List of May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence tornadoes
| State | Total | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 20 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arkansas | 15 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Colorado | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Georgia | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Illinois | 45 | 23 | 14 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Indiana | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Iowa | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kansas | 40 | 23 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Kentucky | 26 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 7 | 0 |
| Louisiana | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Maryland | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Michigan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mississippi | 10 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Missouri | 79 | 56 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Nebraska | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New York | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| North Carolina | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| North Dakota | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Oklahoma | 33 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Ontario | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| South Carolina | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| South Dakota | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tennessee | 39 | 13 | 17 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Texas | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Virginia | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 400 | |||||
| Each tornado is classed per state based on its starting location. | ||||||
The May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence produced a total of 401 tornadoes from Colorado to the Middle Atlantic Coast of the United States and southern Ontario between April 30 and May 11, 2003. The twelve-day outbreak is the largest ever in the US since storm data was preserved in 1950.
Overall, the outbreak was responsible for at least 42 deaths across five states with the majority of them during the busiest day on May 4, 2003 in which 39 were killed in Tennessee, Missouri and Kansas. There were also hundreds of injuries and extensive damage was reported across several areas.
Below is the list of tornadoes that were confirmed by National Weather Service officials during the outbreak sequence.
Total confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212 | 123 | 38 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 401 |
April 30 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Wednesday, April 30, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Colorado | ||||||
| F0 | E of Hudson | Weld | 1600 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Small tornado; no damage reported. | |
| F0 | SE of Prospect Valley | Weld | 1621 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
No damage reported. | |
| Iowa | ||||||
| F0 | E of Lockman | Monroe, Wapello | 1730 | 2.5 miles (4.0 km) |
Short-lived, weak tornado. Little damage reported. | |
| F0 | NE of Morning Sun | Louisa | 1735 | 16 miles (25.6 km) |
Tornadic circulation was initially almost a half-mile wide. It then consolidated into a 50-yard wide funnel. There was some light damage to buildings in the area. | |
| F0 | NE of Highland Center | Wapello | 1745 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown in a field. | |
| Illinois | ||||||
| F1 | S of Aledo | Mercer | 1742 | unknown | Tornado damaged several farm buildings. | |
| F0 | SE of Aledo | Mercer | 1757 | 0.8 miles (1.3 km) |
Traveled through open country. | |
| F1 | S of Viola | Mercer | 1808 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
A farmhouse was damaged. | |
| F0 | SE of Viola (1st tornado) | Mercer | 1811 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Tornado damaged a house. | |
| F1 | SE of Viola | Mercer | 1812 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
A house was pushed six feet off its foundation. | |
| F0 | N of Alpha | Henry | 1829 | unknown | Brief touchdown in field. | |
| F0 | NE of Victoria | Knox | 1930 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
No damage reported. | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F0 | NE of Albany | Gentry, Harrison | 1804 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado touched down in open country, causing no damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Weston | Platte | 1815 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Touchdown was noted near a ski resort. | |
| F0 | W of Ridgeway | Harrison | 1822 | 10 miles (16.0 km) |
Some damage to power lines and transformers was noted. | |
| F0 | W of Edgerton area | Platte | 1835 | 0.2 mile (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown near Interstate 29. | |
| F0 | N of Lemons | Putnam | 1955 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado spotted in open country; no damage reported. | |
| F0 | N of Greentop | Schuyler | 2053 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Up to a quarter mile wide tornado reported in open country. | |
| Kansas | ||||||
| F0 | E of Cambridge | Cowley | 2117 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Remained in open country. | |
| F0 | N of Cedar Vale | Chautauqua | 2137 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Remained in open country. | |
| F0 | NW of Sedan | Chautauqua | 2158 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Remained in open country. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 1 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Thursday, May 1, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Ontario | ||||||
| F1 | Tecumseh area | Essex | unknown (early morning) | unknown | A few horse barns were destroyed, with additional damage to houses, trees, and power lines. | |
| Nebraska | ||||||
| F0 | N of Kimball | Kimball | 1254 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief tornado in open country. | |
| New York | ||||||
| F0 | Tribes Hill area | Montgomery | 1520 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Weak, brief tornado destroyed the deck of a house. | |
| Oklahoma | ||||||
| F1 | Okay area | Wagoner, Muskogee | 1655 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado destroyed several mobile homes. It also destroyed outbuildings and damaged several anchored structures. | |
| F1 | SW of Fort Gibson | Muskogee | 1704 | 1.7 miles (2.7 km) |
Trees were downed and a few buildings sustained light damage (shingles and roofing torn off). | |
| F1 | N of Nashoba | Pushmataha | 1714 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Trees were uprooted and power lines were downed. | |
| F0 | N of Gore | Sequoyah | 1746 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Tornado touched down in open country. | |
| F0 | NE of Gore | Sequoyah | 1751 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown. | |
| F0 | NW of Battiest | McCurtain | 1830 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado damaged a barn and downed several trees. | |
| F0 | E of Heavener | Le Flore, OK, Scott, AR | 1833 | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
Minor tree damage occurred. | |
| F2 | SE of Broken Bow | McCurtain | 1915 | 13 miles (20.8 km) |
Two framed homes had their roofs torn off. 30 homes had roof/frame damage and broken windows. One home was largely destroyed. Numerous trees and power poles were snapped as well. | |
| Indiana | ||||||
| F0 | Muncie area | Delaware | 1701 | 0.1 mile (0.16 km) |
Weak, brief touchdown. | |
| F0 | W of Union City | Randolph | 1720 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Weak, brief touchdown. | |
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F2 | NE of Board Camp to SE of Big Fork | Polk, Montgomery | 1924 | 11 miles (17.6 km) |
Several barns were destroyed and a few homes were damaged. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data, 2003 Ontario tornadoes | ||||||
May 2 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Friday, May 2, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| South Carolina | ||||||
| F1 | E of Easley | Pickens | 1355 | 2.3 miles (3.7 km) |
Tornado blew down numerous trees and power lines. Several structures received minor damage and a few mobile homes were destroyed. One person was injured. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 3 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Saturday, May 3, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Nebraska | ||||||
| F0 | N of Minatare | Scotts Bluff | 1541 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Nearly stationary tornado. A cow shed was destroyed. | |
| F0 | N of Bayard | Morrill | 1600 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief tornado over open country. | |
| F1 | NE of Angora | Morrill | 1700 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Tornado destroyed a mobile home and damaged a windmill. Power lines were also blown down along its track. | |
| F1 | N of McGrew | Scotts Bluff | 1734 | 8 miles (12.8 km) |
Tornado damaged many power lines and leveled outbuildings. | |
| F0 | SW of Bayard | Morrill | 1735 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief tornado over open country. | |
| F0 | N of Oshkosh | Garden | 1850 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Brief tornado over open country. | |
| F0 | N of Dannebrog | Howard | 0115 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Minor damage to several outbuildings. | |
| Texas | ||||||
| F0 | NE of Aspermont | Stonewall | 1657 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Tornado over open country. | |
| F0 | N of Old Glory | Stonewall | 1737 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Tornado over open country. | |
| F0 | S of Rule | Haskell | 1811 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
A passing car was damaged by flying debris. | |
| F0 | S of Haskell | Haskell | 1820 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Multiple vortex tornado with no damage reported. | |
| F2 | SE of Haskell (1st tornado) | Haskell | 1910 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Large, quarter-mile wide tornado reported near a power plant. The tornado caused little damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Haskell (2nd tornado) | Haskell | 1912 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Small rope tornado. | |
| South Dakota | ||||||
| F0 | NNE of Bison | Perkins | 1835 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
No damage reported. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 4 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 29 | 13 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 85 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Sunday, May 4, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Kansas | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Scott City | Scott | 1359 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief, weak landspout tornado. | |
| F1 | NE of Leavenworth | Leavenworth, KS, Platte, MO | 1454 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Tornado touched down in Kansas and crossed the Missouri River into Platte County, Missouri. | |
| F2 | SW of Basehor | Leavenworth, KS, Platte, MO | 1455 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Tornado touched down at County Road 25. It proceeded to move across the Kansas Turnpike and damage several homes and structures. - see section on this | |
| F4 | N of Kansas City | Wyandotte, KS, Platte, Clay, MO | 1518 | 22 miles (33.6 km) |
2 deaths - A moderate sized tornado touched down just Northeast of the Kansas Speedway producing F0 and F1 damage. Near Interstate 435 it underwent rapid intensification and became very large and dangerous. In Kansas City, numerous homes received F2 damage, and several were completely destroyed (indicative of F4). It continued across the Missouri River into Missouri. In Missouri, a dozen homes were destroyed and numerous others were damaged before the tornado dissipated. 30 people were injured. - see section on this | |
| F0 | NW of Parsons | Labette | 1518 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief event. | |
| F0 | NE of Parsons | Labette | 1530 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief event. | |
| F4 | NW of McCune, KS to NW of Liberal, MO | Labette, Crawford, KS, Barton, MO | 1535 | 33 miles (52.8 km) |
4 deaths - The first of a series of large and destructive tornadoes touched down in western Crawford County. The tornado initially produced high end F2 damage, but quickly intensified as it approached the communities of Girard and Franklin. Through the second half of Crawford County it was over a half-mile wide and produced high end F4 damage to numerous structures. It crossed into Barton County, Missouri and destroyed several additional structures before roping out and dissipating. - see section on this | |
| F0 | S of St. Paul | Neosho | 1537 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Damage to two homes and several power lines. | |
| F1 | E of New Lancaster | Miami, KS, Cass, MO | 1606 | 9 miles (14.4 km) |
Tornado moved through open country across the Kansas/Missouri border. | |
| F1 | SW of Bartlett | Labette | 1625 | 12 miles (14.4 km) |
Tornado heavily damaged two dozen farm structures and several service buildings. | |
| F0 | N of Chetopa | Labette | 1640 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief event. | |
| F3 | N of Melrose, KS to N of Carl Junction, MO | Cherokee, KS, Jasper, MO | 1645 | 25 miles (40.0 km) |
5 deaths - A large tornado initially touched down in western Cherokee County and began causing F1-F2 damage. It intensified as it approached the Kansas/Missouri border and destroyed several structures (F3 damage). It then crossed into Missouri and wreaked havoc in the town of Carl Junction before dissipating north of Joplin. - see section on this | |
| Nebraska | ||||||
| F0 | Colon | Saunders | 1428 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Minor shed and roof damage. | |
| F1 | W of Memphis | Saunders | 1435 | 1.3 miles (2.1 km) |
Tornado blew a grain bin off its foundation and knocked a storage shed over. | |
| F0 | SW of Plattsmouth | Cass | 1528 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Brief touchdown in open country. | |
| South Dakota | ||||||
| F0 | SE of Mission | Todd | 1530 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
No damage reported. | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F4 | NE of Gladstone | Clay | 1545 | 5 miles (8.0 km) |
After the first Kansas City tornado dissipated (F4 as well), another tornado touched down in Gladstone. Initially it produced F0 to F1 damage, but quickly intensified and produced marginal F4 at one subdivision. It dissipated near Interstate 435, after having traveled for only 5 miles. - see section on this | |
| F2 | Liberty area | Clay | 1559 | 8.5 miles (13.6 km) |
Several minutes after the Gladstone tornado dissipated, another large tornado touched down near Route 291. Substantial damage was done in Liberty before the tornado moved into rural areas and lifted. - see section on this | |
| F3 | N of Liberal to SE of Tunas | Barton, Cedar, Polk, Dallas | 1631 | 86 miles (137.6 km) |
6 deaths - As the Franklin, Kansas tornado was dissipating, a new large tornado touched down several miles to the south (just outside Liberal). It tracked through southwest Missouri for almost 2 hours, ranging from a quarter to three-quarters of a mile in diameter. The town of Stockton was completely destroyed and several other communities sustained heavy damage. - see section on this | |
| F2 | N of Garden City to SW of Warrensburg | Cass, Johnson | 1704 | 22 miles (35.2 km) |
Tornado touched down sporadically in mainly open country. | |
| F0 | E of Sheldon | Vernon | 1710 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown in open country. | |
| F0 | N of Carthage | Jasper | 1730 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief tornado near Joplin Municipal Airport. | |
| F3 | S of Ritchey to N of Battlefield | Newton, Lawrence, Christian, Greene | 1750 | 49 miles (78.4 km) |
7 deaths - A large tornado touched down in eastern Newton County. The tornado plowed through the communities of Pierce City and Battlefield before lifting near Springfield. Pierce City was utterly destroyed and Battlefield sustained heavy damage. - see section on this | |
| F1 | W of Meinart | Dade | 1755 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Tree and roof damage was produced. | |
| F1 | S of Warrensburg | Johnson | 1758 | 10 miles (16.1 km) |
Some businesses damaged. Tornado passed north of Whiteman Air Force Base. | |
| F0 | SW of Hughesville | Pettis | 1835 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with minor damage. | |
| F3 | W of Decaturville to NE of Montreal | Camden | 1836 | 14 miles (22.4 km) |
4 deaths - The supercell that spawned the Franklin and Stockton tornadoes produced yet another large tornado in Camden County. The tornado moved through suburban areas south of Camdenton and completely destroyed many structures and caused several injuries and fatalities. - see section on this | |
| F0 | SW of Hornersville | Dunklin | 1850 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Two homes were damaged. | |
| F0 | NE of Steele | Pemiscot | 1850 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
A few homes suffered minor roof damage. | |
| F0 | NE of Rogersville | Webster | 1920 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
No damage reported. | |
| F0 | S of Iberia | Miller | 1930 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
No damage reported. | |
| F0 | W of Arnica | Cedar | 1935 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
No property damage reported; several trees downed. | |
| F2 | E of Morley | Scott | 1953 | 11.5 miles (18.4 km) |
One mobile home was destroyed and several homes and businesses were damaged. | |
| F0 | NW of Rondo | Polk | 1955 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
No significant damage reported. | |
| F0 | S of Vienna | Maries | 2005 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief tornado - no damage reported. | |
| F0 | W of Tunas | Dallas | 2013 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief tornado - no damage reported. | |
| F0 | S of Camdenton | Camden | 2030 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
No damage reported. | |
| F0 | N of Swedeborg | Pulaski | 2055 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown over open country. | |
| F0 | S of Rolla | Phelps | 2130 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown over open country. | |
| F0 | N of Salem | Dent | 2200 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief tornado - no damage reported | |
| Oklahoma | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Vinita | Craig | 1624 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Trees damaged. No structures affected. | |
| F1 | S of Narcissa | Ottawa | 1655 | 5 miles (8.0 km) |
Large tornado destroyed several mobile homes and damaged others before dissipating. | |
| F0 | E of Heavener | Le Flore, OK, Scott, AR | 1758 | 18.8 miles (30.1 km) |
Small trees snapped - no significant structural damage. | |
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F0 | SW of Bree Branch | Van Buren | 1752 | 3.1 miles (5 km) |
Tornado destroyed a hay barn and knocked down trees. | |
| F1 | W of Buckeye | Mississippi | 1815 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Several large trees blown down. | |
| F2 | SE of Guy | Faulkner, Cleburne | 1834 | 14.5 miles (23.2 km) |
Numerous trees were blown down. The tornado destroyed several barns and outbuildings and damaged a few homes. A mobile home was destroyed as well. | |
| F2 | NE of Black Oak to NE of Manila | Craighead, Mississippi | 1839 | 15 miles (24.0 km) |
Three homes were severely damaged. | |
| F1 | S of Wooster | Faulkner | 1850 | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) |
Minor damage to a home and another structure. | |
| F3 | SW of Saltillo to SW of Searcy | Faulkner, Lonoke, White | 1852 | 34.9 miles (55.8 km) |
Large tornado tracked through Faulkner County into Lonoke County downing numerous power lines and trees. After briefly crossing the corner of Lonoke County, it destroyed numerous homes and businesses in White County. Two tractor trailer trucks were overturned, injuring the drivers. The track may have been over one-quarter mile in diameter in White County. | |
| F3 | SE of Georgetown to E of Vanndale | White, Woodruff, Cross | 1955 | 43 miles (68.8 km) |
Another large tornado touched down in eastern White County and moved into Woodruff County. Numerous trees were downed and man-made structures sustained severe damage. In Pumpkin Bend, several homes were completely destroyed. The tornado then tracked into Cross County destroying a dozen or more homes before dissipating. | |
| F1 | NW of Weldon | Jackson | 2010 | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) |
Weak tornado touched down briefly, damaging power lines. | |
| F1 | S of Keiser | Mississippi | 2100 | 8 miles (12.8 km) |
Tornado damaged several homes. | |
| Tennessee | ||||||
| F0 | E of Dyersburg | Dyer | 1945 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Many trees were blown down. | |
| F1 | S of Newbern | Dyer | 2020 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Several homes had their roofs blown off. | |
| F1 | S of Brazil | Gibson | 2025 | 8 miles (12.8 km) |
One home was destroyed and several others were damaged. | |
| F1 | SW of Finley | Dyer | 2030 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Several homes were damaged or destroyed. | |
| F2 | Martin area | Weakley | 2035 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Scattered damage occurred in Martin. An elementary school had its roof partially removed. | |
| F0 | W of Nebonville | Gibson | 2140 | 12 miles (19.2 km) |
Several homes were damaged. | |
| F1 | Medina area | Gibson | 2150 | 5 miles (8.0 km) |
Two homes were destroyed and several others were damaged. | |
| F2 | SW of Paris to NE of Oakland | Henry | 2153 | 17 miles (27.2 km) |
Dozens of structures were damaged or destroyed in south Paris. A school was also damaged. | |
| F2 | SW of Dyersburg to Newbern | Dyer | 2200 | 15 miles (24.0 km) |
Tornado tracked through downtown Dyersburg. As many as 500 structures were damaged or destroyed (almost 100 of which were commercial businesses) and ten people were injured. | |
| F1 | E of Buchanan | Henry | 2210 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
As many as 50 homes were damaged. | |
| F1 | Gleason area | Weakley | 2220 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
A church was damaged in Gleason as well as a water tower. | |
| F4 | W of Denmark to S of Lexington | Madison, Henderson | 2235 | 39 miles (62.4 km) |
11 deaths - A large tornado touched down in southwest Madison County and tracked directly through downtown Jackson. Hundreds of structures were destroyed and many were completely obliterated (warranting an F4 rating). The tornado weakened as it left Jackson and continued through mostly open country before dissipating near Lexington. This was the deadliest single tornado of the outbreak. - see section on this | |
| F0 | E of Indian Mound | Stewart | 2235 | unknown | Brief tornado damaged a brick home. | |
| F3 | SE of Denmark to SE of Huron | Madison, Henderson | 2243 | 21 miles (33.6 km) |
Tornado touched down in southwest Madison County and moved to the south of Jackson. Numerous structures were damaged or destroyed. A few homes received light damage in Henderson County. - see section on this | |
| F1 | Atwood area | Carroll | 2300 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
60 homes were either damaged or destroyed in Atwood. | |
| F3 | S of Clarksville | Montgomery | 2353 | 11.5 miles (18.4 km) |
A large three-quarters of a mile wide tornado moved through southern Montgomery County, damaging almost a hundred homes. Several brick homes were completely destroyed and one person was injured. | |
| F1 | W of Turnersville to SE of Cross Plains | Robertson | 2355 | 24 miles (38.4 km) |
Tornado damaged over 30 homes in Stroudsville before moving off to the northeast and dissipating. | |
| F0 | W of Tidwell | Hickman | 0030 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown. | |
| F1 | S of Franklin | Williamson | 0038 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
85 homes and five businesses were damaged and two barns were destroyed. | |
| F1 | NE of Nashville | Davidson | 0045 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Several homes sustained roof damage. | |
| F0 | La Vergne area | Rutherford | 0130 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown in an industrial park. No damage reported | |
| F1 | NW of Woodbury | Cannon | 0145 | 3 miles (3.8 km) |
Up to 60 homes sustained minor damage. | |
| Kentucky | ||||||
| F1 | NE of Monkeys Eyebrow | Ballard, KY, Massac, IL | 2043 | 3.9 miles (6.2 km) |
Tornado downed several trees. | |
| F2 | NE of Murray | Calloway | 2130 | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) |
Six homes received moderate damage and a barn was destroyed. | |
| F1 | SW of Sheridan (1st tornado) | Crittenden | 2130 | 5.5 miles (8.8 km) |
Widespread tree damage. | |
| F1 | SW of Sheridan (2nd tornado) | Crittenden | 2132 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado downed several trees. | |
| F2 | SE of Mattoon | Crittenden | 2145 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Tornado destroyed a mobile home, injuring the occupant. | |
| F1 | W of Clay | Webster | 2153 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
An old barn was destroyed and a home received minor damage. | |
| F1 | NW of Clay (1st tornado) | Webster | 2156 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown. | |
| F2 | NW of Clay (2nd tornado) | Webster | 2158 | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
Six homes and businesses were destroyed in Clay and numerous others were heavily damaged. One person was injured. | |
| F2 | S of St. Joseph | Daviess | 2245 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
A mobile home was destroyed with its occupants injured. | |
| Illinois | ||||||
| F1 | SW of Golconda | Pope, IL, Livingston, KY | 2109 | 2.2 miles (3.5 km) |
Little damage reported. | |
| F1 | SE of Bay City | Massac, IL, Ballard, KY | 2110 | 9.8 miles (15.7 km) |
Tornado caused minimal damage to homes and businesses. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 5 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Monday, May 5, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Mississippi | ||||||
| F0 | Mount Pleasant area | Marshall | 0345 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage to two homes and several trees were blown over. | |
| F0 | N of Lamar | Benton | 0655 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown produced minimal damage. | |
| F0 | E of Walnut | Tippah | 0715 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown produced minimal damage. | |
| F0 | Conrith area | Alcorn | 0755 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown produced minimal damage. | |
| F0 | N of Drew | Sunflower | 1950 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Some trees were blown down. | |
| Tennessee | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Guys | McNairy | 0805 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with minimal damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Crump | Hardin | 0850 | 0.8 miles (1.3 km) |
Brief touchdown with minimal damage. | |
| F0 | NE of Ethridge | Lawrence | 0948 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
One barn was destroyed while one home sustained minimal damage. | |
| F3 | W of Belleville | Lincoln | 1045 | 1.6 miles (2.6 km) |
Extensive damage to a 120-year-old church while two other structures were heavily damaged or destroyed. There were two people injured. | |
| F0 | Humboldt area | Gibson | 1226 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with little or no damage. | |
| F0 | W of Jackson | Madison | 1245 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Trees and power lines were knocked down. | |
| F0 | SW of Kingston Springs | Cheatham | 1355 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown near a school but caused no damage. | |
| F1 | W of Clearmont | Cannon | 1545 | 3.3 miles (5.3 km) |
Some homes sustained damage. | |
| F0 | SW of Gibson | Gibson | 1815 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with no or little damage. | |
| Kentucky | ||||||
| F1 | SE of Pulaski | Pulaski | 1500 | 6 miles (9.4 km) |
Extensive damage to 20 homes and mobile homes and four barns. | |
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F0 | N of Blytheville | Mississippi | 1640 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with minimal or no damage. | |
| Michigan | ||||||
| F1 | SW of Leonard | Oakland | 1800 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
A pole barn was destroyed and a trailer rolled over | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F0 | S of Elijah | Ozark | 2150 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees in a wooded area. | |
| South Carolina | ||||||
| F1 | SW of Johnston | Edgefield | 2334 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
A wooded frame structure was destroyed with damage to some homes and businesses in Johnston. | |
| F0 | SE of Ward | Saluda | 2345 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to downed trees. | |
| F1 | SE of Monetta | Aiken | 0030 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Two sheds were damaged and numerous trees were damaged. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 6 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 26 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 75 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Tuesday, May 6, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Alabama | ||||||
| F0 | W of Muscle Shoals | Colbert | 0533 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Minor shingle damage to several homes | |
| F1 | SW of Florence | Lauderdale | 0535 | 10 miles (16 km) |
Three barns were damaged and five homes had roof damage. | |
| F1 | NE of Shanghai | Limestone | 0620 | 15 miles (24 km) |
Five barns were destroyed and several homes sustained varying degrees of roof damage. | |
| F0 | W of Madison | Madison | 0658 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to uprooted trees. | |
| F1 | S of Meridianville | Madison | 0716 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Two homes and businesses sustained damage and a mobile home was moved off its foundation. | |
| F0 | NW of Hollywood | Jackson | 0845 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Minor roof damage to two homes. | |
| F0 | SW of Wannville | Jackson | 0858 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | NW of Hammondville | DeKalb | 0913 | 2.7 miles (4.3 km) |
Minor roof damage to one home. Several trees were uprooted as well. | |
| F0 | SW of Longview | Cullman | 1016 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown caused minor tree damage. | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Harwood | Vernon | 0820 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown caused no damage. | |
| F0 | SW of Gerster | St. Clair | 0910 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown caused tree damage. | |
| F0 | N of Owsley | Johnson, Pettis | 1348 | 22 miles (35.2 km) |
A playhouse was destroyed and a truck was blown sideways. | |
| F0 | NW of Whitakerville | Benton | 1520 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Minimal damage reported to trees with little or no structural damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Harper | St. Clair | 1525 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Versailles | Morgan, Miller | 1527 | 13 miles (20.8 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | E of Lakeview Heights | Camden, Morgan | 1528 | 15 miles (24 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | N of Sunrise Beach | Camden | 1535 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | NW of Quincy | Hickory | 1535 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | Bentonville area | Benton | 1540 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | Eldon area | Miller | 1550 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | N of Waynesville | Pulaski | 1655 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Several homes, trees, and power poles were damaged. | |
| F0 | Rolla area | Phelps | 1713 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | W of St. Clair | Franklin | 1732 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage to a few outbuildings. | |
| F0 | N of Dadeville | Dade | 1740 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | Morrisville area | Polk | 1754 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with little or no damage. | |
| F1 | S of Montreal | Camden | 1755 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
One home sustained structural damage. | |
| F0 | W of Olive | Dallas | 1815 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | NW of Fletcher | Jefferson | 1825 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | NW of De Soto | Jefferson | 1830 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees near a school. | |
| F0 | Lebanon area | Laclede | 1835 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F2 | N of Grassy | Bollinger | 1904 | 0.8 miles (1.3 km) |
One home, one mobile home, and one barn were destroyed. | |
| F0 | N of Laflin | Bollinger | 1918 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
One barn sustained extensive damage. | |
| F1 | S of Burfordville | Cape Girardeau | 1931 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
One farmhouse sustained extensive damage and a barn was destroyed. | |
| F3 | Jackson area | Cape Girardeau | 1945 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
About 200 structures sustained minor to major damage or was destroyed. Apartment buildings, mobile homes and businesses were also damaged, as well as the police and fire headquarters near downtown Jackson. Two people were injured.-See section on this | |
| F1 | W of Egypt Mills | Cape Girardeau | 2011 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
One home was damaged, with one rental home and several sheds and barns being destroyed. | |
| F1 | NE of New Hamburg | Scott | 2122 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Minor damage to some homes and a car flipped over on Interstate 55. | |
| Georgia | ||||||
| F1 | W of Keithsburg | Cherokee | 1056 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage to businesses, rental homes, power poles, and trees. | |
| F1 | NW of Sandy Cross | Franklin | 1200 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Damage to several homes and businesses. | |
| F2 | NW of Bowman area | Madison, Elbert | 1212 | 7 miles (11.2 km) |
Minor to moderate damage to several homes while several mobile homes, two chicken houses and several other structures were destroyed including in the city of Harrison. There were twelve people injured. | |
| F1 | SW of Vanna | Hart | 1221 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | NW of Ruckersville | Elbert | 1245 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees and power lines. | |
| F0 | E of New Hope | Lincoln | 1357 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| South Carolina | ||||||
| F0 | N of Calhoun Falls | Abbeville | 1310 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Damage limited to trees and power lines. | |
| F0 | N of McCormick | McCormick | 1325 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | W of Hemingway | Williamsburg | 1620 | 3.8 miles (6.1 km) |
Two mobile homes were overturned and a farmhouse was damaged. A tobacco warehouse was destroyed as well. Two people were injured. | |
| F1 | W of Jedburg | Dorchester | 1658 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Roof damage to several homes and an industrial plant. Bales of steel wires were also blown away. | |
| North Dakota | ||||||
| F0 | E of Williston | Williams | 1358 | unknown | Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Kansas | ||||||
| F0 | E of Humboldt | Allen | 1513 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | S of Fort Scott | Bourbon | 1540 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Oklahoma | ||||||
| F0 | W of McLain | Muskogee | 1611 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Mississippi | ||||||
| F0 | S of Flora | Madison | 1852 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F2 | SE of Eggville | Lee, Itawamba | 2130 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Several mobile homes, barns and a carport were destroyed and one home was damaged. There were two people injured. | |
| Illinois | ||||||
| F1 | NE of Renault | Monroe | 1910 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Roof damage to a barn and a home and several grain silos were destroyed. | |
| F1 | SE of Red Bud | Randolph | 1930 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Extensive damage to one home and one machine shed was destroyed while another shed was moved off its foundation. | |
| F0 | S of Walsh | Randolph | 1935 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Miller City | Alexander | 1957 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F4 | N of New Grand Chain to N of Golconda | Pulaski, Massac, Pope | 2032 | 33 miles (52.8 km) |
2 deaths - Several homes were destroyed, while several others sustained minor to severe damage, while other structures including frame homes, mobile homes, two businesses, outbuildings and a campground were destroyed. A Conservation Area sustained severe damage to its facilities. Thirteen people were also injured.-See section on this | |
| F2 | S of Williard, IL to W of Lovelaceville, KY | Alexander, IL, Mississippi, MO, Ballard, KY | 2127 | 25 miles (40 km) |
Three tractor-trailers were overturned, causing the closure of the Mississippi River bridge crossing on Interstate 57 between Illinois and Missouri. Several homes and businesses sustained extensive damage, including one home being completely destroyed causing injuries to one person. | |
| F0 | S of Joppa Junction | Johnson | 2127 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | SE of Grantsburg | Johnson | 2147 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | E of Samoth | Massac | 2150 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F2 | N of Metropolis | Massac | 2155 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Several homes sustained roof damage, while one business and several barns and outbuildings were destroyed. | |
| Kentucky | ||||||
| F0 | S of Lovelaceville | McCracken | 2212 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | Lone Oak area | McCracken | 2217 | 3.5 miles (5.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | SE of Melber | Graves | 2222 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Minor roof damage to two homes and one mobile home was damaged and moved off its foundation. | |
| F1 | NW of Symsonia | Graves | 2232 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to large trees. | |
| F1 | W of Roper | Hickman, Graves | 2232 | 22 miles (35.2 km) |
Damage was limited to trees, a garage, and an aluminum shed. | |
| F1 | SE of Sharpe | Marshall | 2238 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Damage to trees, sheds, and barns. | |
| F0 | SE of Briensburg | Marshall | 2250 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | N of Boxville | Union, Henderson | 2252 | 15 miles (24 km) |
Barns and sheds were heavily damaged. | |
| F1 | NW of Fairdealing | Marshall | 2255 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Several barns and three mobile homes were destroyed, and a large silo was damaged. | |
| Tennessee | ||||||
| F0 | SE of Freeland | Henry | 2225 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| Texas | ||||||
| F2 | NE of Mineola to SE of Lassater | Wood, Upshur, Harrison, Marion | 2245 | 54.4 miles (87 km) |
Several structures, including mobile homes were heavily damaged or destroyed. | |
| F0 | NW of Baldwin to S of Oil City | Harrison, TX, Marion, Caddo, LA | 0110 | 13 miles (19.8 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F1 | W of Willow | Dallas, Hot Spring | 0103 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 7 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Wednesday, May 7, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F1 | S of Gillett | Arkansas | 0416 | 2.9 miles (4.6 km) |
Storage buildings were destroyed, while two homes and a shed were damaged. | |
| F1 | NE of Carthage to S of Pine Bluff | Dallas, Grant, Jefferson | 1346 | 27.2 miles (43.5 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| Louisiana | ||||||
| F1 | SW of Downsville | Lincoln, Union | 0443 | 5.3 miles (8.5 km) |
One barn, several outbuildings and a dozen of homes were damaged. | |
| Mississippi | ||||||
| F2 | N of Egypt | Chickasaw, Monroe | 0825 | 27.5 miles (44 km) |
40 structures were damaged or destroyed in Chickasaw County while in Monroe County, 35 homes were destroyed and 117 others were damaged. One cow and one calf were killed. Several barns, sheds, and outbuildings also sustained various degrees of damage. Six people were injured. | |
| F0 | SW of Ursytown | Scott | 1420 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | N of Chunky | Newton | 1445 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Minor roof damage to one building. | |
| Alabama | ||||||
| F1 | N of Vernon | Lamar | 1011 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Damage to trees and power lines. | |
| F1 | W of Townley | Walker | 1111 | 2.4 miles (3.9 km) |
Damage to one barn and numerous trees. | |
| F1 | W of Stewarts | St. Clair | 1310 | 4.5 miles (7.2 km) |
Damage to some buildings, numerous trees, and power lines. | |
| F1 | S of Munford | Talladega | 1340 | 4.6 miles (7.4 km) |
One home was destroyed and several others were damaged. Numerous trees at the Talladega National Forest were snapped. | |
| F1 | S of Wilsonville | Shelby, Talladega | 1345 | 1.3 miles (2.1 km) |
Damage to several structures in a residential area of Wilsonville. | |
| F0 | E of Prescott | St. Clair | 1421 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | NW of Millerville | Clay | 1441 | 1.2 miles (2 km) |
Minor damage to one home. | |
| F0 | SE of Ashland | Clay | 1457 | 1.1 miles (1.8 km) |
Damage to trees and a few light posts. | |
| F0 | Lineville area | Clay | 1508 | 1.2 miles (1.9 km) |
Minor roof damage to some structures. | |
| F1 | N of Haywood | Randolph | 1540 | 12.9 miles (20.6 km) |
Damage to a few buildings including a restaurant. | |
| F0 | NE of Myrtlewood | Marengo | 1631 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Colorado | ||||||
| F0 | E of Bennett | Adams | 1430 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Virginia | ||||||
| F1 | Warrenton area | Fauquier | 1525 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Minor structural damage. | |
| Georgia | ||||||
| F0 | SW of Ephesus | Heard | 1615 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Extensive damage to barns, including one that was moved off of its foundation. One home and other structures sustained damage as well. | |
| F0 | N of Whispering Pines | Heard | 1620 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | NE of Welcome | Coweta | 1632 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| Maryland | ||||||
| F0 | N of Thompson Corner | St. Mary's | 1723 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Damage to a few agricultural buildings. | |
| F0 | SW of Oakville | St. Mary's | 1730 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Damage to trees and power lines. | |
| Texas | ||||||
| F1 | NE of Baird | Callahan | 1850 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
A school building and a shed were destroyed. | |
| F0 | N of Cisco | Eastland | 1900 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Weak tornado causing no damage. | |
| F0 | NE of Fargo | Wilbarger | 2118 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief tornado with no damage. | |
| Oklahoma | ||||||
| F1 | SE of Duncan | Stephens | 0008 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Three homes sustained roof damage, and several barns were also damaged. | |
| F0 | W of Velma | Stephens | 0017 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F2 | W of Ringling | Jefferson | 0032 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Several homes sustained roof damage, four barns were damaged or destroyed, and a cinder-block building collapsed. Three horses were injured. | |
| F2 | S of Overbrook | Love | 0123 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Five homes and two barns were heavily damaged, and a mobile home was destroyed. | |
| F2 | S of McMillan | Marshall | 0154 | 7 miles (11,2 km) |
Three barns and one home sustained significant damage. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 8 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 43 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Thursday, May 8, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Oklahoma | ||||||
| F1 | SE of Le Flore | Le Flore | 0504 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
A barn and a chicken house were destroyed. | |
| F0 | N of Newcastle | McClain | 1600 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. Tornado was filmed by storm chasers. | |
| F0 | SW of Moore | Cleveland | 1604 | 2.3 miles (3.7 km) |
Minor equipment damage to fences, awnings, and a satellite dish. | |
| F4 | Moore to SE of Choctaw | Cleveland, Oklahoma | 1610 | 17.3 miles (27.7 km) |
Extensive structural damage to the General Motors Plant and the United Auto Workers Union headquarters in Oklahoma City. Numerous structures including homes, businesses and equipment at the Tinker Air Force Base were heavily damaged or destroyed. The damage path is very close to the May 3, 1999 F5 tornado that killed 36 from Amber to Del City but some areas were hit by both tornadoes. In this tornado, there were no fatalities but 45 people were injured in Cleveland County and 89 in Oklahoma County. See section on this tornado | |
| F0 | N of Red Rock | Noble | 1708 | 0.8 miles (1.3 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F3 | N of Fairfax to Bowring | Osage | 1746 | 45 miles (72 km) |
One home and a garage were swept off from its foundation and an oil tank was taken off its foundation. Seven cattle were killed. Extensive tree damage was observed at the Tall Grass Prairie Reserve. | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F0 | SE of Holland | Pemiscot | 1040 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage to power lines. | |
| F0 | SW of Blairstown | Henry | 2021 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Weak tornado over an open field with no damage. | |
| F0 | W of Quick City | Johnson | 2022 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Warrensburg | Johnson | 2100 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| Colorado | ||||||
| F0 | SE of Brighton | Adams | 1110 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Denver International Airport | Adams | 1117 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Berthoud | Weld | 1205 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | E of Strasburg | Adams | 1213 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | SE of Brush | Morgam | 1305 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to trees and fences. | |
| Tennessee | ||||||
| F1 | NE of Fruitland | Gibson | 1220 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
A scoreboard was destroyed and a barn was damaged. | |
| Virginia | ||||||
| F0 | NE of Tappahannock | Essex | 1315 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Illinois | ||||||
| F0 | W of Staunton | Macoupin | 1400 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | S of Oskaloosa | Clay | 1615 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Kansas | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Jamestown | Cloud | 1432 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown over a field with no damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Wamego | Pottawatomie | 1705 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | SW of Beaumont | Butler | 1713 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Damage to a farmstead. | |
| F0 | NE of Beaumont | Greenwood | 1725 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
A tractor-trailer was overturned on a highway. | |
| F1 | SE of Reading | Osage | 1731 | 6 miles (11.2 km) |
Damage limited to farm buildings and machinery. | |
| F1 | N of Hamilton | Greenwood | 1732 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Roof damage to one home and several farm buildings. | |
| F3 | N of Lyndon | Osage | 1740 | 25 miles (40 km) |
Half-mide wide tornado causing extensive damage to farm buildings, fences, and some machinery. | |
| F3 | Toronto to E of Neosho Falls | Woodson, Allen | 1756 | 23 miles (36.8 km) |
Several homes, barns, and outbuildings were destroyed and an oil tank was toppled. Damage was pegged at $2.5 million. | |
| F0 | E of Overbrook (1st tornado) | Osage | 1807 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | SW of Burlington | Coffey | 1810 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | E of Overbrook (2nd tornado) | Osage | 1810 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | E of Overbrook (3rd tornado) | Douglas | 1817 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | NW of Iola | Allen | 1821 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Damage to trees and power poles. A farm vehicle was flipped over and an oil tank was toppled. | |
| F0 | SE of Ozawkie | Jefferson | 1824 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | NW of Lone Star | Douglas | 1826 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F2 | Lawrence area | Douglas | 1838 | 0.7 miles (1.1 km) |
Several homes and an apartment complex suffered extensive damage. Six people were injured. | |
| F2 | N of Kincaid | Anderson | 1838 | 15 miles (24 km) |
Seven homes were destroyed, and two others sustained significant damage. Three people were injured. | |
| F2 | NW of Blue Mound | Linn | 1852 | 7 miles (11.2 km) |
Extensive damage to tombstones at a cemetery. | |
| F0 | SW of Dearing | Montgomery | 1913 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F0 | NE of Coffeyville | Montgomery | 1928 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F0 | N of Altamont | Labette | 1952 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief and weak tornado with no damage. | |
| Nebraska | ||||||
| F1 | Holmesville area | Gage | 1620 | 7 miles (11.2 km) |
Farm buildings sustained structural damage. | |
| Indiana | ||||||
| F1 | NW of Rome | Perry | 1845 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Extensive damage to a homestead, a mobile home and several farm buildings, Several outbuildings were demolished. | |
| Kentucky | ||||||
| F0 | NE of Cloverport | Breckinridge | 1900 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 9 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Friday, May 9, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Virginia | ||||||
| F0 | SE of Verona | Augusta | 1155 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F0 | W of Keane | Albemarle, Fluvanna | 1220 | 15 miles (24 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F1 | E of Amelia | Amelia | 1335 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Damage to farms and outbuildings . | |
| F0 | E of Jarratt | Sussex | 1435 | 8 miles (12.8 km) |
Damaged limited to trees. | |
| F0 | W of Rivers Mill | Southampton | 1450 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Damage to one home, some outbuildings, and trees. | |
| North Carolina | ||||||
| F0 | NE of Severn | Northampton | 1510 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | N of Murfreesboro | Hertford | 1520 | 7 miles (11.2 km) |
Damage to one home and numerous trees. | |
| F0 | Colerain area | Bertie | 1550 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | E of Rockyhock | Chowan | 1600 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | N of Townsville | Vance | 1608 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Damage to a marina. | |
| F0 | SW of Afton | Warren | 1630 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
One mobile home was destroyed. | |
| F1 | NE of Plymouth | Washington | 1642 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
There was extensive crop damage and several farm buildings were damaged as well. | |
| F0 | E of Corinth | Nash | 1720 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | E of Bucklesberry | Greene | 1910 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| Illinois | ||||||
| F0 | SW of Chatham | Sangamon | 1840 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
Minor damage to a few homes. | |
| Oklahoma | ||||||
| F0 | NE of Eakly | Caddo | 1950 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | E of Binger | Caddo | 2000 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Flipped and blew over a cotton silo and a pickup camper. | |
| F0 | NE of Cogar | Caddo, Grady | 2017 | 1.2 miles (1.9 km) |
Weak tornado with minor damage to a homestead, a camping trailer, and a fence. | |
| F1 | NW of Union City | Canadian | 2053 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
One house sustained minor structural damage. | |
| F1 | Bethany area | Oklahoma | 2110 | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) |
Widespread damage to several structures including hangars, warehouses, homes, churches and businesses. A tornado emergency was issued for this particular storm. | |
| F1 | North Oklahoma City area | Oklahoma | 2118 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
The roof of a restaurant was damaged. There was also damage to fences, aluminum carports and numerous trees. | |
| F3 | NE of Oklahoma City to SW of Luther | Oklahoma | 2129 | 17.8 miles (28.5 km) |
Roofs of several structures were blown off west of Interstate 35. F3 damage was observed at a horse ranching operation and at an industrial building. Steel frame and rods were destroyed. East of I-35, several homes and other structures sustained extensive damage, with some being destroyed. - see section on this | |
| F1 | S of Luther | Oklahoma, Lincoln | 2206 | 7 miles (11.2 km) |
Damage to a house and a garage. | |
| F1 | S of Davenport to Stroud | Lincoln | 2249 | 8.1 miles (13 km) |
A carport and a storage building in Davenport collapsed, while some barns and homes sustained minor to moderate damage mostly to roofs. In Stroud, 70 homes and nine businesses sustained damage. | |
| F1 | Depew area | Creek | 2325 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Minor damage to several structures. | |
| Indiana | ||||||
| F1 | NE of Sidney | Kosciusko | 2015 | 20 miles (32 km) |
Extensive damage to an RV. | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F1 | NW of Freeman | Cass | 2025 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Several RV's were flipped over with one person injured. Fuel tanks were also damaged. | |
| F0 | Harrisonville area | Cass | 2044 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F2 | N of Alma | Lafayette, Saline | 2115 | 10 miles (16 km) |
A shed was destroyed while a house, some grain bins, and a barn were damaged. | |
| F0 | NW of Salt Springs | Saline | 2135 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | N of Centerview | Johnson | 2152 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
A fire station sustained minor damage. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 10 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 13 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 52 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Saturday, May 10, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Kansas | ||||||
| F0 | E of Elbing | Butler | 0200 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | S of Burns | Marion | 0205 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Trees were downed, one of which landed on a house. Power lines were downed as well. | |
| Illinois | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Thomasville | Sangamon | 0653 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | NE of Divernon | Sangamon | 0655 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
One barn was destroyed. | |
| F0 | SE of Cimic | Sangamon | 0658 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Damage to businesses, a shed, several power poles, and trees. | |
| F0 | SW of Bulpitt | Christian | 0708 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
A grain silo was destroyed and several trees were downed. | |
| F0 | W of Neoga | Cumberland | 0845 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Castle Fin | Edgar | 0940 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage | |
| F1 | E of Wheeler | Jasper | 1000 | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
Two homes sustained roof damage and a few sheds and trees were also damaged. | |
| F2 | S of Meyer to NW of Greenbush | Adams, Hancock, McDonough, Warren | 1736 | 69.2 miles (110.7 km) |
About 40-50 structures sustained minor to major damage. Several barns and outbuildings were destroyed and a frame house lost its entire roof. Four people were injured. | |
| F2 | NE of Liberty to NW of Ripley | Adams, Brown, Schuyler | 1820 | 30.8 miles (49.3 km) |
Sheds, outbuildings, and barns were destroyed, while three homes sustained damage. | |
| F2 | NW of Rushville | Schuyler | 1914 | 6 miles (9.4 km) |
One home and several sheds, barns, and silos were destroyed. | |
| F0 | NW of New Boston | Mercer | 1930 | 8.3 miles (13.3 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F1 | SW of Ipava | Fulton | 1932 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
The fire department, sheds and garages were destroyed. | |
| F0 | W of Millersburg | Mercer | 1945 | 2.1 miles (3.4 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F1 | NE of Astoria | Fulton | 1947 | 2.7 miles (4.3 km) |
Several sheds were destroyed and one business was damaged. | |
| F0 | SE of Hamlet | Mercer | 1955 | 3.8 miles (6.1 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F0 | NE of Galva to NE of Langley | Henry, Bureau | 1955 | 25.5 miles (40.8 km) |
Weak tornado with little or no damage. | |
| F1 | NE of Havana | Mason | 2012 | 8 miles (12.8 km) |
Damage to trees and power poles. | |
| F2 | S of Manito | Mason | 2033 | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
Four homes were destroyed with 24 others sustaining damage. One person was injured. | |
| F1 | E of Manito | Mason | 2038 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Several barns and garages were destroyed, and a few homes were damaged. | |
| F3 | SW of South Pekin to N of Morton | Tazewell | 2045 | 17.5 miles (28 km) |
50 homes were destroyed and 80 others were damaged in South Pekin. Several apartment complexes across Interstate 74 were severely damaged or destroyed as did two businesses and 100 homes across several subdivisions. 32 were injured by the tornado. | |
| F0 | NE of Greenoak | Bureau | 2058 | 4.1 miles (6.6 km) |
Weak tornado with no damage. | |
| F1 | N of Morton | Tazewell | 2116 | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
Three homes and a business sustained major damage. | |
| F2 | W of Eureka | Tazewell, Woodford | 2118 | 12.5 miles (20 km) |
Damage to several homes, outbuildings, and businesses in the Eureka area. | |
| F1 | E of Roanoke | Woodford | 2125 | 8 miles (12.8 km) |
Several barns were destroyed and a few homes were damaged. | |
| Indiana | ||||||
| F0 | N of Cloverdale | Putnam | 0951 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
One tree was toppled onto a home and a car. | |
| Kentucky | ||||||
| F3 | SE of Maysville to W of Rexton | Mason, Lewis | 1445 | 25 miles (40 km) |
21 homes were destroyed with another 27 sustaining various levels of damage, while other structures including barns, sheds and outbuildings were heavily damaged or destroyed. 17 people were injured. | |
| F3 | N of Sacramento | McLean | 0018 | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) |
One home and a mobile home were destroyed, while another home sustained major damage. Several barns and sheds were also destroyed and two people were injured. | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F0 | W of Linneus | Linn | 1502 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | W of Harris | Mercer | 1538 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to trees and an outbuilding. | |
| F1 | N of Terre Haute | Putnam | 1556 | 7 miles (11.2 km) |
Two homes were damaged. | |
| F0 | N of Anabel | Macon, Shelby | 1623 | 5.5 miles (8.8 km) |
Damage to trees and power lines. | |
| F2 | S of Baring to W of Kahoka | Knox, Scotland, Clark | 1633 | 22.1 miles (35.4 km) |
Two homes sustained damage. One occupied structure and several farm buildings were destroyed. | |
| F0 | W of Unionville | Putnam | 1635 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
One barn sustained minor damage. | |
| F0 | N of Bethel | Shelby | 1650 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Damage limited to farm equipment and trees. | |
| F2 | W of Nelsonville to Canton | Lewis | 1708 | 20 miles (32 km) |
Major damage to the city of Canton, with 75-100 structures sustaining varying degrees of damage. Six people were injured by the tornado. | |
| F0 | NE of Steffenville | Lewis | 1710 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Damage to trees and power lines. | |
| F0 | NW of Clapper | Monroe | 1719 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Damage limited mostly to trees. | |
| F0 | SW of Monroe City | Monroe, Marion | 1730 | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
25 homes in Monroe City sustained roof damage. | |
| F3 | NE of Monroe | Ralls, Marion | 1737 | 12 miles (19.2 km) |
Multiple homes sustained extensive damage and barns were destroyed. | |
| Iowa | ||||||
| F1 | E of Columbia to NW of Leighton | Marion, Mahaska | 1626 | 18.5 miles (29.6 km) |
A trailer was overturned. | |
| F0 | Clutier area | Tama | 1727 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief touchdown with no damage. | |
| F2 | W of Argyle | Lee | 1728 | 11.5 miles (18.4 km) |
One home was turned 120 degrees and moved slightly off of its foundation. | |
| F0 | W of Birmingham | Van Buren | 1810 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Weak tornado with little or no damage. | |
| F0 | N of Stockport | Jefferson | 1823 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Weak tornado with little or no damage. | |
| F0 | SW of Lockridge | Jefferson | 1833 | 2.4 miles (3.8 km) |
Weak tornado with little or no damage. | |
| F1 | N of Westwood to Wapello | Henry, Louisa | 1844 | 27.9 miles (44.6 km) |
Damage to farm houses occurred. | |
| Wisconsin | ||||||
| F1 | N of Elk Grove | Lafayette | 1915 | 7.8 miles (12.5 km) |
Minor to extensive damage to homes, farms, windmills, and decks. One mobile home was destroyed with one person inside injured. | |
| F1 | E of Mineral Point | Iowa | 1939 | 9 miles (14.4 km) |
Two homes and four farms were damaged. | |
| North Carolina | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Core Point | Beaufort | 1942 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Brief tornado with no damage. | |
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F1 | E of Newport | Jackson | 2135 | 0.6 miles (1 km) |
Damage to the Grimes Unit of the Arkansas Department of Correction, where a barn was destroyed with damage to a mobile home, a trailer, and carports. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
May 11 event
Confirmed tornadoes
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Confirmed tornadoes - Sunday, May 11, 2003 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | ||
| Kentucky | ||||||
| F2 | N of Rineyville | Hardin | 0210 | 6.5 miles (10.4 km) |
40 homes and mobile homes were destroyed or heavily damaged. Five people were injured. | |
| F1 | Munfordville area | Hart | 0259 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
The Munfordville Courthouse sustained some damage, as well as surrounding building. | |
| F2 | N of Harrodsburg | Mercer | 0330 | 7 miles (11.2 km) |
1 death - 40 homes were damaged or destroyed and a mobile home was blown into the Salt River, killing its occupant. | |
| F1 | W of Happy Landing area | Garrard, Madison | 0455 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
A barn was destroyed while two homes and a garage were also damaged. | |
| Tennessee | ||||||
| F1 | Nashville area | Davidson | 0212 | 4.5 miles (7.2 km) |
Several homes and businesses had roof and/or sign damage. | |
| F3 | N of Bingham | Williamson | 0220 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
43 homes were damaged, with three of them destroyed. Part of a condominium complex lost its roof. One person was injured. | |
| F1 | SE of Green Hill | Wilson | 0220 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
A car wash was destroyed, and several businesses sustained roof and signage damage. | |
| F1 | SW of Nolensville | Williamson | 0230 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Damage limited to trees. | |
| F1 | S of Gallatin | Sumner | 0240 | 5.5 miles (8.8 km) |
147 homes, 18 mobile homes, two businesses and an RV were damaged. | |
| F3 | SW of Walterhill | Rutherford | 0250 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
18 homes were destroyed with several others sustaining damage. The Bethel Missionary Baptist Church sustained major structural damage and was later torn down. | |
| New York | ||||||
| F1 | S of Ontario | Wayne | 1330 | 2.3 miles (3.7 km) |
Two sheds and two homes sustained damage. | |
| Pennsylvania | ||||||
| F0 | E of Perryville | Lycoming | 1410 | 1.3 miles (2.1 km) |
One barn sustained roof damage. | |
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data | ||||||
See also
External links and sources
- May 2003 Tornado Statistics (SPC, NOAA)
- NWS Service Assessment
- Working_Together_to_Save_Lives:
Early_May_Delivers_Nations_Busiest_Tornado_Outbreak_in_Many_Years Early May Delivers Nation's Busiest Tornado Outbreak in Many Years (NOAA's NWS Focus) - NCDC Billion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters Summary
- May 2003 Tornado Outbreak (Climate Diagnostics Center)
- Tornado Outbreak Day Sequences: Historic Events and Climatology (1875-2003) (Russell S. Schneider, Harold E. Brooks, and Joseph T. Schaefer, American Meteorological Society)
- May 2003 Events (NWS Little Rock, AR)
- Memphis National Weather Service Perspective of the Severe Weather Outbreak of May 2003 - Focus on the F4 Madison County, Tennessee Tornado (NWS Memphis, TN)
- OK-FIRST Case Study: The Tornado Outbreaks of May 2003
- Worst Week Ever For Twisters (CBS News)
- NOAA: Cold Front Spawns Super-Cell Storms, Deadly Tornadoes in Central Plains States
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 9/10/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.