National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

4 December Snow Squalls

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Overview

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 22, 1919, at 4:45 p. m., the town of Fergus Falls [1919 population was about 12,000] was struck by a [F5] tornado which, almost in a twinkling, razed 228 houses, killed 57 people [56 plus 1 later suicide], and injured many more (Monthly Weather Review, June 1919). This year, 2019, is the 100th anniversary of this devastating tornado. The Otter Tail County Historical Society has put together a display on the tornado at its location in Fergus Falls, and has other commemorative activities planned. Lance E. Johnson's book, titled "The Great Fergus Falls, Minnesota Cyclone of June 22, 1919," is also a great source on the tornado.

 

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