View source for 1920 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak

{{Short description|Windstorms in the Midwest and Southern United States}}
{{About|the 1920 tornado outbreak||Palm Sunday tornado outbreak (disambiguation)}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = 1920 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak
 | image                = Tornado Tracks of March 28, 1920.png
 | alt                  = Blue, orange, and red lines superimposed on grey background
 | caption              = Paths of tornadoes over Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan
 | type                 = Tornado outbreak
 | active               = March 28, 1920 
 | lowest pressure      = 
 | lowest temperature   = 
 | tornadoes            = ≥ 37
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | tornado duration     = ~9 hours
 | highest winds        = 
 | hail                 = <!-- unused? -->
 | gusts                = 
 | maximum snow         = 
 | power outages        = 
 | casualties           = ≥ 153 fatalities, ≥ 1,215 injuries
 | damages              = Unknown{{refn|group=nb|name=Losses|All losses are in 1920 [[United States dollar|USD]] unless otherwise noted.}}
 | affected             = [[Midwestern United States|Midwestern]] and [[Southern United States]]
 | current advisories   = 
 | enhanced             = 
 | notes                = 
}}
On March&nbsp;28, 1920, a large [[tornado outbreak|outbreak]] of at least 37&nbsp;[[tornado]]es, 31&nbsp;of which were [[Fujita scale#Rating classifications|significant]], took place across the [[Midwestern United States|Midwestern]] and [[Southern United States]]. The tornadoes left at least 153&nbsp;dead and at least 1,215&nbsp;injured. Many communities and farmers alike were caught off-guard as the storms moved to the northeast at speeds that reached over {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on|lk=on}}. Most of the fatalities occurred in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] (37), [[Ohio]] (28), and [[Indiana]] (21), while the other states had lesser totals. Little is known about many of the specific tornadoes that occurred, and the list below is only partial.{{refn|group=nb|name=Fujita|The [[Fujita scale]] was devised under the aegis of scientist [[Ted Fujita|T. Theodore Fujita]] in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of the scale in 1971, tornadoes in the United States were officially unrated.<ref name="FscaleUS">{{cite book |last1=Grazulis |first1=Thomas P. |authorlink1=Thomas P. Grazulis |title=Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events |date=July 1993 |publisher=The Tornado Project of Environmental Films |location=[[St. Johnsbury, Vermont]] |isbn=1-879362-03-1 |page=141 }}</ref><ref name=Fujitascale>{{cite book|last1=Grazulis|first1=Thomas P.|authorlink1=Thomas P. Grazulis|title=The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm|url=https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz|url-access=registration|date=2001|publisher=[[University of Oklahoma Press]]|location=[[Norman, Oklahoma|Norman]]|isbn=978-0-8061-3538-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz/page/131 131]}}</ref> While the Fujita scale has been superseded by the [[Enhanced Fujita scale]] in the U.S. since February&nbsp;1, 2007,<ref name="EFscale">{{cite web|last1=Edwards|first1=Roger|title=Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ef-scale.html|website=The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)|publisher=Storm Prediction Center|access-date=25 February 2016|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> [[Canada]] utilized the old scale until April&nbsp;1, 2013;<ref name="FscaleCanada">{{cite web |title=Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) |url=https://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=41E875DA-1 |website=Environment and Climate Change Canada |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220706/http://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=41E875DA-1 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> nations elsewhere, like the [[United Kingdom]], apply other classifications such as the [[TORRO scale]].<ref name="TORROscale">{{cite web|title=The International Tornado Intensity Scale |url=http://www.torro.org.uk/tscale.php |website=Tornado and Storm Research Organisation |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120332/http://www.torro.org.uk/tscale.php |archive-date=5 March 2016 |date=2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Count|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.<ref name="TornadoClimoNonUS">{{harvnb|Grazulis|2001|pp=251–4}}</ref> Most countries only recorded tornadoes that produced severe damage or loss of life.<ref name="TornadoClimaFAQ">{{cite web|last1=Edwards|first1=Roger|title=The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/#Climatology|website=Storm Prediction Center: Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes|publisher=[[Storm Prediction Center]]|access-date=25 February 2016|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name="CookSchaefer">{{cite journal|last1=Cook|first1=A. R.|last2=Schaefer|first2=J. T.|title=The Relation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to Winter Tornado Outbreaks|journal=[[Monthly Weather Review]]|publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]]|location=[[Norman, Oklahoma]]|publication-place=[[Boston]]|date=August 2008|volume=136|issue=8|page=3135|doi=10.1175/2007MWR2171.1|bibcode=2008MWRv..136.3121C|doi-access=free}}{{open access}}</ref>}}

Severe thunderstorms began developing in [[Missouri]] during the early morning hours. The storms moved quickly to the northeast towards [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]. The first tornado injured five people {{convert|35|mi|km|abbr=on|lk=on}} southeast of [[Springfield, Missouri]], in [[Douglas County, Missouri|Douglas County]]. {{citation needed span|text=This first tornado was a harbinger of things to come as the morning went on and the atmosphere began to destabilize, due to the abundance of sunshine that preceded the cold front in the warm sector, which covered the lower [[Great Lakes]] region extending southward well past the [[Ohio River]] Valley.|date=December 2012}}

==Background==
{{citation needed span|text=According to meteorologist and weather historian Charles Merlin Umpenhour, climatic conditions were favorable on Palm Sunday 1920 for all the atmospheric ingredients to come together needed to create the classic setup needed for long-track [[tornadoes]]. However, forecasting, communications technology, and public awareness about Severe Weather was nearly nonexistent in 1920 and would not begin for another 33&nbsp;years, when the [[U.S. Weather Bureau]] would implement its public [[Tornado watch|Watch]] (the word ‘forecast’ was used until 1966) and [[Tornado warning|Warning]] program in 1953.|date=December 2012}}

For the residents of the [[Great Lakes]] region and [[Ohio Valley]] areas, the only source of weather information was the rather vague forecasts that were issued in the local newspaper the day before or by word of mouth. The use of the word "[[tornado]]" was strictly prohibited in public weather forecasting until the 1950s because of the fear and panic it might cause. This policy would come under-fire in the years to come especially after the [[Tri-State Tornado]] in 1925 that stands today as the deadliest tornado in American history.<ref name="TriStatePAH">{{cite web |title=NOAA/NWS 1925 Tri-State Tornado Web Site--1925: Now vs. Then |url=https://www.weather.gov/pah/1925Tornado_nvt |website=[[Paducah, Kentucky|Paducah, KY]] Weather Forecast Office |publisher=[[National Weather Service]] |access-date=16 April 2021 |location=[[West Paducah, Kentucky]]}}</ref>

{{citation needed span|text=Weather forecasters and the public alike in the [[Chicago]], [[Dayton, Ohio|Dayton]], [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]], [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]], [[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]], and [[Toledo, Ohio|Toledo]] areas were unaware that the stage was set that day for a significant tornado outbreak that would follow a balmy and seemingly tranquil Palm Sunday afternoon. The weather maps in use in March 1920 showed a rather large and deep [[extratropical cyclone|cyclone]] over northern [[Iowa]] that was forecast to move across central Lower [[Michigan]] by nightfall with a trailing cold front. [[Meteorologists]] knew rain showers and perhaps a thundershower was a good possibility, but were unaware that the [[Helicity (fluid mechanics)|helicity]], [[lifted index]], and upper level winds were being guided by a strong jet stream with a probable negative-tilt that would create favorable conditions for the development of tornadoes.|date=December 2012}}

On the morning of March&nbsp;28, a deep [[low-pressure area|low-pressure center]] positioned itself near [[Sioux City, Iowa]], with a reported pressure of {{convert|28.96|inHg|mb|abbr=on|lk=on}}. Ahead of the low, temperatures over a broad expanse ranged from {{convert|20|to|25|F|C|abbr=on|lk=on}} above average, indicating a robust [[warm sector]]. Around noon CST (18:00&nbsp;UTC), temperatures ranged from {{convert|60|F|C|abbr=on}} in [[Chicago]], Illinois, to {{convert|77|F|C|abbr=on}} in [[Montgomery, Alabama]], with brisk low-level winds ranging from the southeast to south-southeast. These winds allowed a warm, moist air mass to [[Advection#Meteorology|advect]] northward from the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to the [[Great Lakes]]. A strong [[capping inversion|elevated mixed layer]] (EML) was present over portions of the warm sector. Meanwhile, a pronounced, eastward-shifting [[convergence zone]], characterised by shifting low-level winds, helped [[Wind shear#Weather fronts|promote]] the development of vigorous [[thunderstorm]]s. Observations from [[Springfield, Illinois]], and other [[weather station]]s, taken in the wake of the convergence zone, indicated anomalously low [[relative humidity]], suggestive of a strong [[dry line]].<ref name=MWR1>{{cite journal|last=Mitchell|first=Charles L.|title=Tornadoes of March 28, in Northeastern Illinois|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=April 1920|volume=28|issue=4|pages=191–196|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1920)48<191b:TOMINI>2.0.CO;2|publisher=United States Weather Bureau|location=Chicago, Illinois|bibcode = 1920MWRv...48..191M|doi-access=free}}{{open access}}</ref><ref name="TornadoConditions-1">{{cite journal |last1=Meisinger |first1=C. LeRoy |title=Discussion of Tornado Conditions |journal=[[Monthly Weather Review]] |date=April 1920 |volume=48 |issue=4 |pages=196–8 |doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1920)48<196:DOTC>2.0.CO;2 |publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]] |location=[[Boston]]|bibcode=1920MWRv...48..196. |doi-access=free }}{{open access}}</ref><ref name=MWR2>{{cite journal|last=Smyth|first=P. H.|title=The Tornadoes of March 28, 1920, in East-Central Alabama|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=April 1920|volume=48|issue=4|pages=200–203|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1920)48<200:TTOMIE>2.0.CO;2|publisher=United States Weather Bureau|location=Montgomery, Alabama|bibcode = 1920MWRv...48..200S|doi-access=free}}{{open access}}</ref><ref name="NWSNrnIndiana">{{cite web |author1=Blake Naftel |author2=Jon Chamberlain |author3=Becky Monroe |author4=Ed Lacey Jr. |author5=Dick Loney |title=April 11th 1965 Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak |url=https://www.weather.gov/iwx/1965_palmsunday_50 |website=Northern Indiana [[List of National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices|Weather Forecast Office]] |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=14 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404011605/https://www.weather.gov/iwx/1965_palmsunday_50 |archive-date=4 April 2015 |location=[[Syracuse, Indiana]] |date=2015}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Confirmed tornadoes==
{{Tornado Chart|Total = ≥ 37|FU = 5|F0 = ?|F1 = ?|F2 = 15|F3 = 8|F4 = 8|F5 = 0|Enhanced=no}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+ Confirmed tornadoes – March 28, 1920{{refn|group=nb|name=Date/Time|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 [[Central Time Zone|CST/CDT]] for consistency.}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Width|Prior to 1994, only the average widths of tornado paths were officially listed.<ref name="Brooks">{{cite journal |last1=Brooks |first1=Harold E. |authorlink1=Harold E. Brooks |title=On the Relationship of Tornado Path Length and Width to Intensity |journal=[[Weather and Forecasting]] |date=April 2004 |volume=19 |issue=2 |page=310 |doi=10.1175/1520-0434(2004)019<0310:OTROTP>2.0.CO;2 |publisher=American Meteorological Society |location=[[Boston]]|bibcode=2004WtFor..19..310B |doi-access=free }}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="col"  style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|[[Fujita scale|F#]]
! scope="col"  style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish
! scope="col"  style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]])
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length
! scope="col"  style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|{{abbr|Max.|Maximum}} width
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|[[Vanzant, Missouri|Vanzant]]
|[[Douglas County, Missouri|Douglas]]
|[[Missouri|MO]]
|08:30–?
|{{unk}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Tornado struck six rural farmsteads. Frail farmhouses were destroyed. Five people were injured and losses totaled $3,000.<ref name=Grazulis1>{{harvnb|Grazulis|1993|p=767}}</ref>
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|SE of [[Baroda, Michigan|Baroda]] to E of [[Sodus Township, Michigan|Sodus]]
|[[Berrien County, Michigan|Berrien]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|17:30–?
|{{convert|10|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{unk}}
|[[Barn]]s were destroyed on five farms. A small home was destroyed as well.<ref name=Grazulis1 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|S of [[Cortland, Illinois|Cortland]] to NE of [[Sycamore, Illinois|Sycamore]]
|[[DeKalb County, Illinois|DeKalb]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|18:00–?
|{{convert|12|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Many [[silo]]s and barns were destroyed. Losses totaled $25,000.<ref name=Grazulis1 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|SE of [[La Fox, Illinois|La Fox]] to [[Elgin, Illinois|Elgin]]
|[[Kane County, Illinois|Kane]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|18:05–18:23
|{{convert|20|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|500|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|8 deaths – [[#La Fox–Elgin, Illinois|See section on this tornado]]<ref name="Grazulis1" /><ref name="MWR1" />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|N of [[Channahon, Illinois|Channahon]] to [[Wilmette, Illinois|Wilmette]]
|[[Will County, Illinois|Will]], [[Cook County, Illinois|Cook]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|18:15–19:15
|{{convert|53|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|20 deaths – [[#Channahon–Troy Township–Lockport–Bellwood–Maywood–Melrose Park–Dunning, Illinois|See section on this tornado]]<ref name="Grazulis1" /><ref name="MWR1" />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|E of [[Elkhorn, Wisconsin|Elkhorn]] to W of [[East Troy, Wisconsin|East Troy]]
|[[Walworth County, Wisconsin|Walworth]]
|[[Wisconsin|WI]]
|18:15–?
|{{convert|6|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|400|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|1 death – A tornado destroyed three barns, killing one woman. Losses totaled $25,000.<ref name=Grazulis1 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|N of [[Milner, Georgia|Milner]]
|[[Pike County, Georgia|Pike]]
|[[Georgia (U.S. state)|GA]]
|19:00–?
|{{convert|2|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{unk}}
|1 death – A tornado killed a woman as it destroyed a home and a church. Three people were injured and losses totaled $10,000.<ref name=Grazulis1 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|[[Bridgeview, Illinois|Bridgeview]] to WSW of the [[Chicago Loop]]
|[[Cook County, Illinois|Cook]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|19:10–?
|{{convert|10|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|A tornado struck between [[Cicero Township, Cook County, Illinois|Cicero]] and [[Chicago Midway Airport]]. It destroyed eight buildings, including a school, and unroofed many others. Six people were injured and losses totaled $150,000.<ref name=Grazulis1 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|W of [[Hart, Michigan|Hart]] to [[Weare Township, Michigan|Weare]]
|[[Oceana County, Michigan|Oceana]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|20:00–?
|{{convert|10|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|1 death – A tornado began as a [[waterspout]] over [[Lake Michigan]]. As it moved onshore, it killed a man and destroyed a barn and a small home. Three people were injured. The tornado may have continued many more miles into [[Lake County, Michigan|Lake]] and [[Osceola County, Michigan|Osceola]] counties.<ref name=Grazulis2 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|W of [[Jacksonville, Alabama|Jacksonville]]
|[[Calhoun County, Alabama|Calhoun]]
|[[Alabama|AL]]
|20:00–?
|{{convert|8|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|1 death – A tornado tore apart a small home, killing a boy near [[Cedar Springs, Alabama|Cedar Springs]]. It also leveled barns and trees southwest of that community. Ten people were injured.<ref name=Grazulis1 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|S of [[Mishawaka, Indiana|Mishawaka, IN]] to NW of [[Union, Michigan|Union, MI]]
|[[St. Joseph County, Indiana|St. Joseph (IN)]], [[Elkhart County, Indiana|Elkhart (IN)]], [[Cass County, Michigan|Cass (MI)]]
|[[Indiana|IN]], [[Michigan|MI]]
|20:15–?
|{{convert|22|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|A tornado caused damage to twelve farms and destroyed a home northwest of [[Elkhart, Indiana]]. It then destroyed four more farm buildings in Michigan. Eight people were injured.<ref name=Grazulis2 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|N of [[Deatsville, Alabama|Deatsville]]
|[[Elmore County, Alabama|Elmore]]
|[[Alabama|AL]]
|20:30–?
|{{unk}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|A tornado destroyed barns and small homes. Five people were injured. This tornado was related to the following event.<ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name=MWR2 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|NE of [[Eclectic, Alabama|Eclectic, AL]] to [[West Point, Georgia|West Point, GA]]
|[[Elmore County, Alabama|Elmore (AL)]], [[Tallapoosa County, Alabama|Tallapoosa (AL)]], [[Chambers County, Alabama|Chambers (AL)]], [[Troup County, Georgia|Troup (GA)]]
|[[Alabama|AL]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|GA]]
|20:45–21:37
|{{convert|50|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|400|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|26 deaths – [[#Red Hill–Susanna–Red Ridge–Agricola, Alabama/West Point, Georgia|See section on this tornado]]<ref name="Grazulis2" /><ref name="MWR2" />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|[[Corey Lake]] to S of [[Climax, Michigan|Climax]]
|[[St. Joseph County, Michigan|St. Joseph]], [[Kalamazoo County, Michigan|Kalamazoo]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|21:00–?
|{{convert|30|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|50|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|Likely a [[tornado family]], this event destroyed barns, killed cattle, and unroofed a few homes as it skipped along.<ref name=Grazulis2 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|SW of [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]]
|[[Kalamazoo County, Michigan|Kalamazoo]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|21:00–?
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|A tornado destroyed barns near Kalamazoo before dissipating and reforming in [[Barry County, Michigan|Barry County]] as an F4 tornado.<ref name=Grazulis2 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|W of [[Leroy, Indiana|Leroy]] to [[Beatrice, Indiana|Beatrice]]
|[[Lake County, Indiana|Lake]], [[Porter County, Indiana|Porter]]
|[[Indiana|IN]]
|21:00–?
|{{convert|7|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|1 death – This tornado destroyed two homes and damaged five, killing a man in his home. One person was injured.<ref name=Grazulis2 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|NE of [[Orland, Indiana|Orland, IN]] to SW of [[Coldwater, Michigan|Coldwater, MI]]
|[[Steuben County, Indiana|Steuben (IN)]], [[Branch County, Michigan|Branch (MI)]]
|[[Indiana|IN]], [[Michigan|MI]]
|21:30–?
|{{convert|13|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|2 deaths – One farmhouse was swept off its partially dislodged foundation. Other homes and businesses were unroofed as well. Five people were injured and losses totaled $150,000. Another deadly F4 tornado affected the same area in [[1965 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak#Coldwater Lake–Southern Hillsdale–Manitou Beach–Devils Lake–Southern Tecumseh, Michigan (two tornadoes)|1965]].<ref name=Grazulis2 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|S of [[Mulliken, Michigan|Mulliken]] to [[St. Johns, Michigan|St. Johns]]
|[[Eaton County, Michigan|Eaton]], [[Clinton County, Michigan|Clinton]], [[Gratiot County, Michigan|Gratiot]], [[Saginaw County, Michigan|Saginaw]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|21:30–?
|{{convert|50|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|150|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|1 death – Likely [[tornado family]] destroyed farm buildings north of [[Wacousta, Michigan|Wacousta]] and later continued to do so as it passed east of Mulliken and northeast of [[Greenbush Township, Clinton County, Michigan#Communities|Eureka]]. Caused possible F4 damage to farms southwest of St. Johns and produced F2-level damage in the business district of that town. In downtown St. Johns, the tornado smashed glass windows, tore off roofs, and destroyed walls, causing $250,000 in damage. The tornado was {{convert|300|yd|ft|abbr=on|lk=on}} wide as it passed through St. Johns. Only one person was injured.<ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name=MWR1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|S of [[Barry Township, Michigan#Communities|Hickory Corners]] to [[Vermontville, Michigan|Vermontville]]
|[[Barry County, Michigan|Barry]], [[Eaton County, Michigan|Eaton]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|21:30–?
|{{convert|20|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|400|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|4 deaths – A [[Fujita scale#Rating classifications|violent tornado]] destroyed 35 farms in its path and killed people in farmhouses in the vicinity of [[Maple Grove Township, Barry County, Michigan|Maple Grove]]. It also carried part of a [[Furnace (house heating)|furnace]] {{convert|12|mi|km|abbr=on}} distant. 25 people were injured.<ref name=Grazulis2 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|S of [[Orangeville Township, Michigan|Orangeville]] to ENE of [[Hastings, Michigan|Hastings]]
|[[Barry County, Michigan|Barry]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|21:30–?
|{{convert|15|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|1 death – A tornado immediately destroyed a home as it touched down. Later, it went on to destroy nearly 15 farms. It was a very intense event, possibly an F4 tornado, and may have begun at [[Alamo Township, Michigan|Alamo]] in Kalamazoo County. Five people were injured.<ref name=Grazulis2 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|[[Uniondale, Indiana|Uniondale, IN]] to SW of [[Sylvania, Ohio|Sylvania, OH]]
|[[Wells County, Indiana|Wells (IN)]], [[Allen County, Indiana|Allen (IN)]], [[Paulding County, Ohio|Paulding (OH)]], [[Defiance County, Ohio|Defiance (OH)]], [[Henry County, Ohio|Henry (OH)]], [[Fulton County, Ohio|Fulton (OH)]], [[Lucas County, Ohio|Lucas (OH)]]
|[[Indiana|IN]], [[Ohio|OH]]
|22:15–?
|{{convert|100|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|800|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|23 deaths – [[#Ossian–Townley, Indiana/Brunersburg–Raab Corners, Ohio|See section on this tornado]]<ref name="Grazulis2" /><ref name="MWR1" /><ref name="News1" />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|SE of [[LaGrange, Georgia|LaGrange]]
|[[Troup County, Georgia|Troup]]
|[[Georgia (U.S. state)|GA]]
|22:45–?
|{{convert|5|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|800|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|27 deaths – Powerful tornado struck southeastern section of LaGrange. Destroyed 75 poorly-built homes near a mill and a factory. Tornado also damaged [[railcar]]s and spilled and ruined much fertilizer in the area, then went on to destroy both the mill and the factory. Caused 27 deaths, 100 injuries, and $1 million in losses in LaGrange alone, becoming the deadliest tornado of the entire outbreak. Some accounts suggested up to 200 "dead and injured" across Troup County. Tornado may have reached F4 intensity.<ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name=Troup1>{{cite web|title=Selected Timeline of Troup County History|url=http://trouparchives.org/tctime.htm|publisher=Troup County Historical Society|access-date=5 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031013024131/http://trouparchives.org/tctime.htm|archive-date=13 October 2003}}</ref>
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|SW of [[Jackson Township, Jay County, Indiana#Geography|West Liberty, IN]] to S of [[Van Wert, Ohio|Van Wert, OH]]
|[[Jay County, Indiana|Jay (IN)]], [[Adams County, Indiana|Adams (IN)]], [[Mercer County, Ohio|Mercer (OH)]], [[Van Wert County, Ohio|Van Wert (OH)]]
|[[Indiana|IN]], [[Ohio|OH]]
|23:00–?
|{{convert|40|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|800|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|17 deaths – [[#West Liberty–Geneva–Ceylon, Indiana/Van Wert, Ohio|See section on this tornado]]<ref name="Grazulis2" /><ref name="MWR1" />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|unk}} | FU
|W of [[Cornland, Illinois|Cornland]] to N of [[Lincoln, Illinois|Lincoln]]
|[[Logan County, Illinois|Logan]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|23:00–23:30
|{{convert|20|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{unk}}
|A tornado passed through the [[Broadwell, Illinois|Broadwell]] area. It damaged farmhouses and buildings and caused significant damage to trees and power lines.<ref name=MWR1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|NNE of [[Fenton, Michigan|Fenton]]
|[[Genesee County, Michigan|Genesee]], [[Oakland County, Michigan|Oakland]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|23:30–?
|{{convert|10|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|4 deaths – [[#Fenton, Michigan|See section on this tornado]]<ref name="Grazulis2" /><ref name="Fenton1" /><ref name="Fenton2" />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|S of [[Perry, Michigan|Perry]] to NE of [[Morrice, Michigan|Morrice]]
|[[Shiawassee County, Michigan|Shiawassee]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|23:40–23:45
|{{convert|7|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|A tornado destroyed barns and killed farm animals along its short-lived path.<ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name="MWR1" />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|W of [[Saginaw, Michigan|Saginaw]]
|[[Saginaw County, Michigan|Saginaw]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|00:07–?
|{{convert|2|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|50|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|A tornado struck four farms in western Saginaw and destroyed barns.<ref name=Grazulis2 /> 
|-
|bgcolor=#{{storm colour|unk}} | FU
|[[Grand Lake St. Marys State Park|Grand Lake St. Marys]] to SW of [[Lima, Ohio|Lima]]
|[[Mercer County, Ohio|Mercer]], [[Auglaize County, Ohio|Auglaize]], [[Allen County, Ohio|Allen]]
|[[Ohio|OH]]
|00:30–?
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|Tornado first appeared as a [[waterspout]] over Grand Lake St. Marys. Storm quickly intensified as it moved towards the northeast at {{convert|55|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Heaviest damage occurred near [[Moulton Township, Auglaize County, Ohio|Moulton]], as several farms and homes were destroyed, with only minor injuries reported. Tornado lifted shortly before the city of [[Lima, Ohio|Lima]].<ref name=News1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|E of [[Bowling Green, Ohio|Bowling Green]] to NE of [[Martin, Ohio|Martin]]
|[[Wood County, Ohio|Wood]], [[Sandusky County, Ohio|Sandusky]], [[Ottawa County, Ohio|Ottawa]]
|[[Ohio|OH]]
|00:30–?
|>{{convert|7|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|100|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|2 deaths – One or more tornadoes moved rapidly northeast into [[Sandusky County, Ohio|Sandusky County]]. Striking the village of [[Genoa, Ohio|Genoa]], the tornado leveled 20–36 homes and several businesses. In the [[Clay Township, Ottawa County, Ohio|Clay Township]] area, two people were killed and 20 people were injured, extending to the small town of [[Trowbridge, Ohio|Trowbridge]]. Tornado subsequently passed out into [[Lake Erie]].<ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name=News1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | F3
|S of [[Union City, Indiana|Union City, IN]] to SE of [[Lightsville, Ohio|Lightsville, OH]]
|[[Randolph County, Indiana|Randolph (IN)]], [[Darke County, Ohio|Darke (OH)]]
|[[Indiana|IN]], [[Ohio|OH]]
|00:30–?
|{{convert|15|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|200|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|5 deaths – A tornado destroyed six farms in Ohio. 10 people were injured.<ref name=Grazulis3>{{harvnb|Grazulis|1993|p=769}}</ref>
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | F4
|W of [[Fountain City, Indiana|Fountain City, IN]] to N of [[Greenville, Ohio|Greenville, OH]]
|[[Wayne County, Indiana|Wayne (IN)]], [[Randolph County, Indiana|Randolph (IN)]], [[Darke County, Ohio|Darke (OH)]]
|[[Indiana|IN]], [[Ohio|OH]]
|01:00–?
|{{convert|20|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|400|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|8 deaths – The final violent tornado of the outbreak destroyed eight homes near Fountain City before causing F4 damage to farms in Ohio. Its worst effects were observed {{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of Greenville. 40 people were injured and losses totaled $1 million.<ref name=Grazulis3 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|unk}} | FU
|NE of [[Elgin, Illinois|Elgin]]
|[[Kane County, Illinois|Kane]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|Tornado extensively damaged outbuildings on farms. Was part of the Elgin tornado family.<ref name=MWR1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|unk}} | FU
|W of [[Barrington, Illinois|Barrington]]
|[[Lake County, Illinois|Lake]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|Tornado extensively damaged outbuildings on farms. Was part of the Elgin tornado family.<ref name=MWR1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|unk}} | FU
|[[Wauconda, Illinois|Wauconda]]
|[[Lake County, Illinois|Lake]]
|[[Illinois|IL]]
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|Tornado destroyed buildings and killed cattle. Was part of the Elgin tornado family.<ref name=MWR1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|SE of [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]]
|[[Ingham County, Michigan|Ingham]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|{{unk}}
|A home was reported destroyed near [[Mason, Michigan|Mason]]. One person was injured.<ref name=Grazulis1 />
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | F2
|S of [[Free Soil, Michigan|Free Soil]]
|[[Mason County, Michigan|Mason]]
|[[Michigan|MI]]
|{{unk}}
|{{convert|7|mi|km|sortable=on}}
|{{convert|150|yd|m|sortable=on}}
|This tornado destroyed a barn and unroofed one home as it briefly touched down.<ref name=Grazulis1 />
|}
{{clear}}

===La Fox–Elgin, Illinois===
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = La Fox–Elgin, Illinois
 | fujitascale          = F3
 | image                = Effects of a Tornado along the Fox River in Elgin, 1920.jpg
 | alt                  = Black-and-white image showing wrecked buildings along a riverfront
 | caption              = Tornado damage along the [[Fox River (Illinois River tributary)|Fox River]] in Elgin
 | casualties           = 8 fatalities, 100 injuries
 | damages              = $1,000 (1920 [[United States dollar|USD]])<br>${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1000|1920|r=-4}}}} ({{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
 | enhanced             = no
}}
Just before the noon hour, severe thunderstorms began forming {{convert|50|mi|km|abbr=on}} west of downtown [[Chicago]]. The first storm started to spawn killer tornadoes in [[DeKalb County, Illinois|DeKalb]] and then [[Kane County, Illinois|Kane]] counties, starting at 1:05&nbsp;p.m. [[Central Time Zone|CDT]]. Upon touching down, the tornadoes then moved northeast at about {{convert|50|mi/h|km/h|lk=on}}. The tornado in Kane County apparently first formed about {{convert|1 + 1/2|mi|km|abbr=on}} southeast of La Fox and moved northeast, later passing directly through downtown Elgin. Initially, the tornado destroyed a farmhouse and numerous barns, killing a father and tossing about a baby as it touched down.<ref name=MWR1 /><ref name=Grazulis1 />

Observers occasionally reported a well-defined funnel along the path as the tornado continued into the [[business district]] of [[Elgin, Illinois|Elgin]], destroying or damaging many structures. It destroyed six&nbsp;businesses, damaged many others, and also "partially wrecked" three&nbsp;churches. Three&nbsp;people died as the rear of a [[theater]] collapsed, three&nbsp;more as a brick church tower fell, and one&nbsp;additional as a building [[façade]] caved in. Church services had been dismissed just minutes before, saving the lives of parishioners and preventing more deaths in Elgin.<ref name=MWR1 />

As the tornado left downtown Elgin, it destroyed numerous trees along with 25&nbsp;homes and damaged 200&nbsp;other residences. Thereafter, the tornado destroyed two&nbsp;more barns and killed 38&nbsp;cattle. It then probably dissipated, only to develop into a new tornado. Both isolated tornado and widespread [[downburst]] damage was reported as far as [[Wauconda, Illinois|Wauconda]], killing cattle, damaging farms, and destroying many buildings. The tornado in Elgin was rated F3 in a study and was the first tornado of the outbreak to cause deaths and to kill more than five&nbsp;people.<ref name=Grazulis1 /><ref name=MWR1 />
{{clear}}

===Channahon–Troy Township–Lockport–Bellwood–Maywood–Melrose Park–Dunning, Illinois===
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = Channahon–Troy Township–Lockport–Bellwood–Maywood–Melrose Park–Dunning, Illinois
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | image                = Ruins of Sacred Heart Convent in Melrose Park, Illinois, on March 28, 1920.png
 | alt                  = Black-and-white photograph depicting wreckage of building with twisted trees in the background
 | caption              = Ruins of the Sacred Heart Convent in Melrose Park, Illinois, following the F4 tornado of March 28, 1920
 | casualties           = 20 fatalities, 300 injuries
 | damages              = $2,000,000 (1920 USD)<br>${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|2000000|1920|r=-4}}}} ({{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
 | enhanced             = no
}}
Roughly 15&nbsp;minutes after the Elgin tornado formed, a violent [[Fujita scale#Parameters|F4]] tornado tore through Will and Cook Counties, producing a path {{convert|53|mi|km|abbr=on}} long in the [[Bellwood, Illinois|Bellwood]] and [[Maywood, Illinois|Maywood]] areas. The tornado first destroyed five&nbsp;homes, two&nbsp;frame schools, and at least 12&nbsp;barns as it passed from Channahon to [[Troy Township, Will County, Illinois|Troy]] and thence to [[Lockport, Illinois|Lockport]]. It skipped thereafter, possibly dissipating and redeveloping into a second tornado, as it caused minor damage in the [[Romeoville, Illinois|Romeoville]] area. Afterward, the tornado funnel was not seen for some time.<ref name=Grazulis1 /><ref name=MWR1 />

Upon reaching the Bellwood-Maywood area, a second tornado probably touched down and produced a continuous damage swath to Lake Michigan, killing 20&nbsp;people and leveling many homes with F4 damage. 10&nbsp;of the deaths alone occurred at [[Melrose Park, Illinois|Melrose Park]] when the tornado hit Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Convent {{citation needed span|text=as people were getting ready for [[Palm Sunday]] services.|date=December 2012}} The tornado destroyed 50&nbsp;other buildings in Melrose Park before moving over less populated areas, killing six&nbsp;more people in the community of [[Dunning, Chicago|Dunning]] before passing over [[Lake Michigan]]. In all, the tornado partially or completely destroyed 413&nbsp;buildings and injured about 300&nbsp;people.<ref name=Grazulis1 /><ref name=MWR1 />
{{clear}}

===Red Hill–Susanna–Red Ridge–Agricola, Alabama/West Point, Georgia===
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = Red Hill–Susanna–Red Ridge–Agricola, Alabama/West Point, Georgia
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | casualties           = 26 fatalities, 125 injuries
 | damages              = $450,000 (1920 USD)<br>${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|450000|1920|r=-4}}}} ({{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
 | enhanced             = no
}}
This tornado first developed east of Eclectic between 4:00–4:45&nbsp;p.m. CDT, but most likely around 3:45&nbsp;p.m. CDT according to [[Thomas P. Grazulis]]. Some damage occurred to homes, trees, outhouses, and a school before the tornado hit [[Red Hill, Elmore County, Alabama|Red Hill]]. Next, the tornado caused at least 17&nbsp;deaths and destroyed 60&nbsp;homes in Alabama, mainly near [[Susanna, Alabama|Susanna]], [[Red Ridge, Alabama|Red Ridge]], and [[Agricola, Alabama|Agricola]]. Afterward, it caused nine&nbsp;deaths and 40&nbsp;injuries in an industrial and business swath of West Point, Georgia, with 40&nbsp;homes destroyed in Georgia. It became the second-deadliest tornado to hit this day.<ref name=Grazulis2>{{harvnb|Grazulis|1993|p=768}}</ref><ref name=MWR2 />
{{clear}}

===Ossian–Townley, Indiana/Brunersburg–Raab Corners, Ohio===
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = Ossian–Townley, Indiana/Brunersburg–Raab Corners, Ohio
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | casualties           = 23 fatalities, 54 injuries
 | damages              = &gt;$1,000,000 (1920 USD)<br>&gt;${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1000000|1920|r=-4}}}} ({{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
 | enhanced             = no
}}
The tornadoes that struck the western counties of [[Darke County, Ohio|Darke]], [[Defiance County, Ohio|Defiance]], [[Mercer County, Ohio|Mercer]], [[Paulding County, Ohio|Paulding]], and [[Van Wert County, Ohio|Van Wert]] in [[Ohio]] on March&nbsp;28, 1920, originated in the [[Indiana|Hoosier State]], quickly moving across the state line into Ohio.

The first of the tornadoes began in Indiana around 6:15&nbsp;p.m. EDT. Probably part of a tornado family, it touched down near the [[Wells County, Indiana|Wells County]] community of [[Ossian, Indiana|Ossian]]. Increasing rapidly in size and intensity, the tornado was reported by eyewitnesses to have resembled a very large, low-hanging mass of turbulent clouds that resembled boiling pot of oatmeal. This may have accounted for the deaths and injuries of so many farmers within its path, since many farmers were usually accustomed to taking shelter during dangerous weather situations. The tornado caused nine&nbsp;deaths on farms outside Ossian. The tornado then destroyed nearly every building at [[Townley, Indiana|Townley]]. Four&nbsp;people died there as the entire town was devastated. The powerful tornado subsequently hit [[Edgerton, Indiana|Edgerton]] before entering Ohio. In Indiana the tornado destroyed numerous farms, leveled at least 100&nbsp;buildings, killed 13&nbsp;people, and left behind $1,000,000&nbsp;in damage (1920 [[United States dollar|USD]]) in the state. It later became the first of three tornadoes to move into [[Ohio]], this time from [[Allen County, Indiana]].<ref name=News1 /><ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name=MWR1 />

After moving through [[Paulding County, Ohio|Paulding County]], the tornado alternately lifted and dipped to the ground, possibly even reforming as a separate tornado, as it moved into the [[Defiance, Ohio|Defiance]] area. Here several homes and a small store were destroyed and six&nbsp;people lost their lives. The violent tornado then moved northeast into [[Henry County, Ohio|Henry]] and [[Fulton County, Ohio|Fulton]] Counties, tearing through the town of [[Swanton, Ohio|Swanton]], located near [[Defiance County, Ohio#Communities|Brunersburg]], and causing major damage. Many factories, shops, and homes were completely demolished. According to the ''[[The Blade (Toledo)|Toledo Blade]]'' newspaper, the central business district sustained very heavy damage along Main Street, extending into nearby residential areas, where the damage became more intense. This damage brought out many thieves who looted local businesses and houses that had been hit by the tornado. Continuing on, the tornado then caused isolated damage to farms and trees as it passed into rural areas.<ref name=News1>{{cite news|title=Northwest Ohio Is Swept By Tornado; 19 Known Dead|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=March 30, 1920|agency=Press Pool}}</ref><ref name=Grazulis2 />

Increasing in size as it moved into northwest [[Lucas County, Ohio|Lucas County]], the tornado produced increasingly severe damage, as buildings and homes were swept clean of their foundations, before leveling the entire community of [[Raab Corners, Ohio|Raab Corners]], also called "Rab's Corners" or "Rabb's Corner", in Lucas County. Farmhouses and other buildings were leveled as the violent tornado, {{convert|1/2|mi|km|abbr=on}} wide at this point, moved towards Raab Corners. The residents of Raab Corners were largely unaware of the impending danger as they celebrated [[Palm Sunday]] services at the Immaculate Conception and St. Mary's Churches that evening. Just after 8:00&nbsp;p.m. EDT rain and small hail started to come down in torrents. As the power went out churchgoers lighted kerosene lamps to illuminate the interior of their buildings, and to continue their Palm Sunday services, when the winds began to increase followed by large hail that shattered all the windows. Around 8:15&nbsp;p.m. EDT, a solid black wall of swirling clouds proceeded to engulf Raab Corners, destroying everything in its path and killing four&nbsp;people. Local residents decided not to rebuild the town, moving to nearby communities in [[Michigan]] and [[Ohio]]. Today, only an intersection remains at what once was the main four corners.<ref name=News1 /><ref name=Grazulis2 />
{{clear}}

===West Liberty–Geneva–Ceylon, Indiana/Van Wert, Ohio===
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = West Liberty–Geneva–Ceylon, Indiana/Van Wert, Ohio
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | casualties           = 17 fatalities, 70 injuries
 | enhanced             = no
}}
This tornado developed in east-central Indiana and crossed into [[Mercer County, Ohio|Mercer]] and [[Van Wert County, Ohio|Van Wert]] counties in Ohio. Upon touching down in Indiana, the tornado severely impacted [[Jackson Township, Jay County, Indiana#Geography|West Liberty, Indiana]] (seven deaths), located north-northwest of [[Portland, Indiana|Portland]], before leveling homes between [[Geneva, Indiana|Geneva]] and [[Ceylon, Indiana|Ceylon]]. In this area, the tornado partially stripped [[chicken]]s of their feathers—a common phenomenon known as [[Moulting#Examples|moulting]]—and many buildings were swept away with their floors slightly dislodged. Thereafter, it leveled farms and killed three&nbsp;people in neighboring Ohio. In this area, the tornado was very intense and may have even reached F5 intensity, being one of the strongest tornadoes recorded this day. After exiting [[Adams County, Indiana]], this large tornado moved towards the far northwestern part of [[Mercer County, Ohio|Mercer County]] in west-central Ohio, again destroying nearly everything in its path. As the tornado moved on into Van Wert County, three&nbsp;more people died and many would be injured as the storm moved to the south of [[Van Wert, Ohio|Van Wert]]. Some of this same area was hit by another [[2002 Van Wert-Roselms tornado|F4 tornado]] on [[Tornado outbreak of November 9–11, 2002|November&nbsp;10, 2002]].<ref name=MWR1 /><ref name=News1 /><ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name="Moulting">{{harvnb|Grazulis|2001|p=21}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Fenton, Michigan===
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = Fenton, Michigan
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | casualties           = 4 fatalities, 11 injuries
 | damages              = $200,000 (1920 USD)<br>${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|200000|1920|r=-4}}}} ({{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
 | enhanced             = no
}}
The third and final F4 tornado in Michigan this day touched down west-northwest of [[Fenton, Michigan|Fenton]] at about 7:30&nbsp;p.m. EDT, shortly before "8 o' clock," though one estimate suggested a time of 6:00&nbsp;p.m. EDT. The tornado first destroyed a barn, a farmhouse, and a school as it moved northeast. It then struck a [[Cement mill|cement plant]] and demolished a smokestack and destroyed the steel-framed [[cement kiln|kiln]] room, reportedly warping and twisting the steel bars "so badly...that it is probable that the enclosure will have to be rebuilt." Total losses reached $100,000&nbsp;at the plant. Afterward, the intensifying tornado leveled farm buildings and killed two&nbsp;horses and several other livestock; it left cows unharmed but pinned under debris. The F4 tornado then struck and completely leveled about 30&nbsp;lakeside [[Summer house|summer homes]], many of them large and well-built structures worth $3,000–$6,000 to build at the time. Intense winds lifted boats up to {{convert|300|ft|m|lk=on}} from their moorings and carried entire homes several hundred feet from their foundations. In the summer, according to the ''Fenton Independent'', there would have been "hundreds of people camping at the lake. Should the accident have occurred at that time there would have been hundreds of deaths." In all, the powerful tornado killed four people and damaged or destroyed 35 buildings near Fenton. One&nbsp;of the deaths occurred in an overturned car, among the earliest tornado-related deaths in an automobile; the earliest known such death was probably on May&nbsp;19, 1918, in Iowa.<ref name=Grazulis2 /><ref name=Fenton1>{{cite news|title=Death And Destruction In Wake Of Tornado|newspaper=Fenton Independent|date=April 1, 1920}}</ref><ref name=Fenton2>{{cite news|title=Four Killed in Cyclone|newspaper=Fenton Courier|date=April 1, 1920}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==See also==
*[[List of tornadoes and tornado outbreaks]]
**[[List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks]]
*[[1965 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak]] – Catastrophic outbreak that affected the same region as the 1920 outbreak
*[[1994 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak]] – Produced deadly, long-lived tornadoes over the [[Southeastern United States]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
* Press Pool. "Reconstruction Starts In Storm Area Where 22 Died." ''[[Toledo Blade]]''. March 31, 1920. Retrieved on April 17, 2001.
* [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]], [[National Climatic Data Center]] / [[Storm Prediction Center]].
{{clear}}

{{Alabama tornado events}}
{{Wisconsin tornado events}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1920-03-28 Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak}}
[[Category:F4 tornadoes by date]]
[[Category:F4 tornadoes by location| ,1920-03-28]]
[[Category:20th-century tornadoes]]
[[Category:1920 meteorology|Tornado, 03-28]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Indiana]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Alabama]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Ohio]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Michigan]]
[[Category:Tornado outbreaks]]
[[Category:1920 natural disasters in the United States|Tornado,1920-03-28]]
[[Category:March 1920 events in the United States|Tornado, 28]]