Falls County Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Texas Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Falls County is about the same as Texas average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Falls County is lower than Texas average and is higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #148
| Falls County | 0.00 |
| Texas | 0.04 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Falls County | 0.0000 |
| Texas | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #96
| Falls County | 177.29 |
| Texas | 208.58 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 10,095 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Falls County were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 0 | Cold: | 10 | Dense Fog: | 0 | Drought: | 130 |
| Dust Storm: | 1 | Flood: | 1,608 | Hail: | 4,163 | Heat: | 22 | Heavy Snow: | 32 |
| High Surf: | 3 | Hurricane: | 2 | Ice Storm: | 35 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 45 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 3,778 | Tropical Storm: | 11 | Wildfire: | 12 | Winter Storm: | 34 | Winter Weather: | 32 |
| Other: | 177 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Falls County.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Falls County.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Falls County.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 79 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Falls County.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 20.5 | 1996-04-12 | 2 | 31°01'N / 97°10'W | 31°02'N / 97°09'W | 1.00 Mile | 250 Yards | 0 | 0 | 60K | 0 | Bell |
| Brief Description: A tornado destroyed a mobile home, two barns and a cattle feeder. | |||||||||||
| 21.0 | 1956-03-21 | 2 | 30°57'N / 96°59'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Milam | |
| 21.3 | 1973-03-10 | 4 | 31°32'N / 96°50'W | 31°35'N / 96°57'W | 7.90 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 2 | 0K | 0 | Mclennan |
| 22.9 | 1955-03-21 | 2 | 31°10'N / 97°20'W | 31°10'N / 97°17'W | 3.60 Miles | 17 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Bell |
| 23.6 | 1975-04-29 | 2 | 30°52'N / 97°00'W | 31°00'N / 96°35'W | 26.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Milam |
| 24.2 | 2006-05-05 | 2 | 31°33'N / 97°09'W | 31°33'N / 97°09'W | 2.60 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3.0M | 0 | Mclennan |
| Brief Description: A tornado was reported on Waco Drive by the media, just north of the damage swath produced by the downburst. A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service in Fort Worth found that a tornado formed south of New Road and just west of Spur 298 (Franklin Avenue), or just north of Richland Mall. The tornado reached its peak intensity of lower F2 and did the most damage just east of Spur 298. Several commercial buildings had large sections of their roofs and walls damaged. A Coca-Cola Bottling Plant lost much of its roof and most of its inventory was damaged. A spokesman for the company stated that the tornado did well over $1 million worth of damage. An owner of an auto repair shop which was badly damaged estimated damages at $600,000. A horse barn owned by Baylor University was leveled and two horses killed. Numerous trees were downed and power lines snapped in and east of this area. The circulation weakened as it approached Interstate 35, and the tornado dissipated approximately three-fourths of a mile east of Interstate 35. A countywide disaster declaration was issued by the McLennan County judge. | |||||||||||
| 24.2 | 1997-05-27 | 3 | 31°19'N / 97°20'W | 31°16'N / 97°21'W | 3.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 150K | 0 | Mclennan |
| Brief Description: The third tornado developed about 1.5 miles east-southeast of Moody in open country just south of Farm-to-Market Road 107. The tornado moved south-southwest and destroyed a house and a barn. Another house was damaged and numerous trees were uprooted. Two vehicles were tossed several hundred feet by the tornado. The strong tornado dissipated about 0.5 miles after moving into extreme northern Bell County. | |||||||||||
| 24.4 | 1981-10-13 | 2 | 31°32'N / 97°11'W | 2.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 4 | 25.0M | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 24.5 | 1973-05-23 | 2 | 31°06'N / 97°20'W | 31°06'N / 97°17'W | 3.30 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Bell |
| 24.6 | 1969-08-14 | 2 | 31°05'N / 97°18'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bell | |||
| 24.6 | 1969-08-14 | 2 | 31°05'N / 97°18'W | 0.20 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bell | |
| 24.8 | 1997-05-27 | 2 | 31°23'N / 97°19'W | 31°23'N / 97°20'W | 2.00 Miles | 75 Yards | 0 | 0 | 75K | 0 | Mclennan |
| Brief Description: A tornado developed just west of Box Ranch Road and moved west-southwest to just west of Mackey Ranch Road where a mobile home was destroyed. The tornado also uprooted numerous large trees along its path. | |||||||||||
| 25.3 | 1972-10-21 | 2 | 31°33'N / 97°11'W | 1.50 Miles | 20 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 25.3 | 1972-10-21 | 2 | 31°33'N / 97°11'W | 1.00 Mile | 20 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 25.5 | 2006-12-29 | 2 | 31°19'N / 96°38'W | 31°36'N / 96°31'W | 20.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 1 | 20 | 1.0M | 0K | Limestone |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A damage survey was conducted by a team from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Fort Worth, and they found that a tornado formed near Kosse. The first sign of damage found by the survey team was uprooted trees along CR 662. The tornado took a north-northeast track and several areas of large uprooted trees were found along CR 660, CR 656, CR 644, FM 1246 and FM 147. Damage to barns, sheds, and roofs was also found in this stretch. Substantial damage was found along CR 635 were a home was struck, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Portions of the roof were removed and an adjacent barn was heavily damaged. A barn was destroyed along the adjacent road CR 633. The next significant damage was along Highway 164 just west of Groesbeck, where several homes, barns, and trees suffered considerable damage. Numerous livestock were killed along the path. A total of about sixty homes and businesses were damaged in Limestone County, and it has since been designated a disaster area by the Governor. The tornado then continued north into Fort Parker State Park. Lack of damage here indicated that the tornado dissipated nearby. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A rare winter tornado outbreak occurred on December 29 over portions of North Texas, spawning almost two dozen tornadoes. Very high shear and low instability created an environment favorable for tornadoes. A strong surface low pressure system and warm front located in southern North Texas increased the probablitity for low-level rotation. In addition to tornadoes, severe reports of large hail and flash flooding were widespread. | |||||||||||
| 25.6 | 1972-10-21 | 2 | 31°15'N / 97°24'W | 31°18'N / 97°20'W | 5.40 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Bell |
| 25.9 | 1973-06-03 | 2 | 31°26'N / 96°37'W | 31°29'N / 96°31'W | 6.80 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Limestone |
| 26.0 | 1955-05-06 | 2 | 31°06'N / 97°21'W | 30°59'N / 97°15'W | 10.10 Miles | 33 Yards | 1 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Bell |
| 26.5 | 1997-05-27 | 3 | 31°16'N / 97°23'W | 31°16'N / 97°23'W | 0.70 Mile | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bell |
| Brief Description: This is the same tornado that began 1mile east of Moody in McLennan County. | |||||||||||
| 26.9 | 2002-03-30 | 2 | 31°24'N / 96°35'W | 31°27'N / 96°28'W | 7.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Limestone |
| Brief Description: This tornado first touched down just west of farm road 2749 about .5 mile southeast of Thornton. Two houses were damaged, one mobile home destroyed and a mobile home unroofed. The tornado moved northeast damaging a barn, then moved into the Davis Prairie community damaging several houses, some mobile homes, and numerous outbuildings. The tornado moved northeast and weakened before dissipating 2.4 miles south of the Box Church community. | |||||||||||
| 27.0 | 1971-02-21 | 2 | 31°37'N / 97°06'W | 0.10 Mile | 17 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 27.8 | 1974-04-13 | 2 | 31°33'N / 97°15'W | 0.50 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 27.8 | 1973-03-01 | 2 | 31°37'N / 97°12'W | 31°37'N / 97°04'W | 8.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Mclennan |
| 27.9 | 1953-05-11 | 5 | 31°33'N / 97°09'W | 31°45'N / 96°53'W | 20.90 Miles | 583 Yards | 114 | 597 | 25.0M | 0 | Mclennan |
| 28.7 | 1963-08-30 | 2 | 31°37'N / 97°10'W | 1.00 Mile | 17 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 29.9 | 1990-05-18 | 2 | 31°39'N / 97°08'W | 0.20 Mile | 10 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 30.2 | 1950-02-12 | 2 | 31°31'N / 96°33'W | 31°34'N / 96°33'W | 3.40 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Limestone |
| 30.4 | 1965-08-09 | 2 | 31°06'N / 97°25'W | 0.50 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Bell | |
| 30.6 | 1967-04-13 | 2 | 31°04'N / 97°27'W | 31°07'N / 97°23'W | 5.40 Miles | 90 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Bell |
| 31.2 | 1990-03-14 | 3 | 31°04'N / 97°30'W | 31°06'N / 97°21'W | 9.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bell |
| 31.5 | 1973-03-10 | 4 | 31°38'N / 96°51'W | 31°46'N / 96°49'W | 9.50 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Limestone |
| 31.5 | 1976-05-26 | 2 | 31°13'N / 97°28'W | 0.10 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Bell | |
| 31.8 | 1990-04-27 | 2 | 31°40'N / 96°42'W | 16.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 8 | 25.0M | 0 | Limestone | |
| 33.8 | 1952-04-21 | 4 | 31°30'N / 97°27'W | 31°29'N / 97°25'W | 2.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mclennan |
| 34.3 | 1997-05-27 | 3 | 31°10'N / 97°28'W | 31°07'N / 97°32'W | 1.40 Miles | 275 Yards | 0 | 0 | 900K | 0 | Bell |
| Brief Description: The fourth tornado that was produced by the large supercell thunderstorm developed on the north side of Lake Belton, near Morgans Point where a marina was destroyed. Over 100 boats at the marina were destroyed by the strong tornado that moved slowly south-southwest. Ten homes along the lakeshore also sustained severe damage and damage to trees was nearly total. The tornado dissipated just northeast of Woodland. | |||||||||||
| 34.6 | 1976-05-25 | 2 | 31°38'N / 97°25'W | 31°30'N / 97°22'W | 9.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mclennan |
| 35.5 | 1976-05-25 | 2 | 31°39'N / 97°19'W | 0.20 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 35.6 | 1976-04-15 | 2 | 31°26'N / 97°31'W | 31°30'N / 97°27'W | 5.90 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Mclennan |
| 35.8 | 1967-06-11 | 2 | 31°40'N / 97°18'W | 1.00 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 36.2 | 1998-10-17 | 2 | 31°25'N / 97°31'W | 31°25'N / 97°31'W | 0.10 Mile | 20 Yards | 0 | 0 | 50K | 0 | Coryell |
| Brief Description: Two brick homes were destroyed and large trees were uprooted when a narrow tornado touched down briefly. | |||||||||||
| 36.3 | 1976-05-26 | 3 | 31°08'N / 97°32'W | 2.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 2 | 7 | 2.5M | 0 | Bell | |
| 37.0 | 1990-04-27 | 3 | 31°36'N / 96°30'W | 31°38'N / 96°27'W | 4.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Limestone |
| 37.8 | 2001-10-12 | 2 | 31°45'N / 97°10'W | 31°48'N / 97°05'W | 6.20 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 500K | 0 | Mclennan |
| Brief Description: The second McLennan county tornado touched down just southwest of Tokio then moved east northeast and dissipated 1.3 miles east of West. Homes, a church, and several businesses were damaged in Tokio. After moving through Tokio, the tornado moved along FM 1858, causing heavy damage to wood-frame structures, mobile homes, storage buildings, and minor damage to several brick homes. As the tornado moved across the extreme southern edge of West, several homes and storage buildings were damaged. Showers and thunderstorms developed across north Texas, mainly in the afternoon and night resulting in widespread severe weather, during the period October 10-13. The most significant event occured during the late afternoon and night of October 12, as a line of severe thunderstorms moved east across north texas producing eight tornadoes, and nearly two million dollars in damage. | |||||||||||
| 38.1 | 1954-04-30 | 3 | 30°37'N / 97°12'W | 31°29'N / 95°28'W | 118.8 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Milam |
| 38.6 | 1955-05-06 | 2 | 30°47'N / 97°16'W | 30°44'N / 97°13'W | 4.90 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Milam |
| 39.0 | 1959-05-10 | 3 | 30°46'N / 96°36'W | 30°54'N / 96°23'W | 15.80 Miles | 333 Yards | 0 | 7 | 3K | 0 | Robertson |
| 39.1 | 1973-03-10 | 4 | 31°46'N / 96°49'W | 31°51'N / 96°48'W | 5.90 Miles | 150 Yards | 6 | 75 | 0K | 0 | Hill |
| 39.2 | 1984-02-11 | 2 | 31°05'N / 96°18'W | 1.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 3 | 2.5M | 0 | Leon | |
| 39.3 | 1976-05-25 | 2 | 31°41'N / 96°30'W | 0.10 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Limestone | |
| 39.5 | 1957-05-12 | 2 | 31°36'N / 97°28'W | 1.00 Mile | 30 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Mclennan | |
| 39.6 | 1987-11-15 | 2 | 30°41'N / 96°42'W | 30°45'N / 96°41'W | 3.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Milam |
| 40.4 | 1981-05-09 | 2 | 30°45'N / 96°57'W | 30°35'N / 96°52'W | 12.60 Miles | 60 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Milam |
| 40.6 | 1976-05-25 | 2 | 31°40'N / 97°28'W | 31°38'N / 97°25'W | 4.10 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Bosque |
| 41.2 | 1973-05-06 | 5 | 31°38'N / 97°29'W | 31°44'N / 97°21'W | 10.60 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Mclennan |
| 41.8 | 1962-06-01 | 2 | 30°39'N / 97°01'W | 0.50 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Milam | |
| 42.0 | 1975-05-07 | 2 | 31°05'N / 97°37'W | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Bell | |||
| 42.2 | 1989-06-07 | 2 | 30°40'N / 96°48'W | 30°39'N / 96°44'W | 4.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Milam |
| 42.4 | 1971-02-18 | 2 | 31°50'N / 97°10'W | 0.50 Mile | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Hill | |
| 42.5 | 2001-10-12 | 2 | 31°41'N / 97°27'W | 31°41'N / 97°27'W | 4.20 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 100K | 0 | Mclennan |
| Brief Description: The first tornado to hit the county touched down 2.5 miles southwest of Valley Mills, then moved east northeast and dissipated 1.5 miles east of Valley Mills. The most significant damage was to a frame house near the beginning of the damage path. There was also damage to house roofs and mobile homes along Cap Fiske Road, Highway 317, and near Highway 6 on the southern edge of Valley Mills. Showers and thunderstorms developed across north Texas, mainly in the afternoon and night resulting in widespread severe weather, during the period October 10-13. The most significant event occured during the late afternoon and night of October 12, as a line of severe thunderstorms moved east across north texas producing eight tornadoes, and nearly two million dollars in damage. | |||||||||||
| 42.6 | 1976-05-26 | 2 | 31°06'N / 97°38'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Bell | |||
| 44.3 | 1960-10-13 | 2 | 31°53'N / 97°04'W | 0.10 Mile | 17 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Hill | |
| 45.1 | 1987-11-15 | 2 | 30°35'N / 96°41'W | 30°41'N / 96°42'W | 7.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 2 | 12 | 2.5M | 0 | Burleson |
| 45.3 | 1957-05-22 | 3 | 31°54'N / 96°59'W | 31°55'N / 96°55'W | 4.10 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Hill |
| 45.9 | 1989-06-07 | 2 | 30°39'N / 96°44'W | 30°36'N / 96°37'W | 6.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 4 | 2.5M | 0 | Burleson |
| 46.0 | 1969-05-14 | 3 | 31°55'N / 96°53'W | 0.10 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Hill | |
| 46.3 | 1985-10-17 | 2 | 31°52'N / 97°04'W | 31°58'N / 97°01'W | 7.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Hill |
| 46.6 | 1990-04-27 | 2 | 31°55'N / 96°48'W | 0.20 Mile | 10 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Hill | |
| 47.1 | 1971-11-17 | 2 | 30°26'N / 97°21'W | 30°46'N / 96°59'W | 31.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bastrop |
| 47.2 | 1953-05-11 | 2 | 31°19'N / 96°13'W | 31°22'N / 96°04'W | 9.50 Miles | 267 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Leon |
| 47.2 | 1956-03-21 | 2 | 31°17'N / 97°44'W | 0.80 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Coryell | |
| 48.0 | 1959-03-31 | 4 | 31°51'N / 97°13'W | 31°59'N / 97°08'W | 10.40 Miles | 1760 Yards | 6 | 31 | 25K | 0 | Hill |
| 48.1 | 1976-05-26 | 2 | 31°01'N / 97°42'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Bell | |||
| 48.1 | 1963-04-28 | 2 | 31°07'N / 97°44'W | 0.50 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 3 | 25K | 0 | Bell | |
| 48.3 | 1981-05-09 | 3 | 31°58'N / 97°01'W | 31°56'N / 96°56'W | 5.20 Miles | 73 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Hill |
| 48.5 | 1979-05-10 | 2 | 31°56'N / 97°08'W | 2.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Hill | |
| 48.6 | 1997-05-27 | 2 | 30°52'N / 97°36'W | 30°50'N / 97°37'W | 2.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Williamson |
| Brief Description: Several eyewitnesses reported that the Jarrell tornado was preceded for a period of 8 to 10 minutes by a series of short-lived very small tornadoes that formed from the same supercell thunderstorm. These touched down, then dissipated in order. The first tornado in Williamson County formed near 2:25 pm CST and built rapidly to F2 strength. It survived for approximately 8 minutes, often returning briefly to a roped and tilted feature before it died. This tornado was followed by a second that formed near 2:35 pm CST. It built quickly into a multi-vortex tornado that appeared to be near F2 strength as well. This dissipated after only 4 minutes. The final tornado from this same supercell, , the Jarrell Tornado, developed as a small...rope-shaped tornado, touching down around 2:40 pm CST inside the Williamson County line northwest of Jarrell. From film and eyewitness accounts, it expanded quickly into a very large vortex nearly 1/2 mile in width. Observations recounted by eyewitnesses indicated that the damage path may not have been made strictly by one tornado. A number of eyewitnesses reported seeing several small, rope-like funnels before the character of the tornado changed drastically into the killer tornado. Ground damage patterns in the Double Creek Subdivision also suggested this possibility. The tornado crossed CR 308, CR 305, and then CR 307. Where the tornado crossed each of these county roads, approximately 525 feet of asphalt was ripped off each of the roadways. This particular destruction was believed to be very close to the centerline of the tornado circulation. As the tornado crossed the intersection of CR 305 and 307, a business on the corner was destroyed. The tornado moved into the Double Creek area at this point with total destruction. F5 destruction continued from shortly after its formation until very close to the end of the damage path. The tornado began a brief turn toward the southeast as it entered the Double Creek subdivision and the surrounding area, moving very slowly. It reached the subdivision at 3:48 pm. This time is based on a clock found at a destroyed residence in the extreme northwest corner of the subdivision and the home believed to be the first struck by the tornado. Here, it widened to it maximum width of three-quarters of a mile. From the air, the ground appearance changed abruptly in the vicinity of CR 308 and continued until very near the end of the path. No definitive circulation patterns or suction spots were evident, but there was the noted obvious change in the appearance of the ground. In the Double Creek area, approximately 40 structures were totally destroyed. One of the most striking signs in approaching this area was the distinct lack of debris of any size. Closer inspection showed lots of little debris but no sign of large items. It was estimated that several dozen vehicles had been in the subdivision and removed by the tornado. Nearly 300 cattle grazing in a pasture near the subdivision were also killed, with many of them tossed and blown for over 1/4 mile. At least half a dozen cars were identified from the air lying in the open areas, most of them flattened and encrusted with mud and grass. Trees in the subdivision were completely stripped of bark. Later ground survey revealed that most of the debris that was left in the area was extremely small indicating the power of the tornadic wind. All 27 deaths associated with the Jarrell tornado occurred in the Double Creek area. Eyewitnesses reported that it appeared to have slowed down as it entered the subdivision, and that may account for the nearly total destruction that took place. After passing through the Double Creek area, the tornado shifted its track again slightly, moving toward the south-southwest across CR 309 and into a heavily wooded area of cedar trees. The total destruction of the tornado ends abruptly shortly after entering the wooded area. However, a small swath of tree damage on the north side of the main damage path suggested the possibility of a multiple vortex pattern. No other evidence of multiple vortices was observed. The sequence of weather phenomenon reported with this tornado was exactly opposite of that often reported- the tornado first appeared, followed by nearly calm conditions, then hail, followed by rain and finally brief, gusty winds. This is attributed to the fact that the parent supercell was moving toward the southwest for most of its life. The storm essentially "backed into" the area as it moved. | |||||||||||
| 49.2 | 1957-04-24 | 2 | 31°38'N / 96°16'W | 31°40'N / 96°13'W | 4.10 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Freestone |
| 50.0 | 1978-07-28 | 2 | 30°36'N / 97°18'W | 0.50 Mile | 30 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Williamson | |
| 50.0 | 1997-05-27 | 2 | 30°50'N / 97°37'W | 30°49'N / 97°37'W | 0.50 Mile | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Williamson |
| Brief Description: Several eyewitnesses reported that the Jarrell tornado was preceded for a period of 8 to 10 minutes by a series of short-lived very small tornadoes that formed from the same supercell thunderstorm. These touched down, then dissipated in order. The first tornado in Williamson County formed near 2:25 pm CST and built rapidly to F2 strength. It survived for approximately 8 minutes, often returning briefly to a roped and tilted feature before it died. This tornado was followed by a second that formed near 2:35 pm CST. It built quickly into a multi-vortex tornado that appeared to be near F2 strength as well. This dissipated after only 4 minutes. The final tornado from this same supercell, , the Jarrell Tornado, developed as a small...rope-shaped tornado, touching down around 2:40 pm CST inside the Williamson County line northwest of Jarrell. From film and eyewitness accounts, it expanded quickly into a very large vortex nearly 1/2 mile in width. Observations recounted by eyewitnesses indicated that the damage path may not have been made strictly by one tornado. A number of eyewitnesses reported seeing several small, rope-like funnels before the character of the tornado changed drastically into the killer tornado. Ground damage patterns in the Double Creek Subdivision also suggested this possibility. The tornado crossed CR 308, CR 305, and then CR 307. Where the tornado crossed each of these county roads, approximately 525 feet of asphalt was ripped off each of the roadways. This particular destruction was believed to be very close to the centerline of the tornado circulation. As the tornado crossed the intersection of CR 305 and 307, a business on the corner was destroyed. The tornado moved into the Double Creek area at this point with total destruction. F5 destruction continued from shortly after its formation until very close to the end of the damage path. The tornado began a brief turn toward the southeast as it entered the Double Creek subdivision and the surrounding area, moving very slowly. It reached the subdivision at 3:48 pm. This time is based on a clock found at a destroyed residence in the extreme northwest corner of the subdivision and the home believed to be the first struck by the tornado. Here, it widened to it maximum width of three-quarters of a mile. From the air, the ground appearance changed abruptly in the vicinity of CR 308 and continued until very near the end of the path. No definitive circulation patterns or suction spots were evident, but there was the noted obvious change in the appearance of the ground. In the Double Creek area, approximately 40 structures were totally destroyed. One of the most striking signs in approaching this area was the distinct lack of debris of any size. Closer inspection showed lots of little debris but no sign of large items. It was estimated that several dozen vehicles had been in the subdivision and removed by the tornado. Nearly 300 cattle grazing in a pasture near the subdivision were also killed, with many of them tossed and blown for over 1/4 mile. At least half a dozen cars were identified from the air lying in the open areas, most of them flattened and encrusted with mud and grass. Trees in the subdivision were completely stripped of bark. Later ground survey revealed that most of the debris that was left in the area was extremely small indicating the power of the tornadic wind. All 27 deaths associated with the Jarrell tornado occurred in the Double Creek area. Eyewitnesses reported that it appeared to have slowed down as it entered the subdivision, and that may account for the nearly total destruction that took place. After passing through the Double Creek area, the tornado shifted its track again slightly, moving toward the south-southwest across CR 309 and into a heavily wooded area of cedar trees. The total destruction of the tornado ends abruptly shortly after entering the wooded area. However, a small swath of tree damage on the north side of the main damage path suggested the possibility of a multiple vortex pattern. No other evidence of multiple vortices was observed. The sequence of weather phenomenon reported with this tornado was exactly opposite of that often reported- the tornado first appeared, followed by nearly calm conditions, then hail, followed by rain and finally brief, gusty winds. This is attributed to the fact that the parent supercell was moving toward the southwest for most of its life. The storm essentially "backed into" the area as it moved. | |||||||||||
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.