Tornado outbreak of April 21–23, 2020

On April 22, 2020, an outbreak of discrete supercell thunderstorms across portions of Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana led to widespread severe weather, including multiple strong tornadoes. Two people were killed by a high-end EF2 that struck the town of Madill, Oklahoma, and three more were killed by an EF3 wedge tornado that moved through Onalaska, Texas. Dozens of others were injured as well. The event came to fruition as a trough progressed eastward across the United States, interacting with a moist and unstable environment. Tornado activity continued into Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia overnight into the day on April 23. Isolated tornado activity also occurred during the overnight hours on April 21.

Tornado outbreak of April 21–23, 2020
EF2 damage to a mobile home in Madill, OK.
Meteorological history
DurationApril 21–23, 2020
Tornado outbreak
Tornadoes53
Maximum ratingEF3 tornado
Highest winds140 mph (230 km/h) in Onalaska, Texas
Largest hail2.75 in (7.0 cm) in Nida, Oklahoma, on April 22[1]
Overall effects
Fatalities6 (+1 non-tornadic)
Injuries64 injuries[2]
Damage$1.1 billion (2020 USD)[3]
Areas affectedOklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia

Part of the tornado outbreaks of 2020

Meteorological synopsis

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On April 19, the Storm Prediction Center outlined portions of the U.S. Southern Plains with a 15% area of severe weather within 25 miles of any point.[4] A Slight risk was maintained across much of the same areas in the subsequent day 3 outlook,[5] but parts of southeastern Oklahoma, much of northeastern Texas, southwestern Arkansas, and northwestern Louisiana were upgraded to an Enhanced risk on April 21.[6] This risk area was maintained in the lead-up to the event on April 22.[7] Confidence in organized severe weather came as a southwest-to-northeast oriented trough moved eastward across the United States, interacting with a corridor of low-level moisture and instability ahead of this feature.[8] Throughout the early morning hours of April 22, discrete thunderstorms posing a risk for damaging winds and hail developed across Oklahoma, north of an approaching warm front.[9] Farther south across central Texas and into western Louisiana, elevated convection began to increase in the presence of strong wind shear, with the expectation that those storms would become surface based with time as they progressed into a region of modest daytime heating.[10]

Isolated tornadic activity was observed in Oklahoma during the overnight hours of April 21. By mid-afternoon the next day, a low-pressure area progressed into southwestern Oklahoma, supporting a quasi-stationary front across southern Oklahoma and a sharpening dry line southward into central Texas. The combination of partially sunny skies and dew points in the upper 60s Fahrenheit led to a very unstable environment across northwestern Texas and into southwestern Oklahoma. Thunderstorm activity soon developed in the vicinity of the area of low pressure, but the highest risk of tornadic activity was expected to materialize farther east where the direction of surface winds would be more conducive to rotating storms.[11] As the storms tracked eastward, multiple damaging tornadoes were reported.[1] Farther south across eastern Texas and western Louisiana, a subtle warm front and an additional surface boundary proved to be the impetus for convection to develop supercell characteristics.[12][13] One such supercell in Walker and Houston counties further organized as it curved right into an undisturbed environment of high wind shear and moisture.[14] Within the hour, it spawned an intense, long-tracked tornado with winds of 130–165 mph (209–266 km/h) as estimated by the SPC based on historical analogs.[15] This long-tracked cell maintained prominence and spawned additional tornadoes for several hours as it continued through Louisiana and into Western Mississippi.[16] On its trail, additional storms in a moderately unstable, highly sheared environment continued to pose a threat for all hazards.[17] Severe weather from this group of storms continued throughout the overnight hours along the Gulf Coast, with large swath of wind damage and tornadoes continuing into April 23. More storms fired up just offshore of the Florida panhandle as the first band moved off the coast around mid-day. These storms produced more tornadoes and wind damage before weakening that night.[18]

Confirmed tornadoes

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Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
1 16 25 10 1 0 0 53

April 21 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Tuesday, April 21, 2020[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 SE of Sterling Comanche, Grady OK 34°42′40″N 98°05′28″W / 34.711°N 98.091°W / 34.711; -98.091 (Sterling (Apr. 21, EF1)) 04:28–04:30 0.29 mi (0.47 km) 100 yd (91 m) A mobile home was heavily damaged.[19][20]
EF1 Northern Marlow Stephens OK 34°40′05″N 97°58′26″W / 34.668°N 97.974°W / 34.668; -97.974 (Marlow (Apr. 21, EF1)) 04:43–04:46 1.6 mi (2.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) A tornado impacted northern sections of Marlow, severely damaging several buildings on a farm, including a home and an outbuilding that had most of their roofs ripped off. Large trees were broken or damaged, and utility poles were snapped as well.[21]

April 22 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Wednesday, April 22, 2020[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 SW of Pauls Valley Garvin OK 34°40′19″N 97°16′59″W / 34.672°N 97.283°W / 34.672; -97.283 (Pauls Valley (Apr. 22, EF1)) 21:17–21:22 2.2 mi (3.5 km) 600 yd (550 m) Trees, power poles, a few outbuildings, and seven homes were damaged.[22]
EF0 N of Springer Carter OK 34°19′52″N 97°08′28″W / 34.331°N 97.141°W / 34.331; -97.141 (Springer (Apr. 22, EF0)) 21:23 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 20 yd (18 m) A very brief tornado lofted some debris.[23]
EF2 NE of Springer Carter, Murray OK 34°20′19″N 97°07′34″W / 34.3385°N 97.126°W / 34.3385; -97.126 (Springer (Apr. 22, EF0)) 21:24–21:37 4.73 mi (7.61 km) 600 yd (550 m) A large tornado moved through an unpopulated wooded area, causing significant tree damage.[24][25]
EFU SW of Madill Marshall OK 34°02′57″N 96°49′10″W / 34.0491°N 96.8194°W / 34.0491; -96.8194 (Madill (Apr. 22, EFU)) 21:45 0.2 mi (0.32 km) 50 yd (46 m) A brief tornado touched down, causing no damage.[26]
EF2 SSW of Oakland to SE of Madill Marshall OK 34°04′14″N 96°48′47″W / 34.0705°N 96.813°W / 34.0705; -96.813 (Madill (Apr. 22, EF2)) 21:53–22:05 4.25 mi (6.84 km) 400 yd (370 m) 2 deaths – This high-end EF2 tornado, which was videoed by numerous storm chasers and broadcast live on The Weather Channel, moved through the southern part of Madill. Three factories or warehouses–Oklahoma Steel & Wire, Mid American Steel & Wire, and M & R Wire Works–sustained significant damage, and a catholic church sustained considerable roof and window damage. Several site-built homes sustained roof damage, and one had its roof removed entirely. Multiple mobile homes, barns, and outbuildings were destroyed, several vehicles were damaged or thrown, and a satellite dish was ripped off a 310-foot guyed radio tower. Many wooden and steel power poles were snapped or knocked down, and many trees were downed along the path as well. At least 30 people were injured.[27][28]
EF0 SW of Little City Marshall OK 34°03′59″N 96°38′28″W / 34.0665°N 96.641°W / 34.0665; -96.641 (Little City (Apr. 22, EF0)) 22:10–22:14 1.4 mi (2.3 km) 50 yd (46 m) A power pole and some trees were damaged.[29]
EF1 N of Wapanucka Johnston OK 34°23′24″N 96°30′14″W / 34.39°N 96.504°W / 34.39; -96.504 (Wapanucka (Apr. 22, EF1)) 22:26–22:38 5 mi (8.0 km) 100 yd (91 m) Trees and roofs sustained damage, and an RV camper was overturned.[30]
EF1 N of Armstrong Bryan OK 34°03′59″N 96°23′31″W / 34.0665°N 96.392°W / 34.0665; -96.392 (Armstrong (Apr. 22, EF1)) 22:32–22:45 5.21 mi (8.38 km) 500 yd (460 m) A number of homes, barns, and trees were damaged by this multiple-vortex tornado. Power poles were downed as well.[31]
EF1 E of Armstrong Bryan OK 34°04′05″N 96°13′16″W / 34.068°N 96.221°W / 34.068; -96.221 (Armstrong (Apr. 22, EF1)) 22:52–22:53 1.2 mi (1.9 km) 30 yd (27 m) A number of tree branches were broken, and a building was damaged.[32]
EF3 NW of Onalaska to WSW of Chester Trinity, Polk TX 30°50′27″N 95°10′57″W / 30.8409°N 95.1824°W / 30.8409; -95.1824 (Polk County (Apr. 22, EF2)) 22:35–23:15 28.51 mi (45.88 km) 1,100 yd (1,000 m) 3 deaths – See section on this tornado – 33 people were injured.[33]
EF0 SW of Lehigh Coal OK 34°25′N 96°18′W / 34.42°N 96.3°W / 34.42; -96.3 (Lehigh (Apr. 22, EF0)) 22:59 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 30 yd (27 m) Two separate storm chasers videoed a tornado; it caused no damage.[34]
EF1 N of Toco Lamar TX 33°48′32″N 95°43′51″W / 33.8089°N 95.7308°W / 33.8089; -95.7308 (Toco (Apr. 22, EF1)) 23:35–23:42 4.45 mi (7.16 km) 510 yd (470 m) A few outbuildings were damaged or destroyed near the community of Direct. Trees were also damaged.[35]
EF2 ENE of Powderly Lamar, Red River TX 33°49′01″N 95°28′48″W / 33.8169°N 95.4799°W / 33.8169; -95.4799 (Powderly (Apr. 22, EF2)) 23:51–00:05 10.4 mi (16.7 km) 810 yd (740 m) Numerous large trees were snapped or uprooted, and a handful of homes sustained relatively minor roof damage.[36][37]
EF2 E of Jasper, TX to N of Rosepine, LA Jasper (TX), Newton (TX), Vernon (LA) TX, LA 30°55′57″N 93°53′47″W / 30.9325°N 93.8965°W / 30.9325; -93.8965 (Jasper (Apr. 22, EF2)) 00:28–01:19 36.42 mi (58.61 km) 600 yd (550 m) A long-tracked, strong tornado produced by the same supercell as the Onalaska EF3 tornado damaged roofs and trees. Severe tree damage occurred in some areas, including a few trees that sustained some debarking.[38][39][40]
EF2 Elmer Rapides LA 31°07′43″N 92°40′53″W / 31.1285°N 92.6814°W / 31.1285; -92.6814 (Elmer (Apr. 22, EF2)) 02:09–02:27 8.43 mi (13.57 km) 500 yd (460 m) A few homes and power poles were damaged, and many trees were snapped in and around Elmer. Some trees sustained debarking.[41]
EF2 S of Alexandria Rapides LA 31°09′44″N 92°27′30″W / 31.1623°N 92.4582°W / 31.1623; -92.4582 (Alexandria(Apr. 22, EF2)) 02:26–02:38 8.98 mi (14.45 km) 550 yd (500 m) 1 death – Two mobile homes were demolished, resulting in one fatality. Numerous houses and trees were damaged, and numerous power poles were toppled. Substantial damage was inflicted to a livestock facility, and severe damage was also inflicted to farm and equipment buildings at the LSU-Alexandria Dean Lee Research Station.[42]
EF1 Lamourie Rapides LA 31°07′20″N 92°26′08″W / 31.1222°N 92.4355°W / 31.1222; -92.4355 (Lamourie (Apr. 22, EF1)) 02:27–02:34 3.85 mi (6.20 km) 500 yd (460 m) Outbuildings and sheds were damaged, power lines were snapped, and shingles were ripped off a roof.[43]
EF1 N of Ruby to NW of Effie Rapides, Avoyelles LA 31°13′00″N 92°15′22″W / 31.2166°N 92.2562°W / 31.2166; -92.2562 (Ruby (Apr. 22, EF1)) 02:42–02:53 5.36 mi (8.63 km) 200 yd (180 m) A tornado caused considerable tree damage, some of which damaged a few homes upon falling.[44][45]
EF1 NE of Marksville Catahoula, Avoyelles LA 31°14′28″N 91°58′02″W / 31.2412°N 91.9671°W / 31.2412; -91.9671 (Marksville (Apr. 23, EF1)) 03:06–03:18 7.61 mi (12.25 km) 1,200 yd (1,100 m) Trees and mobile homes were damaged.[46][47][48][49][50]
EF1 NW of Acme Catahoula, Concordia LA 31°17′34″N 91°52′50″W / 31.2927°N 91.8805°W / 31.2927; -91.8805 (Acme (Apr. 23, EF1)) 03:17–03:25 4.01 mi (6.45 km) 880 yd (800 m) Numerous trees were snapped, and a mobile home lost sections of its roof, siding, and metal awning.[51][52]

April 23 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Thursday, April 23, 2020[note 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF2 WNW of Bunkie Avoyelles LA 30°56′54″N 92°15′07″W / 30.9483°N 92.2519°W / 30.9483; -92.2519 (Bunkie (Apr. 22, EF2)) 06:08–06:14 3.62 mi (5.83 km) 100 yd (91 m) Substantial damage was inflicted to hangars and aircraft at the Bunkie Airport. Trees were damaged as well.[53]
EF1 NE of Evergreen Avoyelles LA 30°58′04″N 92°06′04″W / 30.9677°N 92.1011°W / 30.9677; -92.1011 (Evergreen (Apr. 22, EF1)) 06:20–06:23 1.13 mi (1.82 km) 100 yd (91 m) Homes and outbuildings were damaged.[54]
EF1 S of Eunice Acadia LA 30°23′59″N 92°26′30″W / 30.3997°N 92.4418°W / 30.3997; -92.4418 (Eunice (Apr. 22, EF1)) 06:51–07:01 9.53 mi (15.34 km) 150 yd (140 m) Trees, power lines, and a large shed were damaged.[55]
EF0 NNE of Florence to SE of Brandon Rankin MS 32°10′28″N 90°06′49″W / 32.1744°N 90.1136°W / 32.1744; -90.1136 (Liberty (Apr. 23, EF0)) 06:57–07:17 11.43 mi (18.39 km) 1,230 yd (1,120 m) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.[56]
EF2 NE of Liberty to N of McComb Amite, Pike MS 31°12′17″N 90°44′36″W / 31.2047°N 90.7432°W / 31.2047; -90.7432 (Liberty (Apr. 23, EF2)) 08:07–08:28 18.3 mi (29.5 km) 1,760 yd (1,610 m) A house had most of its roof torn off, and a large metal building was destroyed by this large, strong tornado. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along the path.[57]
EF0 NE of Salem Marion MS 31°19′05″N 90°02′13″W / 31.318°N 90.037°W / 31.318; -90.037 (Salem (Apr. 23, EF0)) 08:57–09:04 6.49 mi (10.44 km) 200 yd (180 m) Several trees were snapped or uprooted, including several that fell on a home.[58]
EF2 ENE of Soso to W of Eucutta Jones MS 31°45′39″N 89°13′29″W / 31.7608°N 89.2247°W / 31.7608; -89.2247 (Soso (Apr. 23, EF2)) 09:14–09:30 16.85 mi (27.12 km) 2,640 yd (2,410 m) A 1.5-mile (2.4 km) wide tornado developed just east of the path of an EF4 tornado 11 days prior. Moving north of Laurel, the tornado completely destroyed half of a chicken house and mowed down hundreds of trees, many of which fell on homes and caused severe damage. Numerous power lines were downed as well.[59]
EF1 NW of Waynesboro Wayne MS 31°48′42″N 88°52′42″W / 31.8116°N 88.8782°W / 31.8116; -88.8782 (Waynesboro (Apr. 23, EF1)) 09:33–09:35 1.8 mi (2.9 km) 350 yd (320 m) Damage was confined to trees that were snapped or uprooted.[60]
EF1 N of Lucedale George MS 30°56′06″N 88°37′15″W / 30.9349°N 88.6208°W / 30.9349; -88.6208 (Lucedale (Apr. 23, EF1)) 11:17–11:19 2.26 mi (3.64 km) 200 yd (180 m) A few homes sustained minor roof damage. Otherwise, additional homes were damaged by some trees that were snapped or uprooted.[61]
EF1 ENE of Lucedale George MS 30°56′17″N 88°31′10″W / 30.9381°N 88.5195°W / 30.9381; -88.5195 (Lucedale (Apr. 23, EF1)) 11:23–11:24 0.38 mi (0.61 km) 50 yd (46 m) The roof of a mobile home was ripped off, causing its walls to collapse. Several trees were snapped or uprooted.[62]
EF1 E of Lucedale George MS 30°55′56″N 88°31′27″W / 30.9322°N 88.5243°W / 30.9322; -88.5243 (Lucedale (Apr. 23, EF1)) 11:24–11:25 1.45 mi (2.33 km) 250 yd (230 m) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, some of which were downed onto homes. A few houses and a church sustained roof and shingle damage. A travel trailer was flipped, injuring one person.[63]
EF1 NW of Chunchula Mobile AL 30°57′51″N 88°18′32″W / 30.9642°N 88.3089°W / 30.9642; -88.3089 (Chunchula (Apr. 23, EF1)) 11:37–11:38 0.55 mi (0.89 km) 75 yd (69 m) A tornado primarily damaged trees, but one fallen tree caused significant damage to a home. Another house had its garage door blown in, and a shed was heavily damaged.[64]
EF0 NE of Falco Covington AL 31°03′47″N 86°34′12″W / 31.063°N 86.5700°W / 31.063; -86.5700 (Falco (Apr. 23, EF0)) 13:42–13:43 0.37 mi (0.60 km) 50 yd (46 m) Several trees were snapped or uprooted.[65]
EF0 NE of Florala Covington AL 31°03′59″N 86°15′09″W / 31.0665°N 86.2524°W / 31.0665; -86.2524 (Florala (Apr. 23, EF0)) 13:53 0.01 mi (0.016 km) 25 yd (23 m) A grain bin was damaged by this brief tornado.[66]
EF1 E of Pelham Mitchell GA 31°07′53″N 84°09′45″W / 31.1314°N 84.1624°W / 31.1314; -84.1624 (Pelham (Apr. 23, EF1)) 16:05–16:10 2.4 mi (3.9 km) 176 yd (161 m) A large portion of the metal roof was ripped off an auto service building, and a nearby van was flipped. The metal awning at a warehouse, an outbuilding, and the roof of a home were damaged. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.[67]
EF1 S of Moultrie to E of Adel Colquitt, Cook GA 31°08′N 83°57′W / 31.13°N 83.95°W / 31.13; -83.95 (Moultrie (Apr. 23, EF1)) 16:34–17:10 37.24 mi (59.93 km) 650 yd (590 m) A long-tracked, large, high-end EF1 tornado caused significant damage to a warehouse and caused minor roof damage to a home. Several billboards and tall signs were damaged as it crossed I-75. In Adel, large sections of two warehouses were torn away. A large shed was severely damaged, and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, some of which were snapped near their bases.[68]
EF0 NNW of Dupont Lanier, Clinch GA 31°05′35″N 82°59′00″W / 31.093°N 82.9832°W / 31.093; -82.9832 (Dupont (Apr. 23, EF0)) 17:28–17:34 2.24 mi (3.60 km) 50 yd (46 m) Many trees were snapped and a home sustained roof damage.[69]
EF0 Northern Waycross to Bonneyman Ware, Pierce GA 31°13′N 82°28′W / 31.22°N 82.47°W / 31.22; -82.47 (Waycross (Apr. 23, EF0)) 18:05–18:29 8.97 mi (14.44 km) 50 yd (46 m) A large tree was snapped, causing severe damage to the roof and walls of a mobile home upon falling.[70]
EF0 S of Waycross to WSW of Schlatterville Ware GA 31°10′N 82°21′W / 31.17°N 82.35°W / 31.17; -82.35 (Waycross (Apr. 23, EF0)) 18:15–? 7.49 mi (12.05 km) unknown A tornado snapped a large tree and it fell onto a mobile home causing severe damage to the roof and walls.[71][72]
EF0 SE of Bladen Glynn GA 31°11′21″N 81°40′08″W / 31.1892°N 81.6689°W / 31.1892; -81.6689 (Bladen (Apr. 23, EF0)) 18:59–19:00 0.47 mi (0.76 km) 50 yd (46 m) A brief tornado caused no known damage.[73]
EF0 E of White Oak Camden GA 31°02′N 81°39′W / 31.04°N 81.65°W / 31.04; -81.65 (White Oak (Apr. 23, EF0)) 19:37–19:38 0.3 mi (0.48 km) 50 yd (46 m) A brief tornado touched down over remote marshland, causing no known damage.[74]
EF1 Northern Fort Walton Beach Okaloosa FL 30°26′39″N 86°38′47″W / 30.4442°N 86.6463°W / 30.4442; -86.6463 (Fort Walton Beach (Apr. 23, EF1)) 19:51–19:54 2.7 mi (4.3 km) 50 yd (46 m) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted in the northern part of Fort Walton Beach. Homes sustained minor damage to their siding and roofs.[75]
EF1 Defuniak Springs to WSW of Ponce De Leon Walton, Holmes FL 30°43′N 86°07′W / 30.71°N 86.12°W / 30.71; -86.12 (Defuniak Springs (Apr. 23, EF1)) 20:13–20:20 9.07 mi (14.60 km) 100 yd (91 m) Four windows of a series of businesses at a strip mall were blown in. A large retail business had a portion of its roof peeled back and a few HVAC units tossed off. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, and business signs were downed.[76]
EF0 SW of Bonifay Washington FL 30°43′42″N 85°44′28″W / 30.7282°N 85.7412°W / 30.7282; -85.7412 (Bonifay (Apr. 23, EF0)) 20:33–20:36 2.68 mi (4.31 km) 100 yd (91 m) Multiple trees were uprooted.[77]
EF2 SW of Chipley to SW of Marianna Washington, Jackson FL 30°43′N 85°35′W / 30.72°N 85.59°W / 30.72; -85.59 (Marianna (Apr. 23, EF2)) 20:48–21:05 17.24 mi (27.75 km) 400 yd (370 m) Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted. A two-story outbuilding was completely destroyed at a farm, with debris tossed several hundred yards away. Several mobile homes sustained significant damage, including one that was demolished and had its frame wrapped around a tree.[78]
EF0 Panama City Beach Bay FL 30°11′N 85°49′W / 30.18°N 85.81°W / 30.18; -85.81 (Panama City Beach (Apr. 23, EF0)) 21:00–21:13 13.4 mi (21.6 km) 75 yd (69 m) A waterspout moved ashore in Panama City Beach, causing only minor damage there. Farther inland, several unsecured construction trailers and one camper trailer were destroyed.[79]
EF0 N of Lynn Haven Bay FL 30°17′N 85°39′W / 30.29°N 85.65°W / 30.29; -85.65 (Lynn Haven (Apr. 23, EF0)) 21:09–21:12 0.9 mi (1.4 km) 50 yd (46 m) Tree limbs and power lines were damaged.[80]
EF1 SW of Lake Jackson to Bradfordville Leon FL 30°31′N 84°21′W / 30.52°N 84.35°W / 30.52; -84.35 (Bradfordville (Apr. 23, EF1)) 22:22–22:38 10.58 mi (17.03 km) 600 yd (550 m) This tornado moved through the north side of Tallahassee, snapping and uprooting numerous trees. One uprooted tree landed on a home.[81]
EF1 NE of Wakulla Springs Wakulla FL 30°15′N 84°16′W / 30.25°N 84.26°W / 30.25; -84.26 (Wakulla Springs (Apr. 23, EF1)) 22:54–23:00 3.85 mi (6.20 km) 100 yd (91 m) Trees were snapped or uprooted, at least one of which fell onto a home.[82]
EF1 Keaton Beach Taylor FL 29°50′N 83°36′W / 29.83°N 83.6°W / 29.83; -83.6 (Keaton Beach (Apr. 23, EF1)) 23:56–00:00 0.46 mi (0.74 km) 100 yd (91 m) A tornadic waterspout moved ashore in Keaton Beach, ripping the concrete pilings out of the ground at a boat rental facility.[83]
EF0 NW of Williford Gilchrist FL 29°50′N 82°52′W / 29.84°N 82.87°W / 29.84; -82.87 (Williford (Apr. 23, EF0)) 01:11–01:12 0.6 mi (0.97 km) 50 yd (46 m) A brief tornado touched down over an unpopulated area, causing no damage.[84]

Onalaska–Seven Oaks, Texas

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Onalaska–Seven Oaks, Texas
 
EF3 damage to a house in Onalaska, Texas.
Meteorological history
FormedApril 22, 2020, 5:35 p.m. CDT (UTC−06:00)
DissipatedApril 22, 2020, 6:15 p.m. CDT (UTC−06:00)
Duration40 minutes
EF3 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds140 mph (230 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities3
Injuries33
Damage$5 million

This large, intense wedge tornado first touched down at 5:35 p.m. CDT (22:35 UTC) in Trinity County along the north shore of Lake Livingston northwest of Onalaska south of FM 356. It then quickly crossed into Polk County and moved along the north shore of the lake, blowing down several trees while throwing several others into the lake. The tornado then rapidly strengthened as it briefly moved over the north part of the lake before causing major damage in Onalaska. Reaching low-end EF3 intensity, it first struck the Paradise Acres community on a small peninsula in the northwestern part of town. Numerous homes and manufactured homes were heavily damaged or destroyed in this area, and many trees were snapped or denuded as well. A few well-built frame homes sustained loss of their roofs and exterior walls along this segment of the path. It then moved back over Lake Livingston before moving ashore on the north side of Onalaska. The tornado was slightly weaker here, but still produced widespread high-end EF2 damage as many manufactured and site-built homes in neighborhoods south of FM 356 were damaged or destroyed, with debris strewn throughout the area. Dozens of trees were snapped or uprooted as the tornado crossed FM 356 before it entered another neighborhood on the northeast side of town. Several frame homes had their roofs torn off and exterior walls collapsed along and east of FM 3459 while other manufactured homes were completely destroyed. All three deaths and 33 injuries from the tornado occurred in Onalaska. The tornado weakened as it moved east-northeast out of Onalaska and crossed over the extreme northeastern part of Lake Livingston. Trees and homes along the shore were damaged at EF1 strength before the tornado moved into rural areas of Polk County and crossed FM 3152, mostly snapping or uprooting countless hardwood and softwood trees, although one house along FM 350 suffered roof damage. The tornado then reached its peak width of over one-half-mile (0.80 km) wide as it tore through the north side of Seven Oaks while restrengthening to EF2 intensity. Two mobile homes were completely destroyed as the tornado crossed US 59 and hardwood trees in the area were snapped, denuded, and partially debarked. The tornado then weakened back to EF1 strength as it continued to the east-northeast, damaging more trees, including one large tree that fell on a mobile home, destroying it while barely missing a man sitting at his computer. The tornado then dissipated near FM 942 southwest of Barnes at 6:15 p.m. CDT (23:15 UTC).[85][86]

The tornado was on the ground for 40 minutes and tracked 29.78 miles (47.93 km), with a peak width of 1,100 yards (1,000 m). A total of 291 homes were affected by the tornado in Onalaska alone, 46 of which were destroyed. All three fatalities and 33 injures were also in Onalaska. This was the first of multiple strong tornadoes from this long–tracked supercell.[85][86] This was also the second time Onalaska had been struck by a strong tornado with the first time being May 1, 1967, when an F2 tornado moved through town, injuring two people.[87]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.

References

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