Last Map Update: Thu, May 15, 2025 at 4:02:21 am CDT
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Local Weather History For May 15th...
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1957: A total of six tornadoes struck from Yoakum County north to Briscoe and Donley Counties this evening and early
night. Unfortunately, all of these tornadoes struck buildings and caused various degrees of damage, but by far the most significant tornado was a violent tornado that struck Silverton at 10:35 PM causing complete devastation over a 3x8 block stretch of the city. Since this tornado occurred under the cover of dark and without warning, many residents were caught completely off-guard as they either slept or were awakened to the sound of hail that was soon replaced by a deceptive calm. A total of 22 residents were killed with about 80 known injuries in the town at which time held just over 800 people. Nearly half of the fatalities were children. Many homes that were either leveled to the ground or completely swept clean from their foundation were newly constructed. About 27 homes were destroyed and 33 others damaged. A 5000-pound gasoline storage tank was carried or rolled 1.5 miles into a lake. Some vehicles were found 1/4 mile from their origin. This damage resulted in an F4 rating decades later once the Fujita scale was implemented. One resident claimed to have seen this tornado and said it resembled red sand, boiling and rumbling. Damage in 1957 dollars was estimated at just under $1M, or about $7.5M in 2012. About 35 minutes before the Silverton tornado, a separate tornado from the same parent storm that would devastate Silverton claimed the life of a mother northeast of Lone Star (northwest Floyd County). Witnesses said this tornado moved NNE and destroyed two homes before lifting. |
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