Woodbranch, TX Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
The chance of earthquake damage in Woodbranch is about the same as Texas average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Woodbranch is higher than Texas average and is much higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #1515
Woodbranch, TX | 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
Woodbranch, TX | 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, #658
Woodbranch, TX | 240.18 |
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 2,698 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Woodbranch, TX 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: | 2 | Dense Fog: | 0 | Drought: | 47 |
Dust Storm: | 5 | Flood: | 341 | Hail: | 917 | Heat: | 13 | Heavy Snow: | 15 |
High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 4 | Ice Storm: | 12 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 47 |
Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,090 | Tropical Storm: | 4 | Wildfire: | 7 | Winter Storm: | 15 | Winter Weather: | 21 |
Other: | 158 |
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Woodbranch, TX.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Woodbranch, TX.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Woodbranch, TX.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 83 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Woodbranch, TX.
Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
6.1 | 1979-04-18 | 2 | 30°15'N / 95°12'W | 30°17'N / 95°07'W | 4.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Montgomery |
10.7 | 1997-10-23 | 2 | 30°18'N / 95°21'W | 30°17'N / 95°16'W | 5.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 1 | 175K | 0 | Montgomery |
Brief Description: This tornado was probably the most significant in strength and length that occurred this day. Several homes and mobile homes received major damage. There was one injury when a young boy was in a mobile home when the tornado picked it up and wrapped it around a tree. Damage to trees was extensive with many trees being snapped off above the ground. This storm was surveyed from the air and had continuous tree damage from Midway to Shepherd in San Jacinto County. | |||||||||||
11.3 | 1992-11-21 | 3 | 30°01'N / 95°05'W | 30°06'N / 95°02'W | 4.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25.0M | 0 | Harris |
15.6 | 1977-12-13 | 3 | 29°59'N / 95°03'W | 30°02'N / 94°59'W | 5.40 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 5 | 25K | 0 | Liberty |
15.7 | 1957-10-22 | 3 | 30°15'N / 94°58'W | 30°15'N / 94°54'W | 4.30 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Liberty |
16.6 | 1968-12-12 | 3 | 30°19'N / 95°26'W | 30°22'N / 95°21'W | 6.20 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Montgomery |
16.7 | 1994-04-15 | 2 | 29°57'N / 95°09'W | 29°57'N / 95°03'W | 5.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 1 | 20 | 50K | 0 | Harris |
Brief Description: Tornado began on west shore of Lake Houston, crossed the lake then crossed the east shore in Indian Shores Estates. The air survey located minor damage and trees down on the west shore of the lake. Eye witnesses observed the tornado over the lake and WSR-88D reflectivity/ velocity data indicated a strong low-level mesocyclone near the west shore of the lake just prior to the first tornado reports. The tornado moved across the east shore of the lake and into Indian Shores Estates around 1710 CST and produced a damage path 300 to 400-yards wide and approximately 2.5 miles in length that ended about 1.5 miles east of the intersection of FM 2100 and Heathergate. One woman was killed in a mobile home, and 20 received injuries in the area. | |||||||||||
17.0 | 1957-10-14 | 2 | 30°12'N / 94°54'W | 0.50 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Liberty | |
17.6 | 1992-11-21 | 3 | 30°06'N / 95°02'W | 30°27'N / 94°47'W | 28.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Liberty |
18.0 | 1992-11-21 | 4 | 29°57'N / 95°00'W | 30°05'N / 94°54'W | 10.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Liberty |
19.3 | 1997-10-23 | 2 | 29°54'N / 95°04'W | 29°58'N / 95°00'W | 7.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 150K | 0 | Harris |
Brief Description: The tornado first touched down on the east shore of Lake Houston and moved northeast into extreme western Liberty County. This tornado was mostly F0 and F1 with some F2 damage at Foley Rd and Dallas Rd where a boat house was extremely damaged. An 18-wheeler in the same area was overturned and moved 50 feet. | |||||||||||
19.6 | 1967-05-01 | 2 | 30°04'N / 94°53'W | 1.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Liberty | |
20.3 | 1967-09-21 | 2 | 29°56'N / 95°22'W | 2.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 3 | 3K | 0 | Harris | |
20.4 | 1954-02-19 | 2 | 30°19'N / 95°27'W | 30°27'N / 95°25'W | 9.50 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 7 | 250K | 0 | Montgomery |
20.6 | 1977-12-13 | 3 | 29°47'N / 95°17'W | 29°59'N / 95°03'W | 19.70 Miles | 400 Yards | 1 | 35 | 25.0M | 0 | Harris |
20.6 | 1971-06-20 | 2 | 29°54'N / 95°04'W | 0.30 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 20 | 250K | 0 | Harris | |
21.0 | 1983-05-20 | 2 | 30°04'N / 95°34'W | 30°04'N / 95°27'W | 7.00 Miles | 333 Yards | 1 | 5 | 2.5M | 0 | Harris |
22.4 | 1970-10-27 | 2 | 29°53'N / 95°20'W | 2.00 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Harris | |
23.2 | 1986-02-05 | 3 | 30°02'N / 95°33'W | 29°59'N / 95°29'W | 5.00 Miles | 70 Yards | 2 | 0 | 25.0M | 0 | Harris |
23.6 | 1992-11-21 | 4 | 29°44'N / 95°17'W | 29°57'N / 95°00'W | 20.00 Miles | 1800 Yards | 0 | 15 | 250.0M | 0 | Harris |
24.0 | 1982-05-06 | 2 | 29°57'N / 94°53'W | 0.50 Mile | 37 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Liberty | |
24.2 | 1971-07-29 | 2 | 29°50'N / 95°08'W | 0.30 Mile | 20 Yards | 0 | 8 | 25K | 0 | Harris | |
26.0 | 1983-05-20 | 2 | 29°50'N / 95°32'W | 29°56'N / 95°22'W | 12.00 Miles | 333 Yards | 1 | 7 | 2.5M | 0 | Harris |
26.1 | 1964-04-17 | 2 | 29°55'N / 95°23'W | 29°42'N / 95°07'W | 21.90 Miles | 27 Yards | 1 | 2 | 3K | 0 | Harris |
26.6 | 1973-05-26 | 2 | 30°07'N / 94°52'W | 30°01'N / 94°39'W | 14.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Liberty |
26.6 | 1975-10-23 | 2 | 30°32'N / 95°03'W | 30°32'N / 94°57'W | 6.40 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | San Jacinto |
26.8 | 1978-05-29 | 2 | 29°48'N / 95°16'W | 0.20 Mile | 20 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Harris | |
27.0 | 1961-09-12 | 3 | 30°09'N / 94°44'W | 0.50 Mile | 17 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Liberty | |
27.1 | 1966-06-18 | 2 | 29°48'N / 95°24'W | 29°51'N / 95°21'W | 4.90 Miles | 27 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Harris |
28.3 | 1986-02-05 | 2 | 30°01'N / 95°37'W | 2.50 Miles | 70 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Harris | |
28.8 | 1961-09-11 | 3 | 29°46'N / 95°08'W | 1.00 Mile | 83 Yards | 0 | 22 | 0K | 0 | Harris | |
28.9 | 1983-05-20 | 2 | 29°54'N / 96°06'W | 29°55'N / 95°00'W | 4.00 Miles | 333 Yards | 1 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Harris |
29.0 | 2006-04-29 | 2 | 30°36'N / 95°09'W | 30°36'N / 95°09'W | 1.00 Mile | 30 Yards | 0 | 4 | 100K | 0 | San Jacinto |
Brief Description: Tornado in the Coldspring Terrace Subdivision along Lake Livingston. Four injuries in two homes that received major damage. | |||||||||||
30.7 | 1973-04-26 | 2 | 29°48'N / 95°01'W | 29°44'N / 94°59'W | 5.20 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Harris |
31.3 | 1950-02-11 | 3 | 29°40'N / 95°03'W | 29°50'N / 95°00'W | 12.00 Miles | 1000 Yards | 1 | 12 | 25K | 0 | Harris |
31.4 | 1992-11-21 | 2 | 29°42'N / 95°23'W | 29°47'N / 95°15'W | 12.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 6 | 25.0M | 0 | Harris |
31.7 | 1964-03-19 | 2 | 29°45'N / 95°00'W | 2.50 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Harris | |
32.9 | 1965-09-22 | 3 | 30°13'N / 95°44'W | 0.80 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Montgomery | |
33.3 | 2001-10-11 | 2 | 29°42'N / 95°12'W | 29°42'N / 95°12'W | 3.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3.8M | 0 | Harris |
Brief Description: 120 homes, 3 apartment complexes, 2 schools, and some businesses damaged by a tornado. The tornado touched down near Fairmont and Shaver, moving northeast to near the intersection of Southmore and Red-Bluff Road. | |||||||||||
33.3 | 1969-09-08 | 3 | 29°42'N / 95°13'W | 0.80 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Harris | |
33.5 | 1973-02-13 | 2 | 29°58'N / 95°43'W | 29°59'N / 95°40'W | 3.30 Miles | 30 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Harris |
33.9 | 1974-10-28 | 3 | 29°42'N / 95°01'W | 29°44'N / 94°59'W | 3.30 Miles | 50 Yards | 1 | 7 | 2.5M | 0 | Harris |
33.9 | 1979-09-18 | 2 | 29°44'N / 95°25'W | 1.00 Mile | 350 Yards | 0 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Harris | |
34.3 | 1974-10-31 | 2 | 29°41'N / 95°04'W | 29°43'N / 95°01'W | 4.30 Miles | 77 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Harris |
34.5 | 1974-08-29 | 2 | 29°47'N / 95°32'W | 1.00 Mile | 67 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Harris | |
35.7 | 2003-11-17 | 2 | 29°40'N / 95°14'W | 29°40'N / 95°14'W | 0.70 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 550K | 0 | Harris |
Brief Description: Tornado touched down just east of Highway 288 in the Third Ward. One church completely destroyed, 50 homes damaged, and extensive tree damage. Wind damage to several downtown buildings in SE Houston near Minute Maid ballpark. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary. | |||||||||||
35.8 | 1974-07-14 | 2 | 29°47'N / 95°34'W | 0.80 Mile | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Harris | |
35.9 | 1992-11-21 | 2 | 30°35'N / 94°48'W | 2.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Polk | |
36.6 | 1981-05-09 | 2 | 30°27'N / 95°45'W | 30°23'N / 95°43'W | 5.10 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Montgomery |
36.6 | 1992-11-21 | 2 | 29°47'N / 95°46'W | 29°58'N / 95°36'W | 21.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 5 | 25.0M | 0 | Harris |
37.0 | 1987-12-06 | 2 | 30°41'N / 94°58'W | 1.00 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Polk | |
38.4 | 1984-12-31 | 2 | 29°36'N / 95°12'W | 29°39'N / 95°08'W | 4.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 53 | 25.0M | 0 | Harris |
39.0 | 1974-10-31 | 2 | 29°37'N / 95°10'W | 29°37'N / 95°09'W | 1.90 Miles | 167 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Harris |
39.8 | 2002-03-30 | 3 | 29°37'N / 95°01'W | 29°38'N / 95°00'W | 0.70 Mile | 60 Yards | 0 | 0 | 350K | 0 | Harris |
Brief Description: This Tornado began its path in the Shoreacres subdivision, 3 miles south of La Porte, with a home on Greenleaf Road receiving structural and roof damage (F1), then moved northeast and partially demolished a Super Mart on Broadway (F3), then ripped through an apartment complex across the street causing major roof and window damage and knocking down trees (F2), collapsing a car garage and destroying at least one car. Just northeast of the apartments, a few homes had minor damage with fences and large trees down. On Carlisle Street, in the Bayside Terrace subdivision, a few homes had minor roof damage, yard trees down, and debris from the convenience store, while part of the roof off the Super Mart dropped onto a Truck parked at the north end of Carlisle next to Galveston Bay. No injuries were reported. A survey was conducted. | |||||||||||
39.9 | 1969-05-27 | 3 | 29°47'N / 94°42'W | 1.50 Miles | 67 Yards | 3 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Chambers | |
40.0 | 1983-02-09 | 2 | 29°39'N / 95°27'W | 1.50 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Harris | |
41.0 | 2001-12-16 | 2 | 30°46'N / 95°13'W | 30°47'N / 95°11'W | 3.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | San Jacinto |
Brief Description: An F2 Tornado touched down at the Point Lookout West Estates. There were 2 minor injuries. 15 homes were destroyed, with 15 to 20 other homes receiving major damage. Trees and power lines were down. Reported by the Sheriff's office. | |||||||||||
41.5 | 1971-03-09 | 2 | 29°35'N / 95°15'W | 1.00 Mile | 440 Yards | 0 | 4 | 25K | 0 | Harris | |
42.9 | 1957-03-31 | 2 | 30°43'N / 95°33'W | 2.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Walker | |
43.0 | 1986-02-05 | 2 | 29°50'N / 95°49'W | 29°52'N / 95°46'W | 4.00 Miles | 170 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Harris |
44.0 | 2003-11-17 | 2 | 29°38'N / 95°34'W | 29°38'N / 95°33'W | 0.50 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 300K | 0 | Fort Bend |
Brief Description: Tornado touched down in the Meadows subdivision in Fort Bend County and traveled into Harris County. One home lost roof with several other homes damaged. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary. | |||||||||||
44.0 | 1967-05-01 | 2 | 30°48'N / 95°07'W | 30°49'N / 94°59'W | 8.00 Miles | 67 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Polk |
44.3 | 1999-01-01 | 2 | 30°50'N / 95°23'W | 30°46'N / 95°23'W | 5.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 750K | 0 | Trinity |
Brief Description: Funnel reported over the Trinity River bridge. Storm abruptly took a right turn along the eastern shore of Lake Livingston. Tornado touched down 7 miles south of Trinity. Effected Timber Bay, Whiterock Estates, Azteck Cove and Timber Cove subdivisions. Major damage caused by trees falling on residences/vehicles. Strongest damage (and not necessarly caused by falling trees) occurred at Whiterock Estates. Resident in Timber Bay (where the first touchdown occurred) had anemometer that clocked 110 mph winds before it was blown away. Mostly F1 damage with F2 damage in Whiterock Estates. | |||||||||||
44.4 | 1960-02-17 | 2 | 29°46'N / 95°48'W | 29°48'N / 95°44'W | 4.90 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 3 | 25K | 0 | Harris |
44.7 | 1957-10-14 | 2 | 30°03'N / 95°55'W | 0.50 Mile | 17 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Waller | |
44.7 | 2003-11-17 | 2 | 29°37'N / 95°33'W | 29°37'N / 95°33'W | 0.50 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 500K | 0 | Harris |
Brief Description: Tornado touched down in the Meadows subdivision in Fort Bend County and traveled into Harris County. Tornado moved over the intersection of West Bellfort and Kirkwood. Numerous apartments lost roofs in the extensive SW Village Apartment Complex damage. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary. | |||||||||||
45.5 | 1962-06-18 | 2 | 30°04'N / 95°56'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Waller | |||
45.7 | 1986-02-05 | 2 | 29°50'N / 95°51'W | 29°50'N / 95°49'W | 4.00 Miles | 170 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Waller |
45.7 | 1981-02-10 | 2 | 30°48'N / 95°34'W | 30°50'N / 95°14'W | 19.90 Miles | 100 Yards | 1 | 8 | 250K | 0 | Walker |
46.0 | 1983-02-09 | 2 | 29°29'N / 95°21'W | 29°34'N / 95°17'W | 8.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Brazoria |
46.6 | 1999-01-01 | 3 | 30°00'N / 94°27'W | 30°03'N / 94°24'W | 5.50 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 5 | 500K | 0 | Jefferson |
Brief Description: A strong tornado that developed in Liberty County moved into western Jefferson County, destroying several rice dryers, two mobile homes, and a brick house. Five people were injured in the mobile homes and brick house. Two people received broken necks and other injuries after they were ejected from one of the mobile homes. A fiberglass tub from the destroyed brick home was found one mile away. Cancelled checks and other paperwork were found seven miles away in southern Hardin County. This tornado was strongest southwest of Nome, and was weakening as it passed through the small community of Nome. At least 20 homes received minor damage such as shingles blown off, and many trees were blown down. | |||||||||||
46.8 | 1970-01-10 | 2 | 30°10'N / 94°24'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Hardin | |
46.8 | 1994-11-05 | 2 | 30°09'N / 94°24'W | 2.00 Miles | 700 Yards | 0 | 1 | 3K | 0 | Hardin | |
Brief Description: A tornado touched down 1.5 miles NNW of Sour Lake and moved toward the northeast for 2 miles, crossing State Highway 326 in the process. It tracked across open fields and the only damage was to trees and fencing along the path. The tornado path averaged around 50 yards wide, increasing to nearly 0.5 miles wide at one point. The tornado was viewed by several hunters, one of whom was slightly injured when she was blown out of her stand as it passed nearby. | |||||||||||
46.9 | 1964-03-19 | 2 | 30°08'N / 94°24'W | 0.20 Mile | 17 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Hardin | |
47.0 | 1999-01-01 | 2 | 29°58'N / 94°25'W | 30°02'N / 94°26'W | 4.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 175K | 0 | Liberty |
Brief Description: The tornado appeared to have formed just on the other side of a canal in the Dunning's Farm area. At this point three large houses were completely destroyed with widespread tree damage. The tornado moved NE and dragged heavy farm tractors (approximately 50000 lbs) over 10 to 15 feet. The tornado moved across a wide open field and crossed into Jefferson county. | |||||||||||
47.4 | 1992-11-21 | 2 | 29°41'N / 95°48'W | 29°47'N / 95°46'W | 4.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 6 | 25.0M | 0 | Harris |
47.4 | 2003-11-17 | 2 | 29°37'N / 95°38'W | 29°37'N / 95°38'W | 1.50 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 60 | 500K | 0 | Fort Bend |
Brief Description: Tornado touched down on west Airport Drive near Industrial in Sugar Land. 60 injuries with 7 people sent to hospital for further treatment. Damage to several office building roofs in Industrial Park. Additional damage to a Daycare facility at West Airport Drive and Dairy Ashford Road. Roof damage to several residential homes in the Meadows subdivision. Reports of several cars overturned or blown off of road along Airport Drive. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary. | |||||||||||
47.9 | 1989-05-17 | 2 | 30°48'N / 94°53'W | 30°50'N / 94°50'W | 3.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Polk |
48.2 | 1976-03-08 | 3 | 29°27'N / 95°14'W | 29°31'N / 95°06'W | 9.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Galveston |
48.8 | 1981-05-03 | 2 | 29°26'N / 95°19'W | 29°32'N / 95°18'W | 7.20 Miles | 73 Yards | 0 | 10 | 250K | 0 | Brazoria |
49.0 | 1957-10-14 | 3 | 30°07'N / 96°00'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Waller | |
49.0 | 1981-05-09 | 2 | 29°29'N / 95°02'W | 1.50 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Galveston | |
49.4 | 1950-02-11 | 2 | 29°25'N / 95°15'W | 29°31'N / 95°08'W | 9.90 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Brazoria |
* 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.