1991 Andover tornado outbreak#Red Rock, Oklahoma
{{Short description|Tornado outbreak in Kansas and Oklahoma}}
{{About|the outbreak that produced the 1991 Andover tornado|the tornado itself|1991 Andover tornado|the Andover tornado of 2022|2022 Andover tornado}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Coord|37.69|-97.136|display=title}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Andover tornado outbreak confirmations and reports.png
| alt =
| caption = Storm reports on April 26 and early April 27, 1991
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado outbreak
| name = 1991 Andover tornado outbreak
| duration = April 26–27, 1991
| tornadoes = 55
| fujitascale = F5
| winds = {{convert|280|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, from the Red Rock tornado
| gusts = {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: Thunderstorm Wind|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028589|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=1991|access-date=April 25, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: Thunderstorm Wind|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028595|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=1991|access-date=April 25, 2022}}
}}
{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1991
| damages = $589 million (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|589000000|1991|r=-4}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} USD){{cite web|title=Storm Events Database for April 26–27, 1991|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=04&beginDate_dd=26&beginDate_yyyy=1991&endDate_mm=04&endDate_dd=27&endDate_yyyy=1991&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=1991|access-date=April 25, 2022}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Losses|All losses are in 1991 USD unless otherwise noted.}}
| outages =
| fatalities = 21
| injuries = 313
| affected = United States Great Plains
}}
{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = tornado outbreaks of 1991
}}
From April 26 to 27, 1991, multiple supercells across Oklahoma and Kansas led to a regional tornado outbreak. Forced by a potent trough and focused along a dryline, these distinct thunderstorms moved northeast through a moist and highly unstable environment. A total of 55 tornadoes were confirmed, many of which were strong, F2 or greater on the Fujita scale. A widely documented F5 tornado tore through Andover, Kansas, killing 17 people. Additional fatalities occurred from significant tornadoes in other portions of Kansas and Oklahoma, with 21 deaths recorded in total. An F4 tornado was detected by a mobile doppler weather radar team which observed winds up to {{convert|270|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at the top of the funnel, the first time winds of F5 intensity were measured by radar, and the highest winds recorded by radar at the time. A news team filming an F2 tornado sought shelter under a Kansas Turnpike overpass, causing a misconception that overpasses can provide adequate shelter during a tornado. This outbreak occurred within a transition period for the National Weather Service and proved the value of NEXRAD radars, which were utilized in Oklahoma to provide advanced warning to residents.
Meteorological synopsis
File:1991-04-26 radar animation.gif
On April 25, 1991, the National Weather Service issued a warning of an impending weather system, noting that computer models were "indicating this to be a very significant severe weather producer with tornadoes occurring across the Central/Southern Plains." On the morning of April 26, the organization delineated a High risk of severe weather across the Great Plains.{{cite web|title=The Kansas-Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak of April 26, 1991|url=https://okfirst.mesonet.org/train/casestudies/26apr91/26apr91.html|publisher=Oklahoma Climatological Survey|access-date=April 20, 2022}} A southeast-tilted trough existed across the Southwestern United States that morning, and a distinct jet streak, or a region of enhanced winds at the base of the trough, on the order of {{convert|75|–|85|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} was progressing northeast toward the Plains.{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Wichita, Kansas|title=25th Anniversary of April 26th, 1991 Tornado Outbreak|url=https://www.weather.gov/ict/AndoverEnvironment|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=April 20, 2022}}{{cite web|author=Cody Moore|title=Andover, KS Tornado Outbreak April 26, 1991|url=https://louisville.edu/atmosphericscience/students/current-students/severe-weather-posters/2016/students/current-students/severe-weather-posters/2016-1/2016-codymoore.pdf|publisher=University of Louisville|access-date=April 20, 2022}} Through the morning hours, an 850 mb or approximately {{convert|5000|ft|m|abbr=on|round=5}} low-level jet of up to {{convert|60|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} overspread regions from south-central Kansas northward into eastern Nebraska.{{cite web|author=Dan McCarthy|title=Day 1 Convective Outlook|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=SWODY1&e=199104261835|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet|date=April 26, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022}} A surface low-pressure area existed over southwestern Nebraska, supporting a dry line southward into Texas and a warm front southeastward across eastern sections of Kansas and Oklahoma.
In the unstable atmosphere between those two boundaries, surface dewpoints rose above {{convert|60|F|C|abbr=on|round=5}}. Abundant sunshine contributed to destabilization as lifted indices topped -12 from central Oklahoma into central Kansas and convective available potential energy reached 4,000 J/kg. A minimal capping inversion existed across Oklahoma even during the morning hours, and tornado-producing storms first developed across western Oklahoma around sunrise. These storms weakened as they moved northeast into Kansas.{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma|title=The April 26, 1991 Great Plains Tornado Outbreak|url=https://www.weather.gov/oun/events-19910426|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=April 20, 2022}} Back to the west, the dryline progressed rapidly eastward but began to slow precipitously during the afternoon hours. Attempts at thunderstorm development along this feature initially failed. At 17:10 UTC (12:20 p.m. CDT), the National Weather Service issued a particularly dangerous situation tornado watch, warning of the potential for multiple strong to violent tornadoes. This would be one of 24 convective watches issued during the day. Despite early failure at convective initiation, supercell thunderstorms rapidly erupted along the dryline during the afternoon hours as the jet streak propagated into the Great Plains, resulting in a regional outbreak of tornadoes stretching from Texas to Iowa. Violent tornadoes were concentrated in southern Kansas and Oklahoma, although intense tornadoes were also observed in Iowa, Texas, and Nebraska.
Confirmed tornadoes
{{Tornado Chart | Total=55 | F0=12| F1=13 | F2=18 | F3=7 | F4=4 | F5=1}}
| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+ List of confirmed tornadoes – Friday, April 26, 1991{{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 CST/CDT for consistency.}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Width|Prior to 1994, only the average widths of tornado paths were officially listed.{{sfn|Brooks|2004|p=310}}}} |
| scope="col" style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|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;" |Date ! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;" |Start ! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|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="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|Kay |OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.68 |
| 97.30|name=Tonkawa (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|11:45 |{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Two homes sustained severe roof damage, one from tornadic winds and the other from a fallen tree. Fifteen other houses sustained lesser damage. Greenhouses were damaged at a garden center.{{cite report|author=William Angel|author2=Jay Hollifield|author3=Jeanette King|author4=Sara Lackey|title=Storm Data: April 1991|url=https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/swdi/stormevents/pub-pdf/storm_1991_04.pdf|publisher=National Center for Environmental Information|date=April 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|volume=33|issue=4}}{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102107|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.27 |
| 95.55|name=Cherryvale (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|15:45 |{{convert|6|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A large building at a nursery/greenhouse complex was destroyed.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034309|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|NW of Washington |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|39.82 |
| 97.12|name=Washington (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|20:25 |{{convert|3.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Several farmhouses were destroyed to the northwest of Washington, resulting in the deaths of several hogs. Some damage occurred in the town of Lanham. Six people were injured.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034534|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|NE |April 26 |{{Coord|40.42 |
| 97.45|name=Ohiowa (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|20:40–20:45 |{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Four grain trailers and a grain truck were flipped over. A satellite dish, a barn door, and a separate barn were destroyed. Trees were extensively damaged.{{cite report|title=Nebraska Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10081120|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|N of Strong City |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|38.43 |
| 96.53|name=Strong City (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|20:45 |{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|17|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A few farm sheds were damaged.{{cite report|title=Nebraska Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034539|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3
|SE of Hollenberg, KS to S of Beatrice, NE |April 26 |{{Coord|39.95 |
| 96.95|name=Hollenberg-Beatrice (Apr. 26, F3)}}
|20:50–21:40 |{{convert|24|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |This tornado first touched down in Kansas before moving into Nebraska, where the town of Lanham sustained considerable damage. Farms sustained heavy damage near Odell, and several homes were destroyed south of Beatrice before the tornado dissipated.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034540|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Nebraska Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10081121|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|NE of Council Grove |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|38.67 |
| 96.52|name=Council Grove (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|21:10 |{{convert|13|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A weak tornado caused damage to trees, fences, several power poles, and a cabin.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034544|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034546|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|KS |April 26 |{{Coord|38.73 |
| 96.25|name=Bushong-Grove (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|21:35 |{{convert|44|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |In Waubaunsee County, a farmhouse and some other structures were destroyed. An old stone church was damaged. In Shawnee County, the roofs and windows of several houses were damaged in western Rossville. The tornado rapidly weakened in Jackson County.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034548|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034552|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034556|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|E of Adams |Gage |NE |April 26 |{{Coord|40.43 |
| 96.50|name=Adams (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|22:00–22:15 |{{convert|4|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|150|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |In conjunction with the Hollenberg–Beatrice F3 tornado, a strong tornado damaged up to 25 farmsteads, including 100 buildings and 30 pieces of large farm equipment.{{cite report|title=Nebraska Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10081124|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3
|NW of Douglas to NE of Palmyra |Otoe |NE |April 26 |{{Coord|40.60 |
| 96.40|name=Douglas-Palmyra (Apr. 26, F3)}}
|22:15–22:40 |{{convert|14|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|350|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Four farms were destroyed and three others were severely damaged. Thirteen houses were damaged as well. Two people were injured.{{cite report|title=Nebraska Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10081126|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|NE of Anthony |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.22 |
| 97.95|name=Anthony (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|22:20 |{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Part of a roof was torn off.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034554|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|SE of Freeport to NE of Conway Springs |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.18 |
| 97.83|name=Freeport-Conway Springs (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|22:30 |{{convert|16|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|500|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A weak tornado skipped across open fields.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034558|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034559|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|N of Goddard |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.67 |
| 97.58|name=Goddard (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|22:47 |{{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A boat dealership sustained major damage in Goddard.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034561|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat5}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F5
|SE of Clearwater to Andover to NE of El Dorado Lake |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.47 |
| 97.48|name=Clearwater–Andover–El Dorado Lake (Apr. 26, F5)}}
|22:49–00:14 |{{convert|46|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|700|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |17 deaths – See article on this tornado – 225 people were injured.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F5 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034564|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F5 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034571|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3
|E of Enid |OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.43 |
| 97.67|name=Enid-Garber (Apr. 26, F3)}}
|23:00–23:09 |{{convert|6|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|350|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Two homes were destroyed. A pickup truck was rolled {{convert|150|yd|m}} and demolished as well.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102336|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|Valley Center to S of Putnam |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.83 |
| 97.38|name=Putnam (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|23:10 |{{convert|16|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |No damage information is available for this tornado.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034565|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034566|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|SW of Plainview |NE |April 26 |{{Coord|42.28 |
| 97.82|name=Plainview (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|23:15 |{{convert|0.1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A tornado briefly touched down in an open field.{{cite report|title=Nebraska Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10081135|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|W of Garber |OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.43 |
| 97.60|name=Garfield (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|23:15 |{{convert|0.1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A weak, brief tornado caused only minor damage.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102339|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat4}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F4
|E of Garber to NW of Pawhuska |OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.43 |
| 97.55|name=Garber-Pawhuska (Apr. 26, F5)}}
|23:30–00:55 |{{convert|66|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|1500|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |See section on this tornado – Six people were injured.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F5 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102340|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F4 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102341|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F4 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102347|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat4}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F4
|W of Arkansas City to NW of Cambridge |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.07 |
| 97.15|name=Arkansas City-Cambridge (Apr. 26, F4)}}
|23:30 |{{convert|25|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|1320|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |1 death – A violent tornado leveled homes south of Hackney. A woman was killed near Tisdale when it destroyed her manufactured home, despite advanced warning that a tornado was approaching. A supplementary report by Thomas P. Grazulis in 2001 indicated that least one home may have incurred F5 damage, reportedly being so badly damaged that National Weather Service (NWS) surveyors failed to notice it.{{cite book|author=Thomas Grazulis|title=Significant Tornadoes, 1880-1989|date=November 1990|publisher=Environmental Films|location=St. Johnsbury, Vermont|isbn=1-879362-02-3|volume=2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yW5NAQAAIAAJ|via=Google Books|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{Cite book|last=Grazulis|first=Thomas P. |title=F5-F6 Tornadoes|publisher=The Tornado Project of Environmental Films|year=2001b |location=St. Johnsbury, Vermont|page=9|author-mask=1}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F4 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034568|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Wichita, Kansas|title=Review of major tornadoes across south central Kansas on April 26 1991|url=https://www.weather.gov/ict/Apr26Review|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|KS |April 26 |{{Coord|39.02 |
| 96.35|name=Alma-Paxico (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|23:35 |{{convert|9|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Trees were damaged.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034570|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|TX |April 26 |{{Coord|32.02 |
| 95.38|name=Reese (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|00:00–00:01 |{{convert|0.2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Four houses and two manufactured homes were destroyed, the roofs of additional structures were damaged, trees were uprooted, and television antennas were toppled.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137050|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|NE of El Dorado to E of Matfield Green |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.93 |
| 96.72|name=El Dorado Lake-Matfield Green (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|00:10 |{{convert|21|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |See section on this tornado – Four people were injured.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034575|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034578|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3
|S of Mount Selman |TX |April 26 |{{Coord|32.05 |
| 95.30|name=Mount Selman (Apr. 26, F3)}}
|00:11–00:16 |{{convert|3|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |An intense tornado destroyed three manufactured homes, two houses, and one vehicle. An additional 25 houses were damaged, and trees were uprooted. Numerous power lines, street signs, and television antennas were blown over. One person was injured.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137052|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3
|KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.47 |
| 96.42|name=Howard-Severy (Apr. 26, F3)}}
|00:26 |{{convert|14|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |1 death – A significant tornado leveled a manufactured home and caused additional damage to homes, outbuildings, fences, and power lines. A woman was killed and her husband seriously injured in the destroyed house.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034579|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034582|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|SW of Yale |OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.03 |
| 96.83|name=Yale (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|00:38–00:47 |{{convert|6.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|800|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |This large tornado rolled a dump truck {{convert|200|yd|m}}, destroyed a metal shop building and a well-built barn, and caused roof damage to two homes. Trees and power lines were toppled as well.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102350|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|NE of Elmdale |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|38.40 |
| 96.58|name=Elmdale (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|00:40 |{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A farm shed was destroyed.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034581|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|S of Turnertown |TX |April 26 |{{Coord|32.18 |
| 95.02|name=Turnertown (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|00:40–00:50 |{{convert|3|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Several trees were uprooted.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137054|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137056|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|NW of Westphalia |IA |April 26 |{{Coord|41.73 |
| 95.42|name=Westphalia (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|00:44–00:47 |{{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|45|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |No damage information is available.{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028578|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|W of Henderson |Rusk |TX |April 26 |{{Coord|32.15 |
| 94.87|name=Henderson (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|01:00–01:01 |{{convert|0.2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A barn and outbuildings were destroyed.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137059|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3
|IA |April 26 |{{Coord|42.02 |
| 95.35|name=Denison (Apr. 26, F3)}}
|01:00–01:17 |{{convert|23|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|150|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Several farmsteads were damaged or destroyed. Windows were blown out a house, a tractor-semitrailer truck was overturned, and a pig was killed.{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028580|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028582|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat4}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F4
|SW of Terlton to NW of Skiatook |OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.17 |
| 96.52|name=Terlton-Skiatook (Apr. 26, F4)}}
|01:10–01:27 |{{convert|32|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|1700|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |1 death – A violent tornado began near Terlton, inflicting minor to moderate damage to trees, power poles, and a few structures. The tornado then rapidly intensified, sweeping several cars off of the Cimarron Turnpike, resulting in a fatality and five injuries. The tornado then struck the Keystone Airpark, destroying four hangars and seven airplanes. Two of the planes were tossed into trees. The fire station at the airport was completely destroyed, with one fire engine tossed {{convert|0.25|mi|km}} into trees across the runway. The tornado then struck Westport, destroying 54 homes, 70 vehicles, 5 manufactured homes, 18 outbuildings, and 3 travel trailers. Another 40 homes, in addition to the Westport community center, were also damaged. The tornado then snapped numerous trees and destroyed a Girl Scouts lodge near Lake Keystone before causing additional severe damage in the Skiatook area, where 32 homes were destroyed and 56 others were damaged. Several boats and a marina were damaged at Skiatook Lake. In total, 24 people were injured.{{cite report|title=The April 26 Great Plains Tornado Outbreak|url=https://www.weather.gov/oun/events-19910426|publisher=NWS Norman| access-date=February 28, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102353|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F4 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102356|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|Rusk |TX |April 26 |{{Coord|32.15 |
| 94.80|name=Henderson (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|01:22–01:23 |{{convert|0.2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Several trees were snapped or uprooted.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137276|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.67 |
| 96.53|name=Osage Nation (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|01:27 |{{convert|0.25|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A rope-shaped tornado picked up a car and tossed it {{convert|50|ft|m}}. Additional damage occurred to houses and manufactured homes.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102355|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|SW of Derby |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.58 |
| 97.33|name=Derby (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|01:33 |{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Several outbuildings were damaged.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034585|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat3}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F3
|KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.75 |
| 96.08|name=Neal-Virgil (Apr. 26, F3)}}
|01:35 |{{convert|15|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Several houses and other buildings were destroyed. At least 26 power poles were snapped. Trucks and equipment at a rock quarry were severely damaged, and a {{convert|35,000|–|40,000|lb|kg}} fuel truck was moved {{convert|75|yd|m}}. A farmhouse was lifted, rotated 90 degrees, and set back down. Two tractor-semitrailers were demolished, and fences were downed as well.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034586|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034588|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|SW of Meriden to SE of Rock Creek |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|39.12 |
| 95.60|name=Meriden-Rock Creek (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|01:54 |{{convert|11|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A tornado formed just north of the local National Weather Service office. It destroyed a manufactured home, resulting in four injuries. It also damaged a power substation, trees, and power lines.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034590|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10034591|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|SW of Milford to SE of Spirit Lake |IA |April 26 |{{Coord|43.27 |
| 95.23|name=Dickinson-Spirit Lake (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|02:00–02:30 |{{convert|18|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|60|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Serious damage occurred to both the farm buildings and farmhouses on two farmsteads.{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028586|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|E of Copan |OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.88 |
| 95.93|name=Copan (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|02:05–02:20 |{{convert|6|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |1 death – A strong tornado destroyed a convenience store and a bait shop. Other buildings and trees were damaged too. It tossed a car with two women inside {{convert|250|yd|m}} into a field, killing the passenger and critically injuring the driver. Nine other people were injured in Copan.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102359|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|E of Valley Falls to SW of Doniphan |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|39.35 |
| 95.42|name=Valley Falls-Doniphan (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|02:25 |{{convert|25|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A strong tornado caused severe damage in the Nortonville area, with 13 homes destroyed. A nursing home and several businesses sustained major damage as well. In Atchison County, a grain elevator was damaged and outbuildings were destroyed. Trees were uprooted along the tornado's path.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10035439|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10035656|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat4}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F4
|OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.45 |
| 95.72|name=Oologah (Apr. 26, F4)}}
|02:45–02:53 |{{convert|4|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|1300|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Though short-lived, this large and violent tornado devastated the town of Oologah before abruptly dissipating, with 60 homes, 16 trailers, 30 barns, and 16 apartment buildings destroyed. The Oolagah School building was severely damaged. Buses from the school were tossed nearly {{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} away, into Fourmile Creek. Several metal high-tension towers were downed. A total of 22 people were injured. On top of the destruction this tornado caused, a downburst that followed the storm caused further damage.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F4 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102365|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite book |last1=Grazulis |first1=Thomas P. |title=Significant Tornadoes Update, 1992–1995 |date=January 1997 |publisher=The Tornado Project of Environmental Films |location=St. Johnsbury, Vermont |isbn=1-879362-04-X |page=1412 }} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|S of Detroit |TX |April 26 |{{Coord|33.63 |
| 95.27|name=Detroit (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|03:00–03:01 |{{convert|0.2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Two manufactured homes and a barn were destroyed. Several homes and two automobiles sustained damage. Trees were uprooted.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137290|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|OK |April 26 |{{Coord|36.53 |
| 95.43|name=Chelsea (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|03:10–03:14 |{{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|30|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A rope-like and brief tornado destroyed two houses and two manufactured homes in northwestern Chelsea. Three people suffered minor injuries.{{cite report|title=Oklahoma Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10102369|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|MO |April 26 |{{Coord|39.92 |
| 94.67|name=Helena (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|03:15 |{{convert|1.8|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Power lines and trees were downed along an intermittent path.{{cite report|title=Missouri Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10072152|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|NW of Bagwell |TX |April 26 |{{Coord|33.67 |
| 95.17|name=Bagwell (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|03:19–03:20 |{{convert|0.2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Trees were uprooted, and a bridge was damaged.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137292|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|W of Coffeyville |KS |April 26 |{{Coord|37.03 |
| 95.73|name=Coffeyville (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|03:20 |{{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A brief tornado damaged a building.{{cite report|title=Kansas Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10035654|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|SW of Negley |TX |April 26 |{{Coord|33.75 |
| 95.08|name=Negley (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|03:30–03:31 |{{convert|0.2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A barn was destroyed, a manufactured home was overturned, and several homes were damaged. Numerous trees were uprooted as well.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137293|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|IA |April 26 |{{Coord|40.70 |
| 93.37|name=Allenton-Millerton (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|04:10–04:22 |{{convert|9|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|60|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Two tornadoes in Wayne County collectively damaged 25 farmsteads and residences.{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028590|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|SE of Sewal to SE of Confidence |IA |April 26 |{{Coord|40.63 |
| 93.28|name=Sewal-Confidence (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|04:10–04:28 |{{convert|15|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|75|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Two tornadoes in Wayne County collectively damaged 25 farmsteads and residences. A manufactured home was destroyed, and two people were injured.{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028591|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|S of Joplin |MO |April 26 |{{Coord|37.03 |
| 94.52|name=Joplin (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|04:39 |{{convert|0.25|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |A possible tornado was reported.{{cite report|title=Missouri Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10072155|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|N of Cosby |MO |April 26 |{{Coord|39.87 |
| 94.68|name=Cosby (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|04:57 |{{convert|1.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Trees and power lines were downed.{{cite report|title=Missouri Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10072157|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|storm}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F0
|W of Joplin |MO |April 27 |{{Coord|37.08 |
| 94.58|name=Joplin (Apr. 26, F0)}}
|05:05 |{{convert|0.1|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |No damage information is available.{{cite report|title=Missouri Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10072159|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat2}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F2
|SE of Victor |Iowa |IA |April 27 |{{Coord|41.70 |
| 92.30|name=Victor (Apr. 26, F2)}}
|06:55–07:04 |{{convert|4.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Two tornadoes in Iowa County caused damage to several farmsteads, farm buildings, and a house.{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028597|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|N of Detroit |TX |April 27 |{{Coord|33.70 |
| 95.27|name=Detroit (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|07:05–07:06 |{{convert|0.2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |The tops were snapped off several large trees.{{cite report|title=Texas Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10137305|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style="background-color:#{{#invoke:Storm categories|color|cat1}}; border-bottom: 1px solid black"| F1
|S of Marengo |Iowa |IA |April 27 |{{Coord|41.73 |
| 92.07|name=Marengo (Apr. 26, F1)}}
|07:09 |{{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} |{{convert|40|yd|m|abbr=on}} |
| class="expand-child"
| colspan="8" style=" border-bottom: 1px solid black;" |Two tornadoes in Iowa County caused damage to several farmsteads, farm buildings, and a house.{{cite report|title=Iowa Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=10028599|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2022|access-date=April 22, 2022}} |
=Haysville–McConnell AFB–Wichita–Andover, Kansas=
{{Main|1991 Andover tornado}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Haysville–McConnell AFB–Wichita–Andover, Kansas
| formed = April 26, 1991, 5:49 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| dissipated = April 26, 1991, 7:14 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| duration = 1 hour and 25 minutes
| image = Andover91tordamg.JPG
| caption = Severe damage to trees from the tornado
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = F5
| winds = >261 mph (420 km/h)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| highest winds = {{convert|261| mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
| casualties = 17 fatalities, 225 injuries
| damages = $300 million (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|300000000|1991|r=-4}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} USD){{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Wichita, Kansas|title=Top Ten KS Tornadoes|url=https://www.weather.gov/ict/toptenkstors|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=April 23, 2022}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}
At 5:49 p.m. CDT (22:49 UTC), the storm which would become the Wichita–Andover tornado began east of Clearwater. At 6:05 p.m. CDT (23:05 UTC), the National Weather Service issued a statement urging residents in Haysville, Derby, and Mulvane to seek shelter. This was succeeded by a tornado warning four minutes later. Around 6:16 p.m. CDT (23:16 UTC), the intensifying tornado began to affect southeastern sections of Wichita and directly struck Haysville.{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Wichita, Kansas|title=Timeline for supercell that produced the Wichita/Andover Tornado|url=https://www.weather.gov/ict/AndoverTimeline|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=April 23, 2022}} It produced strong F2 to F3 damage in Haysville while growing to a width of about {{convert|220|yd|m}} and acquiring multi-vortex characteristics. The tornado crossed the Kansas Turnpike about {{convert|0.5|mi|km}} south of the South Wichita Interchange.{{cite tweet|author=NWS Wichita|user=NWSWichita|title=#Andover25th tornado struck Haysville as a strong F2/F3. #Outbreak1991|number=727639400197197825|accessdate=April 23, 2022}} In eastern Wichita, some well-built houses in the Greenwich Heights Subdivision were completely leveled, indicative of strong F3 to F4 damage. Four people were killed at this location.{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Wichita, Kansas|title=Review of major tornadoes across south central Kansas on April 26 1991|url=https://www.weather.gov/ict/Apr26Review|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=April 23, 2022}} At 6:24 p.m. CDT (23:24 UTC), the violent tornado struck the McConnell Air Force Base, where it narrowly missed a lineup of 10 B-1B bombers each worth $280 million and 2 of which were equipped with nuclear warheads.{{cite tweet|author=NWS Wichita|user=NWSWichita|title=When the #Andover25th tornado hit the McConnell AFB, it missed a lineup of B1-B bombers. #Outbreak1991|number=727640637114220544|accessdate=April 23, 2022}} Nine major facilities on the base were destroyed, including the officer's club, base hospital, library, and elementary school. In addition, 102 housing units were demolished. No fatalities were recorded there, though 16 people were injured and total losses reached $62 million.{{cite tweet|author=NWS Wichita|user=NWSWichita|title=The #Andover25th damaged/destroyed 9 major facilities causing $62 million in damages. #Outbreak1991|number=727640906396917761|accessdate=April 23, 2022}} As the tornado continued to move toward U.S. Route 54 in Kansas in the direction of Andover, it prompted forecasters to issue a heightened tornado warning alerting residents in Augusta and Andover that a damaging tornado was approaching. Despite this warning, the tornado sirens in Andover failed.{{cite tweet|author=NWS Wichita|user=NWSWichita|title=On 4/26/91 @6:30p Tornado warning issued for Andover - tornado sirens in Andover failed #Andover25th #Outbreak1991|number=727641418898939904|accessdate=April 23, 2022}}
At 6:31 p.m. CDT (23:31 UTC), with the sirens not functional, the police drove through the Golden Spur Mobile Home Park and through the town warning residents to seek shelter. 10 minutes later, the now large wedge-stovepipe hybrid tornado entered southern Andover and began to impact the mobile home park, which ultimately sustained a direct hit. Of the 244 manufactured homes, 205, or about 84 percent of them, were destroyed. Post-storm interviews by health officials found that 339 residents were home during the tornado, of which 146 evacuated, 149 sought refuge in the community shelter, and 38 remained in their homes. No casualties occurred among individuals who fled or utilized the shelter.{{cite journal|title=Tornado Disaster — Kansas, 1991|journal=Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report|volume=41|issue=10|date=March 13, 1992|pages=181–183 |jstor=23299145 |pmid=1538688 |author1=Centers for Disease Control (CDC) }} However, 13 people were killed, another 17 were hospitalized, and 9 sustained minor injuries among the group who remained in their structures. Additional homes were swept from their foundations to the west of this park, where the Andover tornado earned its F5 rating. Throughout the city, over 1,500 residences were devastated.{{cite book|author=Craig Torbenson|author2=Sadonia Corns|author3=Jessica Nellis|author4=Keith Wondra|title=Kansas: In the Heart of Tornado Alley|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MRnwQaoRTVQC|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|date=November 28, 2011|isbn=978-1-4396-4193-4 |access-date=April 23, 2022}} The tornado continued northeast, affecting the outskirts of Towanda. Twenty minutes later, the violent tornado dissipated west of El Dorado and north of the Kansas Turnpike, though the parent supercell later produced additional tornadoes. Along the tornado's path, 84 frame houses and 14 businesses were leveled. A total of 225 people were injured. It was the final Kansas tornado to be given an F5 rating prior to the implementation of the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which was principally used on the Greensburg EF5 tornado on May 4, 2007.
{{clear}}
=Red Rock, Oklahoma=
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Red Rock, Oklahoma
| formed = April 26, 1991, 6:30 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| dissipated = April 26, 1991, 7:55 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| duration = 1 hour and 25 minutes
| image =
| caption =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = F4
| winds = 280 mph (450 km/h)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| casualties = 6 injuries
| damages = $500,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|500000|1991|r=-4}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}
To the south of several significant supercells in Kansas, another discrete storm produced a tornado at 6:30 p.m. CDT (23:30 UTC) which would reach F4 intensity, track for {{convert|66|mi|km}}, and reach a maximum width of {{convert|1500|yd|m}}. The tornado began {{convert|2.5|mi|km}} east of Garber and continued south of Billings. In this area, it reached F3 intensity, snapping power poles, toppling well pumps, demolishing a house, and destroying oil tanks. As it neared Interstate 35 and crossed into Noble County, the tornado first reached F4 intensity, flattening a house and debarking many trees. In neighboring Osage County, two farms were destroyed before the tornado continued into Osage County. There, it passed west of Pawhuska, toppling an oil rig with an {{convert|18|in|mm|adj=on}} foundation. It lifted west-northwest of that city. Along the tornado's path across sparsely populated areas, several county roads had portions of their asphalt stripped away. Near Red Rock the tornado became particularly intense. In this area a University of Oklahoma chase team headed by Howard Bluestein utilized mobile doppler weather radar to analyze the tornado. The radar measured peak winds of {{convert|120|–|125|m/s|mph km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} at the top of the tornado's funnel, suggesting the tornado probably had F5 winds close to the ground. At the time, this represented the strongest winds ever measured by radar, including the first measurements of F5 intensity winds.{{cite journal|author=Howard Bluestein|author2=James Ladue|author3=Herbert Stein|author4=Douglas Speheger|author5=Wesley Unruh|title=Doppler Radar Wind Spectra of Supercell Tornadoes|url=https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/mwre/121/8/1520-0493_1993_121_2200_drwsos_2_0_co_2.xml|journal=Monthly Weather Review|volume=121|issue=8|date=August 1, 1993|access-date=April 25, 2022|pages=2,200–2,222}}{{cite book|last1=Grazulis|first1=Thomas P.|title=The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm|url=https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz|url-access=registration|date=2001a|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|location=Norman|isbn=978-0-8061-3538-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/tornadonaturesul0000graz/page/109 109]}}
{{clear}}
=El Dorado Lake–Kansas Turnpike Underpass, Kansas=
{{Infobox weather event
| name = El Dorado Lake–Kansas Turnpike Underpass, Kansas
| formed = April 26, 1991, 7:10 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| dissipated =
| duration =
| image =
| caption =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = F2
| winds =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| casualties = 4 injuries
| damages = $250,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|2500000|1991|r=-4}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} USD)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}
After causing widespread destruction in Andover, the parent supercell continued northeast and produced another strong tornado.{{cite tweet|author=NWS Wichita|user=NWSWichita|title=On 4/26/91 @7:15p Supercell produced a 4th tornado N of El Dorado Lake & moved NE. #Andover25th #Outbreak1991|number=727652737979031554|accessdate=April 25, 2022}} This tornado, rated F2, tracked for {{convert|21|mi|km}} across Butler and Chase counties in Kansas. It paralleled the Kansas Turnpike for many miles before eventually crossing the road south of Cassoday,{{cite tweet|author=NWS Wichita|user=NWSWichita|title=On 4/26/91 @ ~7:30p The tornado continued to parallel the KS Turnpike before crossing it south of Cassoday. #Andover25th #Outbreak1991|number=727652737979031554|accessdate=April 25, 2022}} tossing vehicles up to {{convert|75|yd|m}} away from the turnpike. The tornado gained notoriety when a Kansas television crew sought shelter underneath an overpass on the Kansas Turnpike. Video from the crew shows a minivan several hundred yards down the turnpike being rolled multiple times, with other vehicles such as large semi-trailer trucks overturned and severely damaged as well. Alongside the 1979 Wichita Falls F4 tornado, this marked the second prominent example of people seeking refuge from a tornado underneath an overpass. Information from the National Weather Service initially and indirectly contributed to this line of thought as well.{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma|title=Highway Overpasses as Tornado Shelters: Fallout From the 3 May 1999 Oklahoma/Kansas Violent Tornado Outbreak|url=https://www.weather.gov/oun/safety-overpass|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=April 25, 2022}}
During the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, the consequences of this practice were realized. On May 3, 1999, there were three locations where a highway overpass was utilized as a shelter from approaching tornadoes, and at all three locations there was at least one fatality. One of these, the 1999 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado, was at violent F4–F5 intensity as it impacted the overpass. One incorrect notion from the Kansas Turnpike video was that the film crew was protected by the weaker nature of the tornado as it passed over a primarily rural area, in contrast to the Bridge Creek–Moore tornado. However, another F2 tornado on May 3, 1999, killed one individual, proving that tornadoes of any intensity are capable of killing people harboring under overpasses. In addition to the fatalities, many people who survived these tornadoes nonetheless suffered graphic injuries and sometimes permanent disabilities.
Since the Kansas Turnpike video and events on May 3, meteorologists have strongly advised people to avoid seeking shelter under highway overpasses for many reasons. One, it exposes individuals to flying debris, which is the number one cause of death in tornadoes. Two, the elevated nature of the overpass subjects people to stronger winds than at ground level. Three, overpasses may act to channel and accelerate the wind. Four, many overpasses do not have girders for individuals to hold onto, such as was the case during the Kansas Turnpike video. Fifth, tornadic winds shift directions as the vortex passes, such that people originally protected from winds will still be exposed to its effects following the wind shift. The National Weather Service therefore notes, "seeking shelter under a highway overpass is to become a stationary target for flying debris, with a substantial risk of being blown out and carried by the tornado winds". Lastly, motorists who quickly park their cars under an overpass without pulling over to the side first can cause an unexpected traffic jam, that may slow/strand other drivers due to the risk of collision.
{{clear}}
Aftermath
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;float:right;"
|+Outbreak death toll |
| State
!Total !County !County |
|---|
| rowspan="4" style="background:#e6e9ff;"|Kansas
| rowspan="4" style="background:#e6e9ff;"|19 |13 |
| Cowley
|1 |
| Elk
|1 |
| Sedgwick
|4 |
| rowspan="2" style="background:#e6e9ff;"|Oklahoma
| rowspan="2" style="background:#e6e9ff;"|2 |1 |
| Washington
|1 |
| style="background:#e6e9ff;"|Totals
| style="background:#e6e9ff;"|21 |colspan=2| |
| colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| All deaths were tornado-related |
In the wake of the tornado outbreak, Kansas Governor Joan Finney requested that President George H.W. Bush supply Sedgwick, Butler, and Cowley counties with federal disaster aid, a move that the president later approved. Under the $2.6 million program,{{cite news|title=Governor requests disaster declaration|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100478286/the-parsons-sun/|newspaper=The Parsons Sun|date=May 1, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|page=7|via=Newspapers.com}} the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) paid 75 percent of the cost for disaster cleanup, while the local government paid 15 percent, and the state paid the remaining 10 percent.{{cite news|title=Bush approves aid for tornado relief|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100478355/the-iola-register/|newspaper=The Iola Register|date=May 21, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|page=2|volume=94|issue=176|via=Newspapers.com}} Oklahoma Governor David Walters likewise requested federal assistance for six counties in his state. American Red Cross and civil defense officials scoured devastated homes and rendered aid to about 370 families affected by the storms.{{cite news|author=Robby Trammell|title=Walters Seeks Disaster Relief|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100479293/the-daily-oklahoman/|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=April 30, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|page=38|via=Newspapers.com}} After two Oklahoma counties were not granted disaster assistance, local officials in Garfield and Washington counties criticized FEMA's decision. The organization responded by noting that additional counties could be added to the list in the future but that damage in those counties was marginal for a presidential declaration.{{cite news|title=Left-Out Counties Told to Cool It|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100478446/the-daily-oklahoman/|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=May 10, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|page=7|via=Newspapers.com}} Two days later, federal assistance was made available to both counties.{{cite news|title=Two counties added to disaster aid list|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100478575/sapulpa-daily-herald/|newspaper=Sapulpa Daily Herald|date=May 12, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|page=12|volume=76|issue=205|via=Newspapers.com}}
In the Oologah–Talala school district of Oklahoma, which was all but devastated during the tornado outbreak, the Oklahoma State Department of Education voted to forgive the remaining 23 days of classes, the largest number of instructional days forgiven in a single school year on record at the time. Individual student conferences were held at a local church. About 170 construction workers worked double shifts to repair the school grounds, which were tentatively set to reopen on August 12. Of the district's 24 buses, 15 were repaired in the weeks following the tornado outbreak, while 9 were rendered inoperable.{{cite news|author=Jim Killackey|title=Oologah School Aims At August 12 Recovery|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100478652/the-daily-oklahoman/|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=May 24, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|page=89|via=Newspapers.com}} The school district reopened on August 15.{{cite news|title=Classmates Reunite After April Tornado|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100478760/the-daily-oklahoman/|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=August 16, 1991|access-date=April 25, 2022|page=112|via=Newspapers.com}}
The 1991 outbreak occurred during a period of modernization for the National Weather Service and helped highlight the value of radar imagery for detecting tornadoes. In April 1991, the WSR-88D NEXRAD radar in Norman, Oklahoma, was the only radar of its kind with Doppler capabilities, and even then it had not been cleared for use in day-to-day operations. In Oklahoma, the higher resolution radar displayed important storm-scale characteristics such as mesocyclones, some of which were seen over {{convert|125|mi|km|round=5}} away in Kansas. For comparison, the outdated radars in that state, though closer, did not depict significant features indicative of an ongoing tornado. Instead, forecasters in Kansas were forced to rely on reports from the public and storm chasers. In an internal assessment of the event, the National Weather Service concluded that "The NWS should continue to implement the Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) network across the Nation. This event illustrates the usefulness of the WSR-88D velocity fields and better azimuthal resolution reflectivity data." The implementation of these radars have improved tornado lead times in modern years.{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma|title=April 26th, 1991 Plains Tornado Outbreak|url=https://noaa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=80442873b63649b99e930237e89fcdca|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=April 25, 2022}}
The outbreak was featured in two different documentaries: Enemy Wind, a documentary produced by The Weather Channel, and Cyclone, a documentary produced and distributed by National Geographic under its National Geographic Home Video series.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
{{clear}}
See also
Notes
{{reflist|group=nb}}
References
{{Reflist}}
- {{cite journal |last1=Brooks |first1=Harold E. |author-link1=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 |pages=310–19 |doi=10.1175/1520-0434(2004)019<0310:OTROTP>2.0.CO;2 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2004WtFor..19..310B }}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060315203302/http://www.chaseday.com/tornadoredrok.htm Gene Moore's April 26, 1991 Chase Account]
- {{YouTube|id=lHBZylcxIvw|title=Famous video of a tornado hitting the Kansas Turnpike overpass as a shelter during the outbreak}}
- {{YouTube|id=oJlfAGC8G8w|title=Video of a tornado hitting the McConnell Air Force Base during the outbreak}}
{{F5 and EF5 tornadoes}}{{1991 tornado outbreaks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:1991-04-26 Tornado Outbreak}}
Category:F5, EF5 and IF5 tornadoes
Category:Tornadoes in Oklahoma
Category:Butler County, Kansas