This page documents all the known tornadoes that touched down in the United States during 1946. Tornadoes which occurred in the United States prior to 1950 are not officially rated. Tornado expert Thomas P. Grazulis rated significant tornadoes, those rated F2 or higher on the Fujita scale, and the ratings are accepted and acknowledged by the National Weather Service. However, since the National Weather Service did not rate the tornadoes, the ratings are considered unofficial.[1]
The last three cars of a freight train were derailed, injuring five workers in the caboose. Two people were injured in a nearby farmhouse that was "torn apart"[2] by the tornado. According to the US Weather Bureau it was 300 yards (270 m) wide, caused eight injuries and destroyed two farmhouses, while Thomas P. Grazulis documents a width of 70 yards (64 m) with seven injuries and one farmhouse destroyed.[2][3]
3 deaths – The tornado moved northeastward through the community of Clawson, where it destroyed 30 homes, killing three people in two separate homes. Along the tornado's path, it destroyed 48 buildings and damaged another 327.[2] The tornado injured 50 people and caused $500,000 in damage ($7.5 million in 2022).[3]
10 deaths – The tornado occurred 7 miles (11 km) from the previous one, both produced by the same supercell. It caused extensive damage in the city of Nacogdoches, where 80 homes were completely destroyed and 150 more were damaged. Throughout the city, 75 people were injured, and, on the west side of Nacogdoches, six were killed. The tornado also struck the city of Appleby, where 300 buildings were damaged or destroyed, thousands of acres of forestry were flattened, and three killed. Overall, the tornado caused ten fatalities, injured 200, and resulted in $1,500,000 in damages (equivalent to $22.5 million in 2022).[2][3][4][5][6]Texas A&M University states that this tornado was the same tornado as above, which increased the tornado’s death toll to 13 and damage total to $2.1 million ($31.5 million in 2022).[7]
In Peniel, known today as Greenville, 11 homes were destroyed and 8 more were damaged; 102 other buildings were damaged or destroyed. In total, 17 people were injured.[2][3]
15 deaths – The tornado touched down 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Palestine moving northeastward. Two people were killed near Log Lake. In the Southview community, the tornado destroyed 36 homes and damaged another 122 structures. Thirteen deaths occurred in seven of the destroyed homes in Southview. Cars were thrown several hundred yards throughout Southview.[2] In total, the tornado killed 15 people and injured at least 60 others.[2][3][6] The National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas, lists this tornado as one of the worst tornadoes in the history of the state.[8] One surviving resident recalls the sound as a "freight train like roar".[9][5] The damage total for this tornado was $500,000 ($7.5 million in 2022).[7]
8 deaths – Nine homes were destroyed, leading to two deaths in two separate homes. Other property damage also occurred.[2][3] The tornado injured at least 17 people.[2] The Madera Tribune reports this tornado killed "five or six negros...when the storm struck and demolished a gymnasium while a basketball game was in progress".[5] Neither Grazulis nor the US Weather Bureau report deaths at the gymnasium.[2][3]
A tornado struck around Waynesboro, causing mostly roof and tree damage. This tornado did not receive an estimated rating on the Fujita scale from Grazulis, meaning he believes it was F0 or F1 intensity.[3]
3 deaths – The large tornado leveled multiple homes of all sizes along its path, including over 20 homes on two plantations near Wilmot, with 3 more homes swept away into Lake Chicot.[2] The US Weather Bureau describes it as a "small tornado", with a path length of 4–5 miles, while stating that about 45 buildings were demolished and that 50 other buildings were damaged.[10] Both the US Weather Bureau and Grazulis state the tornado killed three people and injured 50 others.[10][2][11]
4 deaths – A dozen small homes were destroyed, with four deaths occurring in three of the destroyed homes.[2] The US Weather Bureau reports that when the tornado went through Seven Pines "it destroyed nearly every building.".[10] Grazulis notes that there were conflicts about when this tornado occurred, meaning there were potentially two separate tornadoes.[2] The US Weather Bureau records two people dead and five injured, while Grazulis states four dead and ten injured.[10][2]
4 deaths – Two people were killed when a church was destroyed north of Indianola, another when a nearby home was obliterated, and the fourth in a small home northwest of Sunflower.[2]
1 death – On the eastern side of Ardmore 30–50 homes were destroyed and another 1,700 buildings damaged. In total, the tornado killed one person, injured 15 others, and caused $1–1.5 million in damage (equivalent to $15 million-$22.5 million in 2022).[13][1][14]Thomas P. Grazulis assigned an F3 rating, while Tornado Talk, a company dedicated to documenting tornado history, says this was a "possible F2 tornado".[15]
One home was destroyed and another partially unroofed in the Terrace Park neighborhood, leaving three people injured.[1] The U.S. Weather Bureau describes it as "freak tornado".[13]
The tornado demolished a home, damaged another, and destroyed several barns and sheds.[13] Grazulis documents only one home being unroofed by the tornado.[1] Tornado Archive documents the length of this tornado as 0.7 miles (1.1 km).[17]
The U.S. Weather Bureau documents a series of tornadoes in the Forrest, Wayne, and Lauderdale counties of Mississippi, which damaged several structures and caused $275,000 in damage ($4.13 million in 2022).[18] Grazulis documents a tornado destroying multiple barns, a church, and a small home near Kewanne, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, but does not mention any damage or tornadoes in Forrest or Wayne county. One person was injured.[1]
This large tornado destroyed 15 homes and a power plant, and damaged ten other homes. A 500 pounds (230 kg) piece of machinery was carried 0.5 miles (0.80 km) by the tornado.[1][18]
The north-northeasterly tornado twisted and snapped large trees and blew in the front of multiple buildings.[19] This tornado did not receive an estimated rating on the Fujita scale from Thomas P. Grazulis, meaning he believes it was F0 or F1 intensity.[1]
This easterly moving twin of the previous tornado blew the roof off the Euless Lumber Company and collapsed a house.[19] This tornado did not receive an estimated rating on the Fujita scale from Thomas P. Grazulis, meaning he believes it was F0 or F1 intensity.[1]
The tornado struck the city of Timber Lake, causing at least $150,000 in property damage ($2.25 million+ in 2022).[19] This tornado did not receive an estimated rating on the Fujita scale from Thomas P. Grazulis, meaning he believes it was F0 or F1 intensity.[1] In 1946 the U.S. Weather Bureau published a paper stating the tornado’s width to be 4 miles (6.4 km), which would make this the widest tornado ever documented.[19][20]
1 death – One person was killed and five injured; additionally, 11 buildings were destroyed and seven damaged. In total $35,000 in damage occurred ($375,000 in 2022), including $25,000 in property damage ($525,000 in 2022).[21][1]
1 death – On the west side of Champion, several homes were damaged and three destroyed, including one that was noted to be newly constructed.[1] Inside the recently built house one was killed and two were severely injured.[1] South of Loraine, two homes were destroyed, and in total over 100 animals were killed.[1] The United States Weather Bureau documented this event as a hailstorm, rather than a tornado.[21]
3 deaths – In Stoneburg, a church was obliterated, with debris splintered and scattered for a mile. That said, a linen scarf was untouched that laid on the pulpit.[1][relevant?] Elsewhere along the tornado's track, an elderly man was killed and his wife injured after their house was destroyed. Also killed were a "prominent elderly couple"[1] when their home was leveled, along with every barn on their new ranch. The U.S. Weather Bureau considers this tornado and the following tornado the same, while Grazulis splits the tornadoes up. In total, three people were killed, 15 others injured, and $112,000 in damage occurred ($1.68 million in 2022).[21][1]
1 death – East of Sanger three homes were leveled and a nine-year-old girl was killed by flying debris while she ran for the storm cellar. Another home was destroyed on the north side of Sanger. The U.S. Weather Bureau considers this tornado and the following tornado the same, while Grazulis splits the tornadoes up. In total, one person was killed and five were injured.[21][1]
2 deaths – Three homes and twelve barns were destroyed, with 25 other homes damaged. An elderly couple was killed in their home northwest of Grifton. The U.S. Weather Bureau documents this as two separate tornadoes, with Wayne County being hit, while Grazulis documents this as one tornado that did not hit Wayne County. In total, two people were killed, 50 were injured, and the tornado caused $110,000 in damage ($1.65 million in 2022).[21][1]
A large tornado caused a six-mile-long damage path through wheat fields according to the U.S. Weather Bureau. This tornado did not receive a rating on the Fujita scale from Thomas P. Grazulis, indicating Grazulis estimates F0 to F1 intensity.[23]
1 death – A violent tornado struck west of the community of Enosdale, where eight farms were severely damaged. Two farmhouses were completely swept off their foundations, killing an elderly woman. In total, six people were injured and 70 head of livestock were killed.[24] The U.S. Weather Bureau published the tornado's path length as 20 miles (32 km).[23]
This violent tornado traveled a path nearly parallel to the previous tornado. East of Washington a farmhouse was completely leveled, five others were damaged near the community of Emmons. The tornado injured two people and caused $100,000 in damage ($1.5 million in 2022).[24] The U.S. Weather Bureau published the tornado's width as 440 yards (400 m).[23]
An intense tornado, which was described as having "feelers"[24] extending around the main funnel, damaged or destroyed multiple structures. Three homes sustained "near-F4 damage".[24] A roast was found in a car thrown into a tree, with parts of the refrigerator it had been in thrown 0.5 mi (0.80 km). The tornado injured four people and caused $335,000 in damage ($5.03 million in 2022). Thomas P. Grazulis notes this was likely a tornado family.[24]
2 deaths – South of Martin City, the tornado destroyed a barn and silo. It then struck Holes Park "with full force" before lifting in the southeastern portion of Swope Park. An elderly couple was killed when their home was completely destroyed and carried 100 yards (91 m). Five other people were injured.[24]
A long-tracked and intense tornado damaged or destroyed numerous homes and barns. "Near-F4 damage"[24] occurred at a farm west of Bogard. The total damage for this tornado and a parallel F2 tornado, which occurred an hour later, was $500,000 ($7.5 million in 2022). Between the two tornadoes, fifty homes were damaged or destroyed.[24]
This tornado moved parallel and 7 miles (11 km) southeast of an F3 tornado that occurred an hour earlier. Homes and barns were damaged or destroyed along its track. Seven injuries occurred at a home near Bosworth.[24]
A long-tracked tornado skipped as it damaged or destroyed several structures. Twenty farms sustained damaged, five homes were unroofed, and several barns were destroyed. About 30 cottages were damaged or destroyed along the western shore of Lake Mendota. This tornado was noted to most likely be a tornado family by Thomas P. Grazulis.[24][25] The U.S. Weather Bureau published this event as a thundersquall with a width of 100 to 133 yards (91 to 122 m) (a thundersquall is a combined thunderstorm and squall). They also noted that two people were injured by debris, and a third person by lightning.[23]
A long-tracked tornado skipped as it damaged or destroyed several structures. "Near-F4 damage" occurred in the community of Woodville, where two homes, three barns, and a gas station were obliterated. Several homes were "torn apart" in Hudson Lake and New Carlisle. Near Buchanan multiple barns were leveled. The tornado injured five people and caused $250,000 in damage ($3.75 million in 2022).[24]
This tornado destroyed a home and unroofed a dairy barn as it moved northeast and then east around Collinsville. The National Weather Service lists the width for this tornado as 500 yards (460 m).[24][27]
1 death – A boy was killed and his mother injured in one of two homes completely leveled and swept away by the tornado. Every building on their farm "literally vanished," and all their livestock was killed.[24] The tornado split a nearby house in two, with half of the home "splintered". A large tractor was also moved 50 yards (46 m).[24][23]
Considerable damage occurred in Cullison, with up to $110,000 ($15 million in 2022) in damage documented by the U.S. Weather Bureau. One farmhouse was swept away, and numerous other farm buildings were destroyed. Five vortex clouds were observed with this tornado.[21][1]
One home was destroyed and another was unroofed. The U.S. Weather Bureau said this tornado struck Forestburg while Grazulis said northeast of Stoneburg.[21][1]
Warehouses were destroyed, homes unroofed, and 40 railroad cars derailed. About 100 other homes sustained various types of damage from the combined effect of the tornado and accompanying downburst. The tornado caused $250,000 in damage ($3.75 million in 2022).[1]
About 41[clarify] rural buildings were destroyed, two people injured, and hundreds of animals killed. A downburst associated with this storm damaged 25 homes; three homes were destroyed, but it was unknown[citation needed] if they were destroyed by the tornado or downburst. The U.S. Weather Bureau documented this as a "small tornado" with hail.[28][1]
1 death – A five-room farmhouse was "nearly leveled", and one person was crushed by its chimney. A farm building was destroyed, furniture was thrown nearly a mile, and spruce trees were damaged. One person was killed, another was injured and damage totaled $12,500 ($187,600 in 2022).[28][1]
Buildings on eight farms were damaged, with barns on four being destroyed. This tornado was accompanied by a damaging hailstorm, causing a total of $610,000 in damages ($9.15 million in 2022).[28][1]
A schoolhouse was leveled, multiple windmills were wrecked, and trees were uprooted. Farm machinery was also destroyed, as well as several buildings on five farms.[28][1]
A home was destroyed, with only one wall left standing, a second home had its second floor sheared off. Buildings on three farms were also destroyed. Two people were injured by the tornado.[28][1]
A school gymnasium, two business houses,[clarify] and several residential homes were destroyed. Damage was totaled at $74,500 ($1.12 million in 2022).[28][1]
Bus and trailer garages were damaged, along with a manufacturing company, a warehouse, and parked cars. The worst damage from the tornado was in northeastern Detroit. In total, nine people were injured and $400,000 ($6 million in 2022) in damage occurred in the United States.[clarification needed][28][1]
The U.S. Weather Bureau notes a flax manufacturing plant, a school, a garage, farm homes, 66 farms and 40 outbuildings being destroyed by a "possible tornado". The storm also damaged 110 homes, 135 barns, 55 outbuildings, 40 silos, a municipal sewage disposal plant, and an airplane. Wires and poles were downed as well, and several thousand turkeys and chickens were killed. Four people were injured.[28]
A home was unroofed and a barn was destroyed. The barn’s owner was watching a separate tornado in the distance while this tornado struck.[1][29][clarification needed]
This skipping tornado unroofed two businesses and three homes, stripping the wallpaper in one. A little[quantify] crop damage was also reported.[29][1]
One farmstead sustained damage, a large barn was destroyed and a home damaged. The U.S. Weather Bureau documents "blinding dust" accompanying this "small tornado".[29][1]
1 death – Tornadic winds caused damage to northwestern parts of Concord, including a National Guard Arsenal, which leveled a 150-foot (46 m) section of a steel and brick building, destroying machinery and damaging army vehicles. Eight homes and several small buildings were destroyed, including the collapse of a barn, which killed a boy. Damages totaled $60,000 ($900,000 in 2022). [29][1]
The U.S. Weather Bureau documented a tornado near St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida which demolished a garage, unroofed a two-story frame house, and caused an additional $150,000 in damages (equivalent to $2.25 million in 2022).[29]
This tornado blew a man off a horse, destroyed two garages, and threw a boulder that destroyed the side of a house. It did not receive a rating on the Fujita scale from Thomas P. Grazulis.[30]
11 deaths – At least eight farms and three homes were destroyed. All eleven deaths and most of the 100 injuries occurred during the complete obliteration of 26 cabins in Green Gables camp southwest of Mankato. Multiple cars were thrown at least 500 feet (170 yd; 150 m) and a 54,000 pounds (24,000 kg) road grader was thrown 100 feet (33 yd; 30 m). The U.S. Weather Bureau noted hundreds of trees uprooted, and the death of over 1,000 turkeys. In total, the tornado killed eleven people, injured at least 100 others and caused $300,000 in damage (equivalent to $4.5 million in 2022).[1][30][31]
Southwest of Wells several buildings on two farms were severely damaged, with one of them sustaining F4 damage. The tornado hit downtown Wells at F2 intensity, damaging or destroying nearly every building in the business district; a theatre with at least 400 people inside collapsed. Hundreds of trees were noted to have been uprooted. In total, the tornado injured 30 people and caused $700,000 in damage (equivalent to $10.5 million in 2022).[1][30][31] The U.S. Weather Bureau documented the damage to the theatre as "high wind" rather than a tornado.[30]
The U.S. Weather Bureau documents a tornado damaging northern suburbs of Portland, with two residences damaged, two barns leveled, and a garage unroofed; shade and pine trees were felled, and evidence of counterclock-wise wind movement was noted.[33]
A small home was destroyed near Sidney and four people were injured.[1][33] The U.S. Weather Bureau reports the tornado continuing into western North Dakota.[33]
The U.S. Weather Bureau documents damage to McBoyle Airport, where a trees were downed and a hangar was unroofed, damaging three airplanes and six vehicles. The storm that produced the tornado was noted moving southwest to northeast, with rotary winds.[33]
1 death (died from injuries two weeks after the storm) – A tornado destroyed numerous residential areas and business offices, badly damaged a cotton gin, and flattened a service station, causing communication disruptions. Downed power lines caused outages in the northern portion of Hempstead County, while Washington, Arkansas was isolated from communication outside of the city, and had a famous landmark, an old church building, destroyed.[36][1][37]
Several barns and outbuildings were demolished and multiple homes were "twisted" from their foundations. In total, three people were injured by this skipping tornado.[36][1]
2 deaths – On two plantations multiple barns and sheds were destroyed, killing a mother and child, and injuring eight others. Also damaged were a church and three homes, two of which were described as "frail".[by whom?][36][1]
This tornado dipped and rose along its path as it unroofed several lumber buildings and damaged, unroofed or shifted a dozen homes.[1] The U.S. Weather Bureau reports a forward speed of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) and states that this may have been the same tornado that hit Point Coupee Parish earlier in the day.[36]
This "bouncing type of tornado"[1] hit Camp Campbell, where it destroyed military equipment and several storage buildings. Also destroyed were tobacco and stock barns, and about a hundred trucks. In total, the tornado injured at least six people and caused $300,000 in damage ($4.5 million in 2022). The U.S. Weather Bureau reports a width between 100 and 800 yards (91–732 m) while Grazulis says 400 yards (370 m).[1][38]
^ abcThe officially recognized widest tornado in history is the 2013 El Reno tornado, with a width of 2.6 miles (4.2 km; 4,600 yd; 4,200 m). This tornado was marked by the United States Weather Bureau to have been wider than the 2013 El Reno tornado. However, due to recognition of that tornado as the widest tornado, it should be taken that this width is most likely an error from the U.S. Weather Bureau.
^ abcdefghijklmnopGrazulis, Thomas P. (1993). Significant tornadoes, 1680–1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Environmental Films. pp. 922–925. ISBN1-879362-03-1.
^"On This Day: January 6". Tornado Talk. Archived from the original on May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023. January 6, 1946: A tornado given a rating of F4 moved through Ashley and Chicot Counties in Arkansas. The path length was 23 miles. It moved from near Wilmot to SE of Lake Village. 'Homes of all sizes were leveled by this large tornado. Over twenty were destroyed on two plantation near Wilmot. Three homes were blown into Lake Chicot.' Three were killed and 50 injured.
^ abcdefghijklmnopqrsGrazulis, Thomas P. (1993). Significant tornadoes, 1680–1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Environmental Films. pp. 922–925. ISBN1-879362-03-1.
