strong, though it avoided well-built structures.[15][17]
EF0 NW of Cherokee to NW of Amorita Alfalfa OK 36°47′N 98°23′W / 36.78°N 98.39°W / 36.78; -98.39 (Amorita (Apr. 14, EF0)) 2357-0023 12 miles (19 km) 400 yd (370 m) This tornado occurred simultaneously with the previous tornado. Several trees and outbuildings were damaged.[15][19]
EF0 N of Pretty Prairie Reno KS 37°49′N 98°01′W / 37.81°N 98.02°W / 37.81; -98.02 (Pretty Prairie (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0010-0011 0.25 miles (400 m) 50 yd (46 m) This brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF1 E of Byron, OK to NE of Danville, KS Alfalfa (OK), Grant (OK), Harper (KS) OK, KS 36°54′N 98°13′W / 36.90°N 98.22°W / 36.90; -98.22 (Byron (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0019-0120 36.6 miles (58.9 km) 1,000 yd (910 m) This large, long-tracked, and likely significant stovepipe tornado began in Oklahoma before crossing into Kansas, passing near the towns of Amorita, Manchester, Bluff City and Anthony. Damage was limited to trees in Oklahoma, though farmsteads sustained considerable damage in Kansas. A small semi-truck at a farm was tossed 140 yards over a fence, and a nearby home had windows blown out and lost most of its roof shingles. A pickup truck and a tractor were moved as well. At a second farmstead, a house had one of its exterior garage walls blown out, broken windows, and sustained damage from a tree falling onto it. A second nearby home sustained partial roof removal, while a small airplane hangar, metal sheds, and a barn were also destroyed. At an abandoned farmstead, a home sustained major structural damage. Many trees were snapped or uprooted as well.[15][19]
EF0 ENE of Manchester Dickinson KS 39°08′N 97°10′W / 39.14°N 97.17°W / 39.14; -97.17 (Manchester (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0031 3 miles (4.8 km) This brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][16]
EF0 NNW of Anselmo Custer NE 41°39′N 99°49′W / 41.65°N 99.82°W / 41.65; -99.82 (Anselmo (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0038 0.1 miles (160 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15]
EF1 E of New Virginia Warren IA 41°11′N 93°40′W / 41.19°N 93.67°W / 41.19; -93.67 (New Virginia (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0054-0056 1 mile (1.6 km) This tornado flipped several camper trailers and caused major damage to farm outbuildings.[15][18]
EF0 ESE of Moundridge McPherson KS 38°11′N 97°29′W / 38.19°N 97.49°W / 38.19; -97.49 (Moundridge (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0103-0104 1 mile (1.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) This brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF1 E of Moundridge to W of Goessel McPherson, Marion KS 38°12′N 97°28′W / 38.20°N 97.47°W / 38.20; -97.47 (Goessel (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0105-0118 7 miles (11 km) 250 yd (230 m) Numerous outbuildings were damaged or destroyed at a farmstead, and a house sustained damage to its roof. A barn was also damaged.[15][17]
EF3 WNW of Greensburg to E of Macksville Kiowa, Edwards, Stafford KS 37°37′N 99°20′W / 37.62°N 99.33°W / 37.62; -99.33 (Greensburg (Apr. 14, EF3)) 0127 38 miles (61 km) 1,600 yd (1,500 m) This strong, long-tracked, mile-wide EF3 wedge tornado passed near Fellsburg. Farm fields were heavily scoured and homes sustained major structural damage, including loss of roofs and exterior walls. Large trees were denuded and debarked, one of which was found with an auger bit embedded into the trunk. Pivot irrigation sprinklers, outbuildings, and farm machinery sustained severe damage as well.[15][16]
EF1 NE of Greensburg Kiowa KS 37°41′N 99°15′W / 37.68°N 99.25°W / 37.68; -99.25 (Greensburg (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0140 4.9 miles (7.9 km) 150 yd (140 m) Satellite tornado to the previous EF3 wedge tornado that passed near Fellsburg. A few trees were downed and a mobile home was damaged.[15][16]
EF1 NE of Greensburg Kiowa KS 37°41′N 99°15′W / 37.68°N 99.25°W / 37.68; -99.25 (Greensburg (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0140 4.9 miles (7.9 km) 150 yd (140 m) Satellite tornado to the previous EF3 wedge tornado that passed near Fellsburg. A few trees were downed and a mobile home was damaged.[15][16]
EF1 Marion Reservoir to WNW of Burdick Marion, Morris KS 38°25′N 97°08′W / 38.42°N 97.13°W / 38.42; -97.13 (Marion Lake (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0141-0201 17 miles (27 km) 250 yd (230 m) This tornado passed near Pilsen and Lost Springs, sweeping away a garage and destroying barns and outbuildings. A concrete block grain elevator was destroyed, homes had windows blown out and siding ripped off, and trees were snapped and uprooted.[15][17]
EF3 E of Macksville to W of Lyons Stafford, Rice KS 38°13′N 98°28′W / 38.21°N 98.47°W / 38.21; -98.47 (Raymond (Apr. 14, EF3)) 0210 42 miles (68 km) 2,400 yd (2,200 m) This large, long-tracked wedge tornado passed near Hudson and was more than a mile wide at times. Farm houses sustained major damage, and a large metal machine shed was destroyed with sheet metal wrapped around trees and fence posts. Trees, power poles, pivot irrigation sprinklers, outbuildings, and farm equipment also sustained significant damage.[15][16]
EF3 SE of Freeport to W of Conway Springs Harper, Sumner KS 37°09′N 97°48′W / 37.15°N 97.80°W / 37.15; -97.80 (Freeport (Apr. 14, EF3)) 0210-0240 18 miles (29 km) 400 yd (370 m) This strong EF3 wedge tornado nearly a 1/2 mile wide passed near Argonia and swept away a two-story home. Only the basement was left behind, though the house was poorly anchored and vehicles parked at the residence were not moved, and sustained damage only from flying debris. Another two-story home had its roof and porch torn off, and had its exterior damaged by projectiles. Large trees were downed, outbuildings were destroyed, and an RV camper was thrown 100 yards and stripped down to its frame. A small twig was found embedded into the trunk of a tree, and a small piece of metal was found speared into another tree.[15][17]
EF1 N of Oskaloosa Mahaska IA 41°15′N 92°31′W / 41.25°N 92.51°W / 41.25; -92.51 (Oskaloosa (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0222-0224 1.3 miles (2.1 km) This tornado was embedded in a larger area of straight-line wind damage, and caused minor to moderate damage along its path.[15][18]
EF1 NE of Saint John Stafford KS 38°04′N 98°40′W / 38.07°N 98.66°W / 38.07; -98.66 (Saint John (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0223 6.6 miles (10.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) Satellite tornado to the previous EF3 that passed near Argonia. Trees and power poles were downed.[15][17]
EF1 NE of Milan to ENE of Conway Springs Sumner KS 37°17′N 97°37′W / 37.29°N 97.62°W / 37.29; -97.62 (Milan (Apr. 14, EF3)) 0232-0246 7 miles (11 km) 100 yd (91 m) A barn at a farmstead was completely destroyed, while at a second farm, a house sustained major damage to its covered porches and a nearby barn was damaged.[15][17]
EF1 Hedrick Keokuk IA 41°10′N 92°20′W / 41.17°N 92.34°W / 41.17; -92.34 (Martinsburg (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0235 3 miles (4.8 km) 10 homes were damaged in and around Hedrick, a baseball field in town was damaged, and many trees and power lines were downed. Grain bins and a machine shed were damaged, and a shed was destroyed. A police car was blown into a ditch as well.[15][18]
EF3 Haysville to W of Andover Sedgwick KS 37°32′N 97°20′W / 37.54°N 97.34°W / 37.54; -97.34 (Wichita (Apr. 14, EF3)) 0321-0342 13.2 miles (21.2 km) 1,600 yd (1,500 m) See section on this tornado – There were 38 injuries and $500 million in damage.[15][17]
EF3 N of Arnett to NE of Woodward Ellis, Woodward OK 36°26′N 99°23′W / 36.43°N 99.39°W / 36.43; -99.39 (Woodward (Apr. 14, EF3)) 0342-0426 34 miles (55 km) 400 yd (370 m) 6 deaths – See section on this tornado – There were 29 injuries.[15][19]
EF0 N of Lindsborg Saline KS 38°35′N 97°42′W / 38.59°N 97.70°W / 38.59; -97.70 (Lindsborg (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0344-0359 10.5 miles (16.9 km) 100 yd (91 m) This tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF0 E of Andover Butler KS 37°43′N 97°01′W / 37.72°N 97.02°W / 37.72; -97.02 (Andover (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0349-0351 1 mile (1.6 km) 250 yd (230 m) A large but brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF0 NE of Andover Butler KS 37°47′N 97°04′W / 37.78°N 97.06°W / 37.78; -97.06 (Andover (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0355-0356 0.3 miles (480 m) 50 yd (46 m) This brief rope tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF1 SW of El Dorado Butler KS 37°44′N 96°58′W / 37.74°N 96.96°W / 37.74; -96.96 (Andover (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0355-0404 4.5 miles (7.2 km) 100 yd (91 m) Several horse barns at a farm were damaged.[15][17]
EF0 ENE of El Dorado Butler KS 37°54′N 96°44′W / 37.90°N 96.74°W / 37.90; -96.74 (Cassoday (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0410-0439 15 miles (24 km) 250 yd (230 m) This large tornado remained over open county along its path, causing no damage.[15][17]
EF1 SE of Kanopolis Ellsworth KS 38°39′N 98°08′W / 38.65°N 98.13°W / 38.65; -98.13 (Kanopolis (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0416-0426 7.5 miles (12.1 km) 100 yd (91 m) A trailer home sustained major damage, and some trees were damaged as well.[15][17]
EF1 NNW of Pleasant Dale Seward NE 40°52′N 96°56′W / 40.86°N 96.94°W / 40.86; -96.94 (Pleasant Dale (Apr. 14, EF1)) 0426 2.3 miles (3.7 km) Several outbuildings were destroyed. Homes suffered minor damage and trees were downed along the path.[15]
EF0 SW of Olpe Lyon KS 38°13′N 96°13′W / 38.22°N 96.22°W / 38.22; -96.22 (Olpe (Apr. 14, EF0)) 0506 50 yards (46 m) A brief tornado touched down in an open field, causing no damage.[15][16]

April 15 event

[edit]
List of confirmed tornadoes – Sunday, April 15, 2012[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 N of South Bend Cass, Sarpy NE 41°01′N 96°14′W / 41.01°N 96.24°W / 41.01; -96.24 (South Bend (Apr. 15, EF1)) 0518 1.9 miles (3.1 km) Trees were downed and a few outbuildings were damaged along the path.[21]
EF1 SW of McClelland Pottawattamie IA 41°16′N 95°44′W / 41.27°N 95.74°W / 41.27; -95.74 (McClelland (Apr. 15, EF1)) 0555 1 mile (1.6 km) This tornado caused considerable damage at the Westfair Amphitheater, where bleachers were ripped from their anchors and thrown. Many outbuildings and trees were damaged as well.[21]
EF1 SW of Skiatook Osage OK 36°20′N 96°03′W / 36.33°N 96.05°W / 36.33; -96.05 (Skiatook (Apr. 15, EF1)) 1049 4.2 miles (6.8 km) A metal hangar was damaged and several trees were snapped or uprooted.[21]
EF1 SSE of Tahlequah Cherokee, Adair OK 35°47′N 94°55′W / 35.78°N 94.92°W / 35.78; -94.92 (Tahlequah (Apr. 15, EF1)) 1422 14.5 miles (23.3 km) One mobile home was destroyed and homes sustained roof damage. A few outbuildings were destroyed, and trees and tree limbs were snapped.[21]
EF0 W of Litchfield Sherman NE 41°10′N 99°11′W / 41.17°N 99.19°W / 41.17; -99.19 (Litchfield (Apr. 15, EF0)) 1648 0.5 miles (0.80 km) A metal building at a farmstead was damaged.[21]
EF0 ESE of Ord Valley NE 41°35′N 98°50′W / 41.58°N 98.83°W / 41.58; -98.83 (Ord (Apr. 15, EF0)) 1737 100 yards (91 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[21]
EF0 NE of Ericson Wheeler NE 41°50′N 98°36′W / 41.83°N 98.60°W / 41.83; -98.60 (Ericson (Apr. 15, EF0)) 1805 0.25 miles (0.40 km) A pole barn sustained major damage, and the roof of another outbuilding was destroyed.[21]
EF0 NNE of Bartlett Wheeler NE 42°00′N 98°29′W / 42.00°N 98.48°W / 42.00; -98.48 (Bartlett (Apr. 15, EF0)) 1855 0.15 miles (0.24 km) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[21]
EF0 SSW of Verdigre Knox NE 42°35′N 98°02′W / 42.58°N 98.04°W / 42.58; -98.04 (Verdigre (Apr. 15, EF0)) 1927 0.4 miles (0.64 km) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[21]
EF0 WNW of Santee Knox NE 42°50′N 97°52′W / 42.84°N 97.86°W / 42.84; -97.86 (Santee (Apr. 15, EF0)) 1935 0.4 miles (0.64 km) Brief tornado near Lewis and Clark Lake caused no damage.[21]
EF0 NE of Springfield Bon Homme SD 42°52′N 97°51′W / 42.87°N 97.85°W / 42.87; -97.85 (Springfield (Apr. 15, EF0)) 1940 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Brief rope tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[21]
EF0 ENE of Minneota Lyon MN 44°35′N 95°53′W / 44.59°N 95.89°W / 44.59; -95.89 (Minneota (Apr. 15, EF0)) 2111 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[21]
EF1 SE of Morganton Van Buren AR 35°27′N 92°17′W / 35.45°N 92.29°W / 35.45; -92.29 (Morganton (Apr. 15, EF1)) 2311 2.3 miles (3.7 km) This tornado snapped off or uprooted dozens of trees, tore part of the porch roof off a mobile home, overturned a travel trailer, and caused minor damage to a house and a vacant mobile home.[21]
EF0 SW of Brownton McLeod MN 44°43′N 94°23′W / 44.71°N 94.38°W / 44.71; -94.38 (Brownton (Apr. 15, EF0)) 0024 150 yards (140 m) Brief rope tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[21]

April 16 event

[edit]
List of confirmed tornadoes – Monday, April 16, 2012[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 Portland San Patricio TX 27°52′N 97°19′W / 27.87°N 97.31°W / 27.87; -97.31 (Portland (Apr. 16, EF1)) 1023 2 miles (3.2 km) This tornado moved through Portland, causing considerable damage. 50 homes were impacted, 8 of which sustained significant damage. Many trees and fences were downed, and vehicles were damaged as well.[22]
EF0 E of Gregory San Patricio TX 27°55′N 97°16′W / 27.92°N 97.26°W / 27.92; -97.26 (Ingleside (Apr. 16, EF0)) 1050 1 mile (1.6 km) A fireworks stand was flipped and an outbuilding was damaged.[22]
EF0 NNW of Ingleside San Patricio TX 27°55′N 97°14′W / 27.92°N 97.23°W / 27.92; -97.23 (Ingleside (Apr. 16, EF0)) 1120 0.5 miles (0.80 km) This brief tornado damaged a few power poles.[22]
EF0 NE of Riviera Kleberg TX 27°19′N 97°44′W / 27.31°N 97.74°W / 27.31; -97.74 (Riviera (Apr. 16, EF0)) 1335 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[22]
EF0 NNE of Sarita Kenedy TX 27°15′N 97°47′W / 27.25°N 97.78°W / 27.25; -97.78 (Riviera (Apr. 16, EF0)) 1337 0.8 miles (1.3 km) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[22]

Haysville–McConnell Air Force Base–Eastern Wichita, Kansas

[edit]
Haysville–McConnell Air Force Base–Eastern Wichita, Kansas
EF3 tornado
Radar image of the supercell that produced the EF3 Wichita tornado.
Max. rating1EF3 tornado
Fatalities38 injuries
Damage$500 million
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale
Series of radar images showing the entire life of the Wichita supercell.

Originating in the Texas Panhandle, the supercell thunderstorm that produced this destructive nighttime EF3 tornado had a history of producing tornadoes in Oklahoma as early as 6:15 pm. The cyclic supercell storm produced additional tornadoes as it continued into south-central Kansas, including an EF3 that passed near Argonia and Conway Springs. As the supercell moved into the Wichita metropolitan area, a tornado touched down in the southern part of Haysville, moving through the eastern part of town along a northeasterly path. Damage in Haysville ranged from EF0 to EF1 in intensity as homes sustained damage to roofs, windows, and garage doors. Trees were also downed, some of which landed on houses. Farther to the northeast, additional minor to moderate damage occurred as the tornado approached the southeastern city limits of Wichita. By this time, local news stations and storm spotters were reporting a large wedge tornado moving into southeastern Wichita, accompanied by numerous power flashes. Staff at the Wichita National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office on the western perimeter of the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport were forced to hand over responsibility for their County Warning Area to the National Weather Service office in Topeka and take shelter at about 10:00 pm CDT (0300 UTC), due to the close proximity of the predicted tornado track to their location. While within their shelter room, the NWS Wichita staff used a laptop computer and personal smartphones to continue to monitor the tornado on radar. The tornado ended up passing within six miles of the facility at its closest point, and the staff returned to duty half an hour later.[5][23] The tornado reached EF3 intensity as it entered Wichita, tearing directly through the Oaklawn-Sunview neighborhood. Major damage occurred in this residential area, as numerous one-story homes were severely damaged or destroyed, including many that lost roofs and exterior walls. One home was leveled, and many large trees were snapped, defoliated, and denuded.[24][25]

Some of the most significant damage in this area occurred at the Pinaire Mobile Home Park, where 90 of the 150 mobile homes were damaged, several of which were completely destroyed. Ruptured gas lines in the mobile home park resulted in a fire, and several residents were left trapped in the rubble, but were later rescued. Despite the severity of the damage, no fatalities occurred at the Pinaire Mobile Home Park or anywhere else along the path of the tornado. Continuing to the northeast, the tornado weakened to EF2 strength and struck Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita's largest employer. Every building at the facility sustained some degree of damage, and six of the buildings sustained significant damage. One of these buildings was largely destroyed. At nearby McConnell Air Force Base, hangars and fences were heavily damaged, and airplanes were damaged at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Past McConnell Air Force Base, the tornado weakened to EF1 strength and passed near the intersection of Rock Road and East Pawnee Street, snapping power poles and toppling a billboard over onto a nearby building. Minor tree, fence, and house damage occurred in residential areas along this segment of the path, and an apartment building had a large portion of its roof torn off. At the East Harry Street and South Webb Road intersection, a QuikTrip, Dillons, Walgreens, and several other businesses sustained EF0 to EF1 damage. Continuing to the northeast, EF0 to EF1 damage continued as the tornado passed near the intersection of Greenwich Road and East Kellogg Avenue, blowing the windows out of vehicles at a car dealership and causing roof damage to the Hawker Beechcraft facility. A large ferris wheel was toppled over in the parking lot of Morningstar Community Church, where a fair had been taking place earlier in the day. Additional minor tree and house damage occurred before the tornado dissipated to the west of Andover, after injuring 38 people and causing $500 million in damage. The path of this tornado bore a striking resemblance to the track of an F5 tornado that killed 17 people in Sedgwick and Butler counties on April 26, 1991.[26][27]

Arnett–Woodward, Oklahoma

[edit]
Arnett–Woodward, Oklahoma
EF3 tornado
EF3 damage to homes in the southwestern part of Woodward, Oklahoma.
Duration44 minutes
Max. rating1EF3 tornado
Fatalities6 fatalities, 29 injuries
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale

Touching down 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Arnett in southern Ellis County, Oklahoma, at 11:42 p.m. CDT on April 14, this deadly EF3 nighttime tornado was the only tornado of the outbreak that resulted in any fatalities. After touching down, the tornado rapidly intensified and continued through sparsely populated areas to the northeast of Arnett, destroying two homes and causing lesser damage to a few others. Damage along this segment of the path was rated EF3. The tornado tracked northeastward into Woodward County, Oklahoma, around 11:59 p.m. CDT, producing EF2 damage. Power lines were downed and two mobile homes were completely destroyed to the southeast of Fargo, killing three people. Illuminated by lightning and power flashes, the large stovepipe tornado entered the southwestern part of Woodward at 12:19 a.m. CDT on April 15.[28] The first area impacted in Woodward was a subdivision along Quail Drive and Meadowlake Drive. EF3 damage occurred in this areas as numerous homes were damaged or destroyed, some of which were left with only a few interior walls standing. Large trees were defoliated, snapped, and denuded, and vehicles were tossed and severely damaged. The tornado reached high-end EF3 strength as it moved through neighborhoods just to the west of 34th Street, where multiple homes had roofs ripped off and sustained collapse of exterior walls. One two-story home was completely flattened with only a pile of rubble left behind, though overall context was not indicative of a tornado exceeding high-end EF3 intensity. EF3 damage continued just beyond this point as one-story condominium buildings along Lakeside Lane were destroyed. One of the buildings at the complex was leveled, though the structures were not well-anchored to their foundations. A carpet store housed in a large retail building in this area also sustained EF3 damage, sustaining total roof loss and collapse of multiple exterior walls, with metal support beams bent. A nearby movie theater building was badly damaged as well.

The tornado then crossed Oklahoma Avenue, snapping trees and bending metal street signs to the ground. The Mutual of Omaha Customer Service Center, housed in a large and well-built office building, was impacted at low-end EF3 intensity. The structure sustained many blown out windows, roof loss, major damage to its interior, and partial exterior wall failure. Large amounts of debris was scattered throughout the area, and small ornamental trees on the property sustained some debarking. Farther to the northeast, the tornado maintained its strength as it ripped through residential areas in western Woodward, severely damaging or completely destroying many homes in the vicinity of Cheyenne Drive, Choctaw Court, and Ridgecrest Avenue. Past this area, the tornado struck the Hideaway Mobile Home Park along 26th Street in the northwestern part of town, resulting in devastating damage. Three people were killed as several mobile homes were obliterated, with their metal frames thrown and mangled. Debris was scattered in all directions, vehicles were tossed, and ground scouring was noted at the mobile home park. The tornado then exited Woodward and weakened, moving through open country before lifting at around 12:26 a.m. CDT approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Woodward in northwestern Woodward County. 89 homes and 13 businesses were reportedly damaged or destroyed in Woodward, including 10 houses that were leveled. 6 people were killed by the tornado, and 28 others were injured.[29][9]

The 20 outdoor warning sirens located throughout Woodward did not sound prior to the tornado striking the town. This was due to lightning strike damage from the previous day sustained to a tower used to activate the local electricity-powered siren warning system. As a result, most Woodward area residents had to rely on warnings either from local television stations broadcasting from the Oklahoma City market through cable and satellite television or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.[30][31][32]

Aftermath

[edit]

On April 15, 2012, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback declared a state of emergency for the entire state due to the tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail and flash flooding.[33] Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency the following day on April 16 for twelve Oklahoma counties (Alfalfa, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Ellis, Harper, Jackson, Kiowa, Logan, Oklahoma, Woods and Woodward).[34]

On April 18, Fallin filed a federal disaster declaration request for Woodward County with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, seeking government funding to provide temporary housing, low-interest loans, disaster unemployment assistance and disaster expense grants for people and businesses affected by the storms; officials for the Governor's office stated that if the request is granted, additional Oklahoma counties currently included in the state of emergency declaration may be added to the federal disaster declaration.[35]

On April 19, 2012, FEMA announced that the southwestern Iowa counties of Union and Fremont that were also affected by the tornadoes would not qualify for federal assistance, both counties also received state disaster declarations by Governor Terry Branstad.[36] FEMA denied the disaster declaration request for the twelve Oklahoma counties the following day on April 20.[37] The Small Business Administration accepted a separate disaster declaration request filed by Governor Fallin for Woodward County on April 26; the declaration will allow the SBA to provide low-interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners, business owners and non-profits to repair or replace storm-damaged property not covered by insurance or other federal assistance programs.[38]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Tornadoes rake Wichita area, causing significant damage". Kansas City Star. April 15, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  2. ^ "Tornadoes Kill 6 Across Great Plains". Fox News Latino. April 16, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  3. ^ "Storm Prediction Center Apr 13, 2012 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Storm hits Iowa hospital; tornado warning issued for Wichita". CNN. April 15, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Kevin Darmofal, NWS Wichita Lead Meteorologist (April 20, 2012). "Why NWS Wichita Took Shelter and Requested Service Back-up the Evening of April 14, 2012". National Weather Service. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  6. ^ herzmann, daryl. "IEM :: TOR from NWS OUN". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  7. ^ "Most Popular E-mail Newsletter". USA Today. April 15, 2012.
  8. ^ The Oklahoman
  9. ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". apps.dat.noaa.gov. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  10. ^ Andrew Knittle (April 16, 2012). "Cleanup continues in Norman after EF-1 tornado". The Oklahoman. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "The April 13-14, 2012 Severe Weather Event". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. April 13, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "SPC Storm Reports for 04/13/12". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. April 13, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Pecos Hank (2013-03-19). TORNADOES Best of 2012. Retrieved 2024-08-06 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ a b Pecos Hank (2014-05-30). CHASER HIT BY TORNADO - Oklahoma Nightmare. Retrieved 2024-08-06 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd Storm Reports for 04/14/12 (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t April 14, 2012 tornado outbreak (Report). NWS Dodge City. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
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  23. ^ Center, Storm Prediction. "Storm Prediction Center Storm Reports Page". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
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  28. ^ Woodward Tornado Timeline, National Weather Service (Norman WFO), Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  29. ^ Woodward Death Toll Rises To 6, KOCO-TV, April 16, 2012.
  30. ^ Experts: Don't rely just on tornado warning sirens, CBS News, April 16, 2012.
  31. ^ How reliable are Okla. tornado sirens?, KFOR-TV, April 15, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  32. ^ Preliminary Storm Information for the Woodward Tornado, from the National Weather Service, Norman, The Oklahoman, April 16, 2012.
  33. ^ Kan. Governor Issues State Of Emergency, KMBC-TV, April 15, 2012.
  34. ^ Fallin Declares State Of Emergency For 12 Counties, KOCO-TV, April 15, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  35. ^ Oklahoma Governor Requests Federal Aid Archived April 19, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, The Weather Channel (via the Associated Press). Retrieved April 19, 2012.
  36. ^ Southwest Iowa tornado damage won’t qualify for federal funds, RadioIowa, April 19, 2012
  37. ^ Fallin to seek aid elsewhere for tornado-damaged Woodward after White House denial, Tulsa World (via The Oklahoman), April 21, 2012.
  38. ^ SBA Grants Woodward County Disaster Assistance, KOCO-TV, April 26, 2012.
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