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N0KFQ > TODAY 09.04.17 13:05l 42 Lines 1705 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 28885_N0KFQ
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Apr 9
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<N6RME<N0KFQ
Sent: 170409/1159Z 28885@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA BPQ6.0.13
1947
Tornado reduces Oklahoma town to rubble
The town of Woodward, Oklahoma, is nearly wiped off the map by a
powerful tornado on this day in 1947. More than 100 people died
in Woodward, and 80 more lost their lives elsewhere in the series
of twisters that hit the U.S. heartland that day.
The storm occurred when a cold front from Siberia met a warm and
moist stream of air from the Gulf of Mexico. In the late
afternoon, the first tornado struck in White Deer, Texas. In
Glazier, Texas, only a gas station survived the twister. In
Higgins, Texas, 30 people were killed as the tornado grew to
nearly a mile-and-a-half wide.
As the tornado traveled on in its nearly 100-mile-long trip, it
got even wider. By the time it reached Woodward it was reportedly
as big as two miles wide. Fierce lightning and hail preceded the
twister and drove the residents to seek shelter. At about nine in
the evening, the town s gas and electric plants were destroyed
and the residents were left in complete darkness.
As the storm moved through Woodward, 200 residential blocks were
completely leveled and nearly 1,000 homes were razed. Fires broke
out in several spots but the heavy rains kept them under control.
In all, 107 people were killed in Woodward and many more were
injured. The devastating tornado then continued on to Kansas,
where significant damage was done but no one was killed.
As looting was reported in the areas hit by the tornado, the
National Guard was called in to restore order. Army barracks were
used to house the homeless until their homes could be rebuilt.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA
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