Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena - CIG

OUTSTANDING STORMS OF THE MONTH
Tornadoes in May 2003
May 4
A major tornado outbreak occurred across the Kansas City area from late afternoon into the evening of May 4,
2003. A dry line moved into eastern Kansas and initiated severe thunderstorm development. Several
thunderstorms became tornadic with a total of five distinct tornado touchdowns in the Kansas City metropolitan
area. Two of the tornadoes received a rating of F4, two a rating of F2, and one that was rated F1, as defined by the
Fujita Tornado Scale. Four other tornadoes affected areas south and southeast of Kansas City. Significant
tornado damage was observed from Kansas City, Kansas, to Gladstone and Liberty, in Missouri. Total damage
exceeded $144 million dollars. The tornadoes resulted in one death and fifty injuries.
Above Left: A map depicts the 5 tornado tracks across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Above Right: F4 damage was
noted around 91st and Leavenworth Road. (Map and photo courtesy: Mike Hudson, WCM, NWS Kansas City, MO.)
May 8
On May 8, 2003, a long track F4 tornado, as defined by the Fujita Tornado Scale, moved through the Oklahoma
City metropolitan area. This tornado began in Moore, OK,
moved generally in a northeasterly direction for 17.3 miles,
affected areas of Oklahoma City, Midwest City and
Choctow. This tornado caused 134 injuries with no
fatalities. The General Motors Corporation Assembly Plant
was one of the hardest hit with several buildings severely
damaged along with 600 new sport utility vehicles and
approximately 100 employee vehicles thrown around and
damaged or destroyed. This was the first of two
consecutive days with a tornado in the Oklahoma City
metropolitan
area.
Left: F3 damage occurred in Moore, Oklahoma. (Photo
courtesy: Mike Branick, WFO Norman, OK.)
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