The May 21, 1957 tornado

F3Washington and St. Francois counties, Missouri

An F3 tornado on a 22.2-mile path that killed 8 and injured 50. It was one of 18 tornadoes recorded in the U.S. that day, 6 of them rated F3/EF3 or stronger.

Watch how it happened Part of the outbreak of May 21, 1957: 18 tornadoes in 5 states

F3 tornado · May 21, 1957

How it happened

Follow the tornado’s path, minute by minute.

About this replay

Local time (CST)—Historical replay — logged times

Distance—of 22.2 miles

Now in—

RatingF3

Path milestones

Damage pathWidened for visibility; recorded maximum width 400 yards

TownsSized by population today; those within 3 miles flash as it passes

Counties on the pathLit as the tornado enters them

Source: Storm Prediction Center path, drawn through NOAA Storm Events county segments. Times as logged by the National Weather Service. Towns are today’s Census places.

The tornado

Rating: F3; Fujita scale
Path length: 22.2 mi; Width up to 400 yards
Killed: 8; Along the whole path
Injured: 50; Along the whole path
Date and time: Tuesday, May 21, 1957; 3:45 PM CST
That day: 18; tornadoes in the U.S.; every one, with a replay of the day

Counties on its path

Other notable tornadoes that day

F4, Chisago County9.2 mi
F4, Carter County7 killed

Storm Prediction Center severe weather database. Path drawn as a straight line from the recorded start to end point.