Xenia Ohio Tornado Hook Echo

This is the hook echo broadcast by weatherman Gil Whitney of WHIO-TV channel 7 (CBS) in Dayton, Ohio as the tornado approached Xenia from the Bellbrook area at 435pm EDT 4/3/74. It gave many in Xenia a few minutes advance warning, saving countless lives. This old radar shows rain as it wraps around the vortex. The tornado itself is at the tip of the hook. I watched it pass by from beneath the left side of the hook, which was pouring rain and hail. The lines are 5 miles apart.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Xenia
• Ohio
• Tornado
• weather
• radar
• 1974
• 74
• super
• outbreak
• superoutbreak
• tornadoes

[tritonrocks]

Gil Whitney did a great documentary on this some years back. He was one of the first to use hook echos to identify a tornado and his quick thinking to go on the air with it probably save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. I know the Xenia area well and whenever I drive through there and look at the path the tornado took through the city from its west side towards downtown Xenia. I'm still amazed to this day - you can still see remnants of the path it took.

[Legend813a]

@tritonrocks upload the path

[IwOuLdLiE]

Hello, I am participating in a contest called National History Day, ad my topic is Doppler Weather Radar, i was wondering if i had your permission to use this Xenia Ohio Tornado Hook Echo for my board? It would be VERY helpful if so, but i need your permission. Thank you.

[Legend813a]

@IwOuLdLiE go for it

[zeke0101]

I would say this is a X-band radar (3 cm wavelength) given its limited range, sweep time, and attenuation (or shadows) appearing in the video.

As for tornado placement, it is generally found at the end of the hook, resulting in a knob-like appearance. This is classic, historic clip -- Thanks for posting it.

[ppoobah]

SPOOKY WITH THE SILENCE! THANKS FOR PUTTING THAT UP! I'VE ALWAYS BEEN INTRUGUED BY THIS! :)

[Blb9556]

I always have a tingy feeling every time im near xenia

[SteveWard3928]

Gil Whitney was the best weather man ever around in Dayton. He was so accurate. Today's "weather" man on 7, 2, 22 or 45 cant predict the next 12 hours, let alone 5 days in advance.

[skateboy159]

looks like a sea horse lol

[parkman35]

We had one of those radars in Marseilles Illinois...

[IwOuLdLiE]

@Legend813a THANK YOU!!!!!