History of Tornado in Timeline

A tornado is a rotating column of air connecting the Earth's surface to a cumulonimbus or cumulus cloud. Often called twisters or whirlwinds, they vary greatly in size and shape, often appearing as a condensation funnel with rotating debris. Most have wind speeds under 180 km/h, a width of about 80 meters, and travel a few kilometers. Extreme tornadoes can exceed 480 km/h, span over 3 kilometers, and travel over 100 km. The term cyclone technically refers to a low-pressure weather system with specific wind patterns, while tornado is reserved for the vortex itself.

November 1915: Great Bend, Kansas Tornado

In November 1915, a tornado affected Great Bend, Kansas, resulting in debris fallout as far as 305 miles (491 km) away in Palmyra, Nebraska.

March 18, 1925: The Tri-State Tornado

On March 18, 1925, the Tri-State Tornado affected parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana and was on the ground continuously for 219 miles (352 km), holding the record for path length.

1936: Gainesville Tornado

In 1936, the Gainesville Tornado, one of the deadliest tornadoes in history, occurred at 8:30 am local time.

1950: First Public Tornado Warnings Issued in the United States

In 1950, the first public tornado warnings were issued in the United States, marking a significant step in tornado preparedness and safety.

1952: First Tornado Watches and Convective Outlooks

In 1952, the first tornado watches and convective outlooks were established, enhancing the ability to forecast and prepare for potential tornado events.

1953: Confirmation of Hook Echoes Associated with Tornadoes

In 1953, it was confirmed that hook echoes were associated with tornadoes, enabling meteorologists to detect thunderstorms likely producing tornadoes from several miles away.

1974: 1974 Super Outbreak

In 1974, the Super Outbreak affected a large area of the central United States and extreme southern Ontario. The outbreak featured 148 tornadoes in 18 hours, many of which were violent. More than 300 people were killed.

1974: Establishment of Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) Spotter Network

Since 1974, the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has maintained a network of spotters in the United Kingdom.

April 26, 1989: Daultipur-Salturia Tornado in Bangladesh

On April 26, 1989, the Daultipur-Salturia Tornado in Bangladesh killed approximately 1,300 people, making it the deadliest tornado in world history.

1991: Andover, Kansas Tornado Outbreak

During the 1991 tornado outbreak near Andover, Kansas, a news crew and others took shelter under an overpass, inspiring the misconception that overpasses provide adequate shelter from tornadoes.

May 3, 1999: Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak

On May 3, 1999, during the Oklahoma tornado outbreak, three highway overpasses were directly struck by tornadoes, resulting in fatalities and life-threatening injuries.

June 24, 2003: Pressure Decrease Near Manchester, South Dakota

On June 24, 2003, near Manchester, South Dakota, a probe measured a 100-millibar (100 hPa; 3.0 inHg) pressure decrease near a tornado.

May 22, 2004: Hallam, Nebraska Tornado

On May 22, 2004, a tornado affected Hallam, Nebraska and was up to 2.5 miles (4.0 km) wide at the ground.

2005: Birmingham Tornado

In 2005, the Birmingham tornado registered F2 on the Fujita scale and caused significant damage and injury.

2006: London Tornado

In 2006, the London tornado registered F2 on the Fujita scale and caused significant damage and injury.

2007: Reanalysis of the Tri-State Tornado Path

In 2007, a reanalysis of the Tri-State Tornado's path suggested that the tornado may have begun 15 miles (24 km) further west than previously thought.

2007: Implementation of the Enhanced Fujita Scale in the United States

In 2007, the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale was implemented in the United States as an update to the older Fujita scale, using engineered wind estimates and better damage descriptions.