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A widespread and destructive tornado outbreak sequence impacted the Midwestern United States between May 4–10, 1965.[nb 2]
Tornado outbreak | |
---|---|
Tornadoes | 87 |
Maximum rating | F5 tornado |
Duration | May 4–10, 1965 |
Highest gusts | 70 kn (81 mph; 130 km/h) in Kansas on May 6 |
Largest hail | 4 in (10 cm) at two locations on May 4 and 7 |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 17 |
Injuries | 773 |
Damage | $ (YYYY USD)[nb 1] $Format price error: cannot parse value "Error when using {{Inflation}}: |value= (parameter 2) and |start_year= (parameter 3) must be specified." (2024) |
Areas affected | Midwestern United States |
Part of the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1965 |
On the morning of May 6, 1965, a series of low-pressure areas, consisting of dual cyclones, was present over and east of the Great Basin, roughly straddling the Continental Divide. Meanwhile, a warm front extended eastward over Minneapolis–St. Paul, attended by temperatures in the high 70s °F. An ongoing mesoscale convective system deposited outflow boundaries in the area, which locally contributed to enhanced wind shear. As a result, numerous supercells developed and trained over the Twin Cities, producing intense tornadoes.[2] These tornadoes were the most severe on record in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.[3] Roughly two days later, a vigorous trough generated severe thunderstorms over the Front Range, immediately preceding a significant tornado episode over the High Plains on May 8. Potent atmospheric instability contributed to the outbreak of storms on the latter date.[4]
FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 22 | 20 | 29 | 7 | 8 | 1 | ≥ 87 |
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.[12][nb 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.[16][nb 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 1965 Storm Data publication |
‡ | Data from the NCEI database |
♯ | Maximum width of tornado |
± | Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable. |
F# | Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord.[nb 7] | Date[nb 3] | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width[nb 8] | Damage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F3± | NE of Rexford to NNW of Selden | Sheridan | Kansas | 39.52°N 100.67°W | May 4 | 23:15–? | 5.2 mi (8.4 km)‡ | 100 yd (91 m)‡ | $25,000‡ |
A strong tornado unroofed and wrecked three homes.[20][21][22] | |||||||||
F2± | WNW of Soncy | Potter | Texas | 35.2°N 101.97°W | May 4 | 00:40–? | 1 mi (1.6 km)‡ | 20 yd (18 m)‡ | $2,500‡ |
This strong tornado impacted Kamp Kiwanis, a Girl Scouts camp, unroofing four cabins and the main structure. A secondary funnel cloud was observed nearby, but was not believed to have developed into a tornado.[20][23][24] | |||||||||
F0 | WSW of Exum | Hartley | Texas | 36.08°N 102.22°W | May 4 | 02:00–? | 4.6 mi (7.4 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $2,500‡ |
Details are unavailable.[23][25] | |||||||||
F2 | Southeastern Borger※ | Hutchinson | Texas | 35.67°N 101.42°W | May 4 | 02:04–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km)‡ | 100 yd (91 m)‡ | $25,000‡ |
This brief tornado damaged four to six blocks. A two-story home, then under construction, was unroofed and shorn of its upper story, several rooms of which were found 200 yd (180 m) distant. A commode from the building was found 100 yd (91 m) away as well. The tornado also hurled a 2-by-4-inch (51 by 102 mm) board into a pickup truck. Building insulation spread over the landscape, lodging in crevices and gaps. A shortwave radio transmission tower was toppled as well. The tornado reportedly produced a "jet engine-like" din.[20][23][26] | |||||||||
F2± | Southwestern Hartley to W of Sibley | O'Brien, Osceola | Iowa | 43.17°N 95.48°W | May 5 | 20:30–? | 21.8 mi (35.1 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $2,500‡ |
Details are unavailable.[21][27] | |||||||||
F1 | N of Elkton (SD) to SE of Marietta (MN) | Brookings (SD), Deuel (SD)‡, Lincoln (MN)‡, Yellow Medicine (MN)‡, Lac qui Parle (MN)‡ | South Dakota, Minnesota | 44.47°N 96.47°W | May 5 | 20:45–? | 34.7 mi (55.8 km)‡ | 10 yd (9.1 m)‡ | Unknown |
This tornado damaged three farmsteads.[28][29] | |||||||||
F1 | S of Leal※ | Barnes | North Dakota | 47.1°N 98.4°W | May 5 | 21:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | $2,500‡ |
Details are unavailable.[30][31] | |||||||||
F4 | SSE of Rinard to NE of Callender | Calhoun, Webster | Iowa | 42.3°N 94.47°W | May 5 | 22:15–? | 8 mi (13 km)† | 200 yd (180 m)‡ | $25,000‡ |
A parsonage and a church were leveled. Eight farmsteads were damaged as well. Losses totaled $25,000.[32][20][21][33] | |||||||||
F0 | WSW of Spofford | Kinney | Texas | 29.15°N 100.55°W | May 5 | 23:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km)‡ | 33 yd (30 m)‡ | Unknown |
No reports of damage were received.[23][34] | |||||||||
F2 | NW of Leonard to SW of Argusville† | Cass | North Dakota | 46.7°N 97.2°W | May 5 | 23:15–? | 33 mi (53 km)※ | 100 yd (91 m)† | $750,000‡ |
This strong, long-lived tornado wrecked various outbuildings, sheds, and barns on seven farmsteads. A two-hour discrepancy between reported touchdowns suggests that two separate storms may have been responsible for multiple tornadoes, instead of a single event. The NCEI database lists the start of the path as north-northwest of Woods and the endpoint as west of Brooktree Park.[20][30][35][36][37] | |||||||||
F1 | SE of Sauk Center | Stearns | Minnesota | 45.72°N 94.92°W | May 5 | 23:20–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km)‡ | 200 yd (180 m)※ | $250,000‡ |
This brief tornado produced minimal damage.[38][39] | |||||||||
F2 | Lake Miltona to between Parkers Prairie and Urbank† | Douglas, Otter Tail | Minnesota | 45.9°N 95.42°W | May 5 | 23:40–?※ | 7 mi (11 km)† | 200 yd (180 m)※ | $50,000‡ |
This tornado first touched down beside Lake Darling, wrecking lakeside cottages. It extensively damaged outbuildings on eight farmsteads as well.[20][38][40] | |||||||||
F2 | N of Perham to Toad Lake※ | Becker | Minnesota | 46.85°N 95.50°W | May 5 | 23:45–?† | 15 mi (24 km)† | 50 yd (46 m)† | $25,000‡ |
An expansive, twin-story, lakefront summer house was destroyed, while five nearby cottages and homes incurred lesser damage.[20][38][41][42] | |||||||||
F1 | S of Gaylord to E of New Auburn | Sibley | Minnesota | 44.5°N 94.2°W | May 5 | 23:45–? | ~10 mi (16 km)‡ | 10 yd (9.1 m)‡ | $25,000‡ |
This tornado impacted seven farmsteads. Outbuildings and an aircraft sustained minor damage.[38][43] | |||||||||
F3 | S of Harmony, MN to W of Four Corners, WI | Fillmore (MN), Houston (MN), La Crosse (WI) | Minnesota, Wisconsin | 43.5°N 92.02°W | May 5 | 01:00–? | 65.2 mi (104.9 km) | 100 yd (91 m) | |
This and the following event may have been part of a single, long-lived tornado family. A dozen or more farmsteads were badly damaged in Minnesota, primarily near Newburg, Lenora, and Canton. Most of the injuries occurred in this area. The tornado apparently lifted near Yucatan and reformed near Money Creek. Near Dakota the tornado wrecked a brick schoolhouse and a number of barns. A car dealership, a school bus, and various buildings were damaged as well. Witnessed by an observer, the tornado crossed the Mississippi River, entering Wisconsin. In the latter state it destroyed buildings on 12 farms. The tornado tossed a vehicle 75 ft (25 yd), injuring a person. The tornado passed between Stevenstown and Mindoro before finally dissipating. In all, seven people were injured, including six in Minnesota, and losses totaled $10 million.[20][44][45][46][47][48] | |||||||||
F4 | Nora Springs to Osage to NNE of Kendallville | Floyd, Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek | IA | 43.28°N 92.82°W | 02:00–? | 41.6 mi (66.9 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | This violent tornado, which passed near Cresco, destroyed structures on 28 farmsteads. A pair of spacious farmhouses incurred F4-level damage near the end of the path. 11 people were injured and losses totaled $125,000. All of the injuries took place in Mitchell County.[20][21][49][50][51][52][53] | |
F2 | W of Grantsburg to W of Webster | Burnett | WI | 45.77°N 92.77°W | 02:15–? | 14.3 mi (23.0 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[54][55] | |
F0 | ESE of Elgin | Olmsted, Wabasha | MN | 44.12°N 92.22°W | 02:25–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A brief tornado occurred over open country. Losses were unknown.[38][56] | |
F0 | S of Fremont | Winona | MN | 43.85°N 91.9°W | 03:00–? | 0.2 mi (0.32 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This tornado wrecked a pair of farmsteads. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.[20][38][57] | |
F1 | ENE of Wingate | Runnels | TX | 32.05°N 100.1°W | 03:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A brief tornado splintered four telephone poles and damaged others nearby. Losses were unknown.[58][59] | |
F2 | NNE of Bailey, IA to NW of Washington, MN | Mower, Fillmore | MN | 43.5°N 92.6°W | 03:04–03:15 | 23.6 mi (38.0 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This strong tornado may have first developed in Iowa and crossed into Minnesota around 02:55 UTC. It damaged or destroyed approximately 20 farmsteads and a storage shed. Losses totaled $25,000.[20][38][60] | |
F2 | NW of Cumberland to SSW of Barronett | Barron | WI | 45.58°N 92.08°W | 05:00–? | 4.5 mi (7.2 km) | 167 yd (153 m) | Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[54][61] | |
F2 | ESE of Parvin | Kingfisher | OK | 36.07°N 98.17°W | 00:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This brief-but-strong tornado destroyed a shed, granary, barn, and shop. Trees, a tractor, a pair of combines, and four homes were damaged as well, along with a two-way radio and various other antennae. A porch was wrecked, injuring two people beneath. Losses were unknown.[20][62][63] | |
F4 | ENE of Cologne to Eastern Orono | Carver, Hennepin | MN | 44.78°N 93.75°W | 00:08–00:40 | 12.3 mi (19.8 km) | 300 yd (270 m) | 3 deaths – See section on this tornado – 175 people were injured and losses totaled $50 million.[20][64][65][66][67][3] | |
F4 | S of Chanhassen to WNW of Woodland | Carver, Hennepin | MN | 44.85°N 93.53°W | 00:27–00:43 | 6.9 mi (11.1 km) | 200 yd (180 m) | See section on this tornado | |
F3 | ENE of New Auburn to NW of Lester Prairie | Sibley, McLeod | MN | 44.68°N 94.17°W | 00:34–01:01 | 15.5 mi (24.9 km) | 167 yd (153 m) | This erratic tornado severely damaged or destroyed structures on 25 farmsteads. A school and a church were wrecked as well. Losses totaled $25 million. The tornado may have actually formed at 00:55 UTC. Grazulis listed losses as $1 million.[20][64][68][67][3] | |
F2 | ESE of Green Isle to N of Hydes Lake | Sibley, Carver | MN | 44.67°N 93.98°W | 00:43–01:04 | 11.2 mi (18.0 km) | 667 yd (610 m) | 1 death – This tornado was first sighted aerially, by a pilot near Green Isle. Downing trees, the tornado headed northeastward, "leveling" or badly damaging 26 or more farmsteads. A barn-sized herd of cattle was killed, along with a rural farmer, near Hamburg. The tornado grazed Norwood Young America before dissipating. 175 injuries were reported, along with losses of $75 million. This tornado may have been the same as the Cologne–Orono event. Grazulis listed the tornado as an F4.[20][64][69][70][67][3] | |
F2 | WNW of Arnett to SE of Brinkman | Harmon, Greer | OK | 34.75°N 99.97°W | 00:50–? | 31.3 mi (50.4 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This long-tracked tornado struck the communities of McKnight, then called Metcalf; Ron; and Reed. A church, a school, a store, a cotton gin, 10 barns, and six or more homes were destroyed or damaged. Two people were injured and losses totaled $500,000. The tornado may have formed over the Texas Panhandle, in Childress County, at 00:00 UTC and passed west of Hollis, Oklahoma, at 00:30 UTC.[20][62][71][72] | |
F0 | Oakwood | Dewey | OK | 35.93°N 98.7°W | 01:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | One person was injured and losses totaled $25,000.[62][73] | |
F1 | ENE of Carleton | Blaine | OK | 36.02°N 98.5°W | 01:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | Fencing, trees, and outbuildings were downed. A few trailers were tipped onto their sides as well. Losses totaled $250.[62][74] | |
F4 | Fridley (1st tornado) to Southwestern Blaine | Anoka | MN | 45.03°N 93.28°W | 01:06–01:21 | 6.8 mi (10.9 km) | 1,000 yd (910 m) | 3 deaths – See section on this tornado – 175 people were injured and losses totaled $25 million.[20][64][75][67][3] | |
F0 | E of Newcastle | Dixon | NE | 42.65°N 96.85°W | 01:45–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | Unknown[76] | |
F4 | Golden Valley to Fridley (2nd tornado) to Western Centerville | Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey | MN | 44.98°N 93.38°W | 02:14–03:02 | 17.3 mi (27.8 km) | 667 yd (610 m) | 6 deaths – See section on this tornado – 158 people were injured and losses totaled $75 million.[77][64][78][79][80][67][3] | |
F1 | Dewey | Washington | OK | 36.8°N 95.93°W | 03:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | Two barns were damaged. Losses totaled $25,000.[62][81] | |
F2 | Shell Lake | Washburn | WI | 45.73°N 91.93°W | 14:30–? | ≥1 mi (1.6 km) | 150 yd (140 m) | A school lost its roof, but the 300 students in attendance were unscathed. Losses totaled $250,000. The tornado may have begun 10 minutes later than officially listed. Grazulis listed a 4-mile-long (6.4 km) path.[77][54][82] | |
F0 | SW of Lakeview Colony | Charles Mix | SD | 43.2°N 98.5°W | 18:30–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This tornado formed over open country north of Dezera, near Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge. Losses were unknown.[28][83] | |
F0 | Oelwein | Fayette | IA | 42.67°N 91.9°W | 18:55–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | No damage was reported. Losses were unknown.[21][84] | |
F1 | Fairfield | Van Buren | IA | 41°N 91.95°W | 20:30–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A farm sustained damage. Losses totaled $250.[21][85][86] | |
F0 | WSW of Plymell | Finney | KS | 37.8°N 100.9°W | 22:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | Losses totaled $2,500.[21][87] | |
F2 | ENE of Mansfield | Finney | KS | 38.1°N 100.4°W | 22:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | One person was injured and losses totaled $2,500. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[21][88] | |
F2 | SSW of Ravanna | Finney | KS | 37.95°N 100.67°W | 22:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | One person was injured and losses totaled $2,500. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[21][89] | |
F0 | Waterville | Le Sueur | MN | 44.22°N 93.08°W | 00:10–? | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A car was wrecked, some buildings damaged slightly, and a pair of farms moderately impacted. Losses totaled $25,000.[64][90] | |
F0 | SW of Chaney | Ellis | OK | 35.37°N 100.25°W | 00:50–00:57 | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A few rural fences were damaged. Losses were unknown. The parent storm may have produced another tornado 25 minutes later near May, in Harper County. The publication Storm Data lists both events as having occurred on May 25.[91][92] | |
F0 | NNW of Twitty | Wheeler | TX | 36.13°N 99.78°W | 00:50–? | 0.8 mi (1.3 km) | 17 yd (16 m) | Only open land was affected. Losses totaled $25,000.[58][93] | |
F2 | ESE of Dover | Weld | CO | 40.77°N 104.77°W | 09:00–? | 1 mi (1.6 km) | 17 yd (16 m) | Outbuildings, trees, and agricultural implements were extensively damaged. Losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[94][95] | |
F1 | Northern Waukesha | Waukesha | WI | 43.03°N 88.23°W | 19:15–? | 2 mi (3.2 km) | 10 yd (9.1 m) | Losses totaled $250,000.[54][96] | |
F0 | SE of Randlett | Cotton | OK | 34.13°N 98.43°W | 20:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | Losses totaled $2,500. Four funnel clouds were observed as well.[62][97] | |
F1 | WNW of Blake | Montgomery | KS | 37.17°N 95.77°W | 21:15–21:30 | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) | 300 yd (270 m) | This tornado impacted the Independence Municipal Airport. Losses totaled $2,500.[21][98][86] | |
F0 | SSE of Stephan | Buffalo | SD | 44.17°N 99.43°W | 22:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | Two people were injured. Losses were unknown.[99] | |
F3 | N of Saint Michael to SSW of Farwell | Howard | NE | 41.05°N 98.75°W | 22:00–? | 10.2 mi (16.4 km) | 10 yd (9.1 m) | This intense tornado was the first member of a long-tracked, violent tornado family. It passed across the northwestern outskirts of Boelus, unroofing some barns and homes. Losses were unknown. The tornado may have begun between 35 minutes and an hour earlier than officially listed. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.[77][100][101] | |
F1 | WSW of Nichols | Osage | OK | 36.5°N 96.2°W | 22:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A granary and a few metal barns were wrecked. A barn was tossed against a transformer, disabling electrical service. Losses totaled $25,000.[62][102] | |
F1 | Kingstree | Williamsburg | SC | 33.67°N 79.82°W | 22:00–? | 0.8 mi (1.3 km) | 50 yd (46 m) | An hour-long storm attended this tornado. A "roaring" sound was heard and swirling debris observed, yet a well-defined funnel was markedly absent. Bits of roofing were torn from buildings. Losses totaled $25,000.[28][103][86] | |
F4 | WNW of Farwell to SSW of Orchard | Howard, Greeley, Wheeler, Holt, Antelope | NE | 41.23°N 98.67°W | 22:25–23:55 | 78.9 mi (127.0 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This violent tornado family belonged to the same storm as that of the Boelus F3 and consisted of multiple F4s. Numerous farms were obliterated along the entire path, especially near Greeley and Bartlett. Losses were unknown. A few injuries may have occurred in a basement near Greeley. The tornado may have formed at 21:15 UTC, more than an hour earlier than officially listed.[104][77][100][105] | |
F2 | WNW of Sybrant to NNW of Mills | Rock, Keya Paha | NE | 42.35°N 99.48°W | 22:30–00:30 | 44.9 mi (72.3 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This tornado began near Fish Lake and tracked continuously for 25 mi (40 km); the remainder of its path may have consisted of one or more, separate tornadoes. 12 farmsteads were shorn of at least one structure, one of which lost its farmhouse. F2-level damage occurred near Newport. Losses were unknown. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F3 and listed an injury. The tornado may have formed an hour earlier than officially listed.[77][100][106] | |
F3 | E of Hebron to E of Cordova | Thayer, Fillmore, Saline, Seward | NE | 40.17°N 97.57°W | 22:40–00:00 | 40.1 mi (64.5 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This strong tornado wrecked a barn near Ohiowa. Losses were unknown. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.[77][100][107] | |
F1 | Eagle | Cass | NE | 41.48°N 100.5°W | 23:00–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A brief touchdown occurred. Losses were unknown.[100][108] | |
F1 | E of Stapleton to SW of Thatcher | Logan, Thomas, Cherry | NE | 40.82°N 96.43°W | 23:00–01:00 | 89.8 mi (144.5 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This tornado produced sporadic damage and likely comprised a family. Significant damage occurred near Thedford and one or more barns were wrecked, but the tornado mostly impacted very remote, sparsely settled areas. Losses were unknown. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.[77][100][109] | |
F3 | S of Amelia to SSW of Catalpa | Holt | NE | 42.1°N 99.1°W | 23:00–? | 44.8 mi (72.1 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | This powerful tornado obliterated entire ranches and destroyed a number of barns. A vehicle was tossed 200 yd (600 ft) as well. Losses totaled $25 million.[77][100][110] | |
F5 | ESE of Wewela to WNW of Dixon | Tripp | SD | 43°N 99.72°W | 23:15–00:00 | 30.1 mi (48.4 km) | 1,760 yd (1,610 m) | This very large, long-tracked, and exceptionally violent tornado, which may have begun in Nebraska, officially formed just north of the Nebraska–South Dakota border and moved north-northeastward through farmland, bypassing the towns of Gregory, Colome, and Winner. It damaged 25 farmsteads, seven of which it destroyed; of these, it caused F5-level damage to two or three. Agricultural implements and outbuildings were also affected, along with 23 homes. One person was injured, and losses totaled $21⁄2million. The tornado was also accompanied by hail of up to 2 in (5.1 cm) in diameter that covered the ground to a depth of 3 in (7.6 cm), which damaged additional crops and buildings.[111][104][77][112][113][28][114] | |
F1 | NNE of Girard | Crawford | KS | 37.53°N 94.83°W | 23:15–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A brief touchdown occurred. Losses totaled $25,000.[21][115][86] | |
F2 | SW of Colome | Tripp | SD | 43.18°N 99.83°W | 23:17–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 20 yd (18 m) | Outbuildings were wrecked and a farmhouse was severely damaged. Losses were unknown. Grazulis did not list the tornado as an F2 or stronger.[113][116] | |
F1 | W of Hampton | Hamilton | NE | 40.88°N 97.93°W | 23:30–? | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | A brief touchdown occurred. Losses were unknown.[100][117] | |
F5† | N of Wood River to Primrose to W of Wausa | Hall, Howard, Greeley, Boone, Antelope, Pierce, Knox | NE | 40.87°N 98.6°W | 23:30–03:00 | 127.5 mi (205.2 km) | 400 yd (370 m)† | 4 deaths – This extremely violent tornado family leveled numerous rural farmsteads throughout its course. At Primrose the tornado rendered all buildings uninhabitable, except for the schoolhouse, "all but erasing" approximately 90% of the town. Homes in Primrose were reduced to bare slabs, businesses were "leveled," and just five structures in downtown remained intact. Mature trees were reduced to pulpy "matchsticks" and swept away. Cars were moved 400–440 yd (1,200–1,320 ft; 0.23–0.25 mi; 0.37–0.40 km), and the body of a truck was tossed and rolled 2 mi (3.2 km). 53 people were injured along the path and losses reached $75 million. The tornado may have occurred a few hours earlier than officially documented. Publications by Grazulis in 1984 and 2001, along with a technical memorandum published by the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in 1999, classified the tornado as an F5.[118][104][77][119][112][120][121][122][123] | |
F2 | NNE of Johnstown | Brown | NE | 42.55°N 99.83°W | 23:30–? | 9 mi (14 km) | 33 yd (30 m) | In its earliest stage the Wewela F5 may have been the same as this tornado. Seven or more ranches lost buildings, including three farmhouses, some of which incurred borderline-F4 damage. At least one entire ranch was obliterated. A car was thrown and rolled 1⁄2 mi (0.80 km). Losses were unknown. Grazulis classified the tornado as a high-end F3.[77][113][124] | |
F2 | 42.57°N 100.03°W | [125] | |||||||
F1 | 40.93°N 98.22°W | [126] | |||||||
F3 | 43.17°N 99.33°W | [127] | |||||||
F0 | 42.88°N 98.77°W | [128] | |||||||
F2 | 41.42°N 97.35°W | [129] | |||||||
F2 | 43.95°N 97.5°W | [130] | |||||||
F1 | 44.68°N 100.03°W | [131] | |||||||
F1 | 42.18°N 97.15°W | [132] | |||||||
F2 | 43.77°N 96.82°W | [133] | |||||||
F2 | 43.67°N 99.23°W | [134] | |||||||
F0 | 45.1°N 100.1°W | [135] | |||||||
F0 | 44.5°N 100.5°W | [136] | |||||||
F2 | 35.35°N 94.42°W | [137] | |||||||
F1 | 35.4°N 95.7°W | [138] | |||||||
F0 | 33.9°N 97.1°W | [139] | |||||||
F0 | 45.2°N 100.3°W | [140] | |||||||
F0 | 45.3°N 100.7°W | [141] | |||||||
F0 | 45.5°N 100.5°W | [142] | |||||||
F0 | 34.65°N 99.55°W | [143] | |||||||
F2 | 31.93°N 97.33°W | [144] | |||||||
F2 | 35.27°N 97°W | [145] | |||||||
F2 | 32.58°N 95.52°W | [146] | |||||||
F2 | 32.38°N 95.83°W | [147] | |||||||
F2 | Northern Corsicana | Navarro | TX | 32.1°N 96.47°W | 21:15–22:00 | 8 mi (13 km) | 100 yd (91 m) | A strong and destructive tornado moved erratically southwestward and westward through the north side of Corsicana. It first severely damaged several institutions in the city, including the Navarro Junior College, which had its gym partially unroofed, the Baptist Student Union, which was unroofed, and the Memorial Hospital. An unoccupied home was destroyed, and apartment complex was also damaged. The tornado the moved into the rural areas west of the city before striking a farmstead, destroying 10 outbuildings and a grain bin, damaging the farmhouse and several other buildings, and uprooting trees. The tornado dissipated shortly thereafter. Losses totaled $250,000.[148] |
F4 tornado | |
---|---|
Max. rating1 | F4 tornado |
Fatalities | 3 fatalities, 175 injuries |
Damage | $50,000,000 (1965 USD) $483 million (2024 USD) |
1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale |
This was the first of four violent, destructive tornadoes to impact Minneapolis–St. Paul on May 6. According to Grazulis, it was also the same as the Hamburg–Norwood Young America F2, traveled 40 mi (64 km), and may have begun at 00:50 UTC. It first destroyed three barns near Cologne, causing F2 damage in the area; this segment of the path may have actually been a separate tornado and occurred at 01:15 UTC. The tornado quickly intensified and widened near Waconia, reaching a peak width of 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 mi (0.80 to 1.21 km). Trees were snapped and downed in this area. The tornado then may have lifted and dissipated before reforming west of Lake Minnetonka, along Highway 7. Entering the Mound area, the tornado destroyed three outbuildings and 17 homes at Island Park, causing all known fatalities there. The deaths occurred singly, each in a separate home. Subsequently, the tornado struck Spring Park and largely destroyed the Navarre community. In the Spring Park–Navarre area a resort, a number of boats, and about 30 homes were destroyed, 16 of which were at Navarre alone. West of Wayzata the tornado destroyed a barn shortly before dissipating. According to the publication Storm Data the path may have extended as far as Hamel.[149]
F4 tornado | |
---|---|
Max. rating1 | F4 tornado |
Fatalities | None, 0 injuries |
Damage | $25,000,000 (1965 USD) $242 million (2024 USD) |
1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale |
The second of the four violent tornadoes to impact the Twin Cities on May 6 may have actually begun 23 minutes earlier than its predecessor. It produced its first damage near Chanhassen, impacting a farmstead. Near Chanhassen the tornado destroyed or damaged 30 homes. A pair of clocks near Chanhassen recorded the time of touchdown as 00:27 UTC. Heading northward, the tornado damaged a lumberyard and a shopping center. Nearing Lotus Lake, the tornado destroyed or damaged 35 homes. 50 additional homes were destroyed or damaged near Christmas Lake. The tornado subsequently attained its maximum intensity in Deephaven. There it destroyed or damaged 100 homes, a number of which were reportedly leveled; of these, some were described as having been "large and expensive." After passing through Deephaven, the tornado apparently dissipated. However, sporadic reports of damage suggested that the parent storm continued to generate possible tornadoes. One of these tornadoes reportedly damaged six homes along Highway 100 in Golden Valley, becoming the first of two tornadoes to impact this area on the same day. Another of these tornadoes became known as the third Fridley tornado, causing minor damage at 01:10 UTC. However, neither of these two tornadoes is officially listed, though they were mentioned in the publication Storm Data. Until 1973 U.S. Weather Bureau/National Weather Service (NWS) records listed these tornadoes as well.[150]
F4 tornado | |
---|---|
Max. rating1 | F4 tornado |
Fatalities | 3 fatalities, 175 injuries |
Damage | $25,000,000 (1965 USD) $242 million (2024 USD) |
1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale |
This was the first—possibly the second—of three major tornadoes to impact Fridley on May 6. One industrial plant in Fridley, known as Northern Ordinance, may have been hit by all three tornadoes, the third of which is not officially listed; as a result, the factory incurred more than $2 million in losses and was incapacitated for more than a month. The first Fridley tornado began at Northern Ordinance and was widely visible. It soon impacted the primary school-and-park complex in Fridley, along with the Fridley Trailer Court and several hundred homes. Both this and the second Fridley tornado impacted the trailer court, destroying a total of 200 trailers. A female infant was killed at the trailer court while being bathed. At Fridley Junior High School, an evening program was in progress with more than 300 people in attendance when the tornado struck, but only a single injury occurred there. After striking the school and the trailer court, the tornado intensified significantly and attained its peak intensity, striking Spring Lake Park. There the tornado destroyed 150 homes, some of which sustained F4-level damage. Additionally, three-fourths of the businesses in Spring Lake Park were destroyed, and 900 people lost their homes. Contemporaneous reports suggested that the tornado apparently weakened rapidly and dissipated before exiting the town limits, though official records indicate that the tornado ended in southwestern Blaine. Farther on, scattered wind-related damage was reported in connection with the parent storm, at Braham.[151]
F4 tornado | |
---|---|
Max. rating1 | F4 tornado |
Fatalities | 6 fatalities, 158 injuries |
Damage | $75,000,000 (1965 USD) $725 million (2024 USD) |
1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale |
The last of the four violent tornadoes to hit the Twin Cities on May 6 touched down in Golden Valley, damaging eight businesses and 25 homes in town. The time of its formation is somewhat uncertain and may have been 02:40 UTC. Leaving Golden Valley, the tornado apparently lifted. Damage resumed in Fridley, including the Fridley Trailer Court. In Fridley this, the preceding, and the unofficial "third" Fridley tornado hit several of the same properties. The second of the two confirmed tornadoes to hit Fridley passed between the paths of the first and unofficial "third" tornadoes in town. Exiting Fridley, the tornado rapidly intensified. It then struck Mounds View, where damages reached $1 million. All known fatalities and all but eight injuries in association with the tornado occurred there. In all, the tornado destroyed 46 homes in Mounds View, many of which sustained F4-level damage. Six apartments in town were destroyed as well. Once past Mounds View, the tornado produced discontinuous, "skipping" damage. It crossed a number of lakes, including Centerville Lake, and damaged four farmsteads before dissipating. The parent storm continued on and may have produced a separate tornado near Almelund. This possible tornado damaged outbuildings on three farmsteads and splintered trees. However, it was never officially documented and listed as a tornado.[152]
A possible tornado damaged a pair of farmsteads southwest of New York Mills in Becker County, Minnesota, causing $3,000 in losses.[38]
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