Dallas Tornado Repost

April 2, 1957: This was among the most photographed and studied tornadoes in history. Touching down 2 SE of Red Bird Airport, the funnel passed 2.5 W of downtown Dallas. It lifted 3/4 mile west of the Weather Bureau station at Love Field. The path width varied from 50-200 yards. The late afternoon hour provided good angle for lighting and a lack of rain made for good visibility. The fairly slow movement (30 M.PH.) and long path gave people time to reach for a camera. The analysis of these photographs made significant advancements in the understanding of tornado wind speeds and he tornado life cycle. Photos were taken at least 125 people and included over 2000 feet of movie film. Some of the 16mm film shot by NBC news photographer Maurice Levy is unequalled in closeup quality. About 131 homes were completely destroyed, 111 had major damage, and 287 had minor damage. Over 500 homes were hit, and some were leveled to the ground. The construction of many of these homes was so poor, however, that a F4 rating seems inappropriate. 8 of the 10 deaths were in two clusters of homes. 1 was a mile south of the Trinity River, and one was a mile north of the river. Most of the dead were elderly or children. Losses totaled $1.5 million.

Tornadoes don't have their 'thirst quenched' by taking a 'tremendous gulp of water' from a lake. They may spray water around and occasionally fish might get entrained into the circulation and be carried aloft.

Category:

Science & Technology

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• Dallas
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• 1957

[sellingon]

still totally amazing over 50 years later..

thanks for reposting

[waynebrasler]

What always strikes me is how the traffic rushes on as if no one driving happens to see a destructive tornado moving swiftly across the city. The footage of traffic moving up a hill with the funnel coming in view at the top is really striking. Friends tell me that during the tornado communication was not great and many Dallas folks just had no idea anything unusual was taking place.

[Xenobia10]

this tornado was not a F4 it was F3 210 Mph

[crozier01]

I was 7 and lived 1.2 miles from its path remember it well.

[Hako2004]

@MALP1231

I don't remember it, because I was being born at the time.......the afternoon of April 2nd. My mom said I needed a dramatic entrance, and I guess I got one. Amazing footage.

[MALP1231]

I'm from Dallas, originally. Was 8 years old when this hit. I shall never forget it. Eerie and beautiful, at the same time. Tornadoes are gorgeous, in form and symmetry. I love dramatic weather. My mom and I stood on the porch and watched this tornado, after it had ascended, leaving death and destruction in its wake. We were miles away, but could clearly view it. We lived in east Dallas. I will never forget the sight GREEN sky! And the clouds were many colors... simply surreal.

[psvaughan]

And the one last week follows the same path - so odd!

[zetina2010]

It went through almost the same path as the recent tornado that hit this past Wednesday!

[TheBrassHole]

@waynebrasler Ya that was before the media scared EVERYONE. Must have been way better back then.

[babylizy4]

@TheBrassHole LMFAO

[Wolfsbane909]

@TheBrassHole u fuckin kidding me