Tornado outbreak of March 24–25, 1954
Weather event in the United States
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On March 24–25, 1954, a small-but-intense tornado outbreak affected portions of the Central and Southern United States, killing two people and injuring 11. The outbreak generated 18 significant (F2 or stronger) tornadoes, including a deadly, violent event, retroactively rated F4, in Texas County, Missouri. Another intense tornado, rated F3, injured two people in a rural part of Barry County, also in Missouri. An F2 tornado in Benton County, Missouri, injured four. In addition, an F1 tornado in Collin County, North Texas—in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex—injured four more. At least four tornadoes also occurred in or near Greater St. Louis, causing locally extensive damage, and a quartet of strong tornadoes hit Oklahoma, with a few more F2s striking Arkansas.[note 2][2][3]
Weather analysis on March 24, showing the low pressure system that produced the tornado outbreak | |
| Tornado outbreak | |
|---|---|
| Tornadoes | 28 |
Max. rating | F4 tornado |
| Duration | March 24–25, 1954 |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Injuries | 11 |
| Damage | $526,100 ($6,310,000 in 2025 USD)[note 1] |
| Areas affected | Central and Southern United States |
Part of the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1954 | |
Outbreak statistics
Confirmed tornadoes
| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 10 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 28 |
Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of NEXRAD Doppler weather radar in 1990–1991.[10][note 6] 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of Fujita scale assessments.[14][note 4] Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.
| Color / symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| † | Data from Grazulis 1990/1993/2001b |
| ¶ | Data from a local National Weather Service office |
| ※ | Data from the 1954 Climatological Data National Summary publication |
| ‡ | Data from the NCEI database |
| ♯ | Maximum width of tornado |
| ± | Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable. |
March 24 event
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord.[note 7] | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width[note 8] | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Goltry | Alfalfa | Oklahoma | 36.53°N 98.17°W | 21:15–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 880 yd (800 m) | Unknown |
| A brief tornado was reported.[18][19] | ||||||||
| F2 | ESE of Alfalfa | Caddo | Oklahoma | 35.18°N 98.55°W | 21:30–? | 3 mi (4.8 km)† | 75 yd (69 m)※ | $4,900※ |
| Barns were wrecked on three farmsteads.[20][21][19] | ||||||||
| F2 | NNW of Newkirk | Kay | Oklahoma | 36.93°N 97.10°W | 01:05–? | 3 mi (4.8 km)※ | 200 yd (180 m) | $9,700※ |
| Barns on a few farmsteads lost their roofs. Five outbuildings and another barn were wrecked elsewhere.[20][22][23] | ||||||||
| F2± | E of Wellsville | Franklin | Kansas | 38.73°N 95.05°W | 02:30–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $2,500 |
| Sheds and barns were damaged on three farmsteads.[24][23] | ||||||||
| F2± | NW of Chanute to NW of Moran | Wilson, Allen | Kansas | 37.72°N 95.52°W | 03:00–? | 22.2 mi (35.7 km) | 880 yd (800 m) | $25,000 |
| Damage to farms may have commenced farther southwest in Wilson County than officially indicated.[25][23] | ||||||||
| F1 | Western Sapulpa to SW of Oakhurst | Creek | Oklahoma | 36.00°N 96.12°W | 03:05–03:20※ | 3.6 mi (5.8 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | $2,500 |
| Garages and other structures were damaged.[26][23] | ||||||||
| F2 | Western Haskell | Muskogee | Oklahoma | 35.82°N 95.68°W | 03:25–? | 1 mi (1.6 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | $50,000※ |
| Half a dozen homes were damaged. A barn and a cannery were wrecked as well.[20][27][23] | ||||||||
| F1 | Frisco | Collin | Texas | 33.15°N 96.82°W | 03:30–? | 4.9 mi (7.9 km) | 67 yd (61 m) | $12,000※ |
| This tornado shattered windows and tore off roofing. Television antennae, sheds, and barns were damaged. A grain elevator was wrecked as well. Four injuries occurred.[28][29] | ||||||||
| F1 | SE of Cherryvale※ | Montgomery | Kansas | 37.20°N 95.62°W | 03:30–? | 2 mi (3.2 km) | 440 yd (400 m) | $15,000※ |
| Many farms were damaged, and trees were prostrated.[30][29] | ||||||||
| F1 | E of Columbus※ | Cherokee | Kansas | 37.17°N 94.83°W | 03:45–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 17 yd (16 m) | Unknown |
| Farmsteads were damaged.[31][29] | ||||||||
| F1 | SE of Rose※ to NNE of Jay | Delaware | Oklahoma | 36.20°N 94.97°W | 04:00–? | 20 mi (32 km)※ | 33 yd (30 m) | $7,500※ |
| Damage occurred on three farmsteads.[32][29] | ||||||||
| F1 | Burgess※ | Barton | Missouri | 37.12°N 94.53°W | 04:00–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) | 17 yd (16 m) | $2,000※ |
| Agricultural implements and a garage were damaged.[33][29] | ||||||||
| F2† | SW of Oakton to northern Lamar Heights to SW of Milford | Barton | Missouri | 37.45°N 94.40°W | 04:00–? | 18 mi (29 km)† | 100 yd (91 m)† | $100,000※ |
| 12 homes were severely damaged, and a quartet of barns were wrecked. Livestock was injured or killed as well.[20][34][29] | ||||||||
| F1 | NW of Seligman to W of Cape Fair | Barry | Missouri | 36.55°N 93.97°W | 04:00–? | 23.9 mi (38.5 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | $25,000 |
| This tornado passed near Washburn and ended near Flat Creek. Details are unavailable.[35][29] | ||||||||
| F2± | W of Pensacola to Grand Lake o' the Cherokees※ | Mayes, Craig※, Delaware※ | Oklahoma | 36.45°N 95.15°W | 04:18–? | 5.6 mi (9.0 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | $25,000 |
| Details are unavailable.[36][29] | ||||||||
| F2† | Southern Centerton (1st tornado) to Bentonville to SW of Gateway | Benton | Arkansas | 36.35°N 94.28°W | 04:40–? | 20.6 mi (33.2 km) | 400 yd (370 m) | $10,000※ |
| Numerous outbuildings, barns, and homes were destroyed or damaged. Many chickens were killed as well. Four people were injured.[20][37][29] | ||||||||
March 25 event
| F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord.[note 7] | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width[note 8] | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F2± | NE of Saratoga to Lanagan to WNW of Rocky Comfort | McDonald, Newton※ | Missouri | 36.57°N 94.52°W | 05:00–? | 26.1 mi (42.0 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | $25,000 |
| This tornado destroyed or damaged many small frame farmhouses. Outbuildings and barns were wrecked as well. Livestock was killed or injured along the path, and one person was injured.[38][39][40] | ||||||||
| F2† | Fairview to Purdy to McDowell | Newton, Barry | Missouri | 36.82°N 94.10°W | 05:00–? | 17.3 mi (27.8 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | $5,000 |
| Barns, little frame homes, outbuildings, chicken coops, and machinery were destroyed or damaged. Trees were torn up and carried many yards.[20][41][42][43] | ||||||||
| F2† | Near Success | Texas | Missouri | Unknown | ~05:00–? | 10 mi (16 km) | Unknown | $25,000 |
| A small home was destroyed, along with a barn. The tornado killed "thousands" of poultry.[20][40] | ||||||||
| F3 | ESE of Cato† | Barry | Missouri | 36.72°N 93.67°W | 05:30–? | 2 mi (3.2 km)† | 100 yd (91 m)† | $25,000 |
| A seven-room, twin-story house was torn apart. A few injuries occurred.[20][44][29] | ||||||||
| F2† | S of Fordland to near Diggins† to N of Seymour※ | Webster | Missouri | 37.17°N 92.95°W | 05:45–? | 10 mi (16 km)† | 400 yd (370 m)† | $20,000※ |
| A factory and a warehouse were flattened, along with four barns. 20 cows were also killed.[20][45][46][40] | ||||||||
| F2† | S of Selmore to Ozark | Christian | Missouri | 36.97°N 93.23°W | 05:45–? | 5 mi (8.0 km) | 600 yd (550 m)† | $20,000※ |
| This strong tornado formed over Elk Valley, northwest of Christian Center, ripping the roof off a farmhouse and tearing away the front of another home. Barns were wrecked as well, and livestock was injured or killed. Debris obstructed vehicular and pedestrian traffic "for hours".[20][47][40] | ||||||||
| F4 | NW of Bendavis to SE of Old Success | Texas | Missouri | 37.32°N 92.23°W | 06:55–? | 12.1 mi (19.5 km) | 100 yd (91 m) | $25,000† |
| 2 deaths – This violent tornado hit more than 20 farms, tossing a vehicle a long distance. One home was obliterated, its debris scattered 2 mi (3.2 km). The dead were found 150 yd (450 ft) from the homesite. A truck, barns, and outbuildings were wrecked as well. Trees were uprooted and thrown many yards.[48][20][49][50][40] | ||||||||
| F2† | SSE of Gilmore to W of Portage des Sioux | St. Charles | Missouri | 38.80°N 90.80°W | 08:00–? | 21.6 mi (34.8 km) | 20 yd (18 m)‡ | $35,000※ |
| A few small, anchor-bolted cottages were blown off their CMU foundations. A small home was wrecked as well. A hangar and a barn sustained damage.[20][51][40] | ||||||||
| F1 | W of West Alton | St. Charles | Missouri | 38.87°N 90.25°W | 08:00–? | 1 mi (1.6 km) | 60 yd (55 m) | $5,000※ |
| Outbuildings were tipped onto their sides. Other structures received minor damage. A porch lost its roof as well.[52][40] | ||||||||
| F2 | SW of Pacific to Maryland Heights† | Franklin, St. Louis† | Missouri | 38.47°N 90.75°W | 08:00–? | 23 mi (37 km)† | 30 yd (27 m)† | $40,000※ |
| This strong tornado unroofed a brick home and wrecked another. A CMU garage was demolished, and a 6-foot-long (2.0 yd) timber was embedded in the wall of a dining room. Windows, agricultural implements, and barns were destroyed or damaged as well.[20][53][40] | ||||||||
| F1 | Gray Summit※ | Franklin | Missouri | 38.58°N 90.77°W | 08:00–? | ≤20 mi (32 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m)‡ | $5,000※ |
| Several walls were downed, and a brick home was extensively damaged.[54][40] | ||||||||
| F2† | Southern Centerton (2nd tornado) | Benton | Arkansas | 36.35°N 94.28°W | 08:15–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) | 400 yd (370 m)† | $5,000※ |
| A small barn and farmhouse were wrecked. Outbuildings were damaged and 3,000 fledgling chickens killed.[20][55][40] | ||||||||
See also
Notes
- An 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 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 significant (F2 or stronger) tornado.[1]
- 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 CST/CDT for consistency.
- The Fujita scale was devised under the aegis of scientist T. Theodore Fujita in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.[4][5] Tornado ratings were retroactively applied to events prior to the formal adoption of the F-scale by the National Weather Service.[6] While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the Enhanced Fujita scale in the U.S. since February 1, 2007,[7] Canada used the old scale until April 1, 2013;[8] nations elsewhere, like the United Kingdom, apply other classifications such as the TORRO scale.[9]
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Data publication does not list exact damage totals for every event, instead giving damage categories. As such, damage for individual tornadoes is not comprehensive.
- 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.[11] Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.[12] 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.[13]
- All starting coordinates are based on the NCEI database and may not reflect contemporary analyses
- The listed width values are primarily the average/mean width of the tornadoes, with those having known maximum widths denoted by ♯. From 1952 to 1994, reports largely list mean width whereas contemporary years list maximum width.[15] Values provided by Grazulis are the average width, with estimates being rounded down (i.e. 0.5 mi (0.80 km) is rounded down from 880 yards to 800 yards.[16][17]