Texas Commemorates Deadly F5 Tornadoes in Jarrell, Lubbock, Waco

Central Texas and West Texas have been the sites of some of the deadliest and most significant tornadoes in U.S. history, particularly in May. The Jarrell tornado of 1997 was a catastrophic F-5 event that obliterated parts of the town, killing 27 people and destroying homes and infrastructure. Similarly, the 1970 Lubbock tornado, also an F-5, resulted in 26 deaths and widespread destruction, injuring over 1,500 people and damaging thousands of homes and vehicles. This tornado notably contributed to the development of the Fujita Scale, which was created based on the extensive research and damage analysis by Dr. Tetsuya Theodore Fujita, whose work fundamentally advanced tornado science. To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Lubbock tornado, historical markers honoring both the disaster and Dr. Fujita's contributions were unveiled, highlighting the community's resilience and the scientific advancements spurred by the event. These tornadoes underscore the devastating impact of violent storms in Texas and the ongoing efforts to understand and remember them.