1961 — May 5, Tornado, Leflore County, especially Howe (12), OK — 16

–16 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 1035.
–16 Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 5, May 1961, p. 45.

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “OK MAY 5, 1961 1720 16k 58inj 500y 30m F4. LEFLORE–Moved NE from …S of Talihina to Reichert and Howe. Twelve people were killed at Howe, as houses were leveled. Four deaths occurred at Reichert. A total of 70 homes were destroyed.” (Grazulis 1993, p. 1035.)

Weather Bureau: “Oklahoma….Reichert to Howe, LeFlore County…5 [May]…5:20 p. …16 [length of path (miles)]…400 [width of path (yards)…16 [killed]…58 [injured]…Tornado

“Tornado touched down one mile south of Talihina and destroyed outbuildings on a farmstead. It then lifted and passed 12 miles over Winding Stain Mountain and it is believed that the same tornado struck the communities of Reichert and Howe. Both cities were extensively damaged. At least 70 homes were destroyed or damaged where the deaths and injuries occurred. The storm moved northeastward.” (Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 5, May 1961, p. 45.)

Sources

Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VE: Environmental Films, 1993, 1,326 pages.

Weather Bureau. Storm Data, Vol. 3, No. 5, May 1961. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Commerce. Accessed 10-27-2022 at: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-51BCF6E2-2FC4-4437-A1D9-90A1748E6CBE.pdf