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1947 Woodward Tornado: A Haunting Look at the Devastating Storm through Images of America

Elmer Powell

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1947 Woodward Tornado, A Devastating Storm That Hit Woodward, Oklahoma, On April 9, 1947. 1947 Woodward Tornado (Images Of America)

On April 9, 1947, a devastating tornado tore through the city of Woodward, Oklahoma, leaving behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The storm, which struck at around 4:30 p.m., reached F5 intensity and killed 107 people, injured hundreds more, and leveled much of the town.

1947 Woodward Tornado (Images of America)

by Robin D. Hohweiler

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20476 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages

In the aftermath of the tornado, photographers from across the country descended on Woodward to document the devastation. Their images captured the heartbreaking loss and resilience of the community, and they continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the deadly power of nature.

The Tornado

The 1947 Woodward tornado was one of the most powerful tornadoes ever recorded in Oklahoma. It struck without warning, and its winds reached speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. The tornado was on the ground for over an hour, and it carved a path of destruction that was over a mile wide and 20 miles long.

The tornado touched down in rural Woodward County, and it quickly gained strength as it moved towards the city of Woodward. The storm leveled homes, businesses, and schools, and it uprooted trees and power lines. The tornado also caused extensive damage to the city's water and sewer systems.

The Aftermath

The aftermath of the tornado was chaotic and heartbreaking. Residents were left homeless and without food, water, or electricity. Many people had lost loved ones or friends, and the community was in shock.

In the days and weeks following the tornado, volunteers from across the country came to Woodward to help with the cleanup and recovery effort. The community also received support from the federal government, and President Harry Truman visited Woodward to survey the damage.

The Images

The photographs taken in the aftermath of the 1947 Woodward tornado are a powerful reminder of the storm's devastating impact. The images show the destruction of homes, businesses, and schools, and they capture the heartbreak of the community.

The photographs also show the resilience of the Woodward community. Residents worked together to clean up the damage and rebuild their lives. The community also received support from people all over the country, and the tornado became a symbol of hope and renewal.

The Book

The book 1947 Woodward Tornado: Images of America is a collection of over 200 photographs that document the storm and its aftermath. The book provides a powerful and moving account of one of the deadliest tornadoes in Oklahoma history.

The book is written by local historian and author Ron Steelman. Steelman has spent years researching the tornado, and he has interviewed survivors and family members of victims. The book includes firsthand accounts of the storm, and it provides a detailed account of the cleanup and recovery effort.

1947 Woodward Tornado: Images of America is a must-read for anyone interested in Oklahoma history or the history of tornadoes. The book is also a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

1947 Woodward Tornado (Images of America)

by Robin D. Hohweiler

4.3 out of 5