A storm system will shift from eastern Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley Monday with additional threats of severe thunderstorms and heavy to excessive rainfall which may bring flooding. A Flood Watch remains in effect. In the northern U.S., a storm will bring heavy snow and gusty winds over parts of the northern Rockies, northern Plains, and Upper Midwest Monday into Wednesday. Read More >
On May, 24, 1973, a violent tornado touched down several miles west-northwest of Union City and moved east-southeastward through the city before it turned and traveled more southeastward for several miles. Estimated damages totaled $1 million in Union City, and the tornado destroyed 27 homes and 18 mobile homes. In addition, 20 homes sustained major damage and 23 homes had minor damage. Severe commercial buildings and churches were also heavily damaged. Farm animals were killed and crops damaged.
Two people were killed and while four people were injured, with two people being seriously injured. It was noted that the intensity and destruction of this tornado was immense. There were also two funnels reported in the area at the time of the event. This was one of the most thoroughly studied tornadoes in history, as multiple research scientists from the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) documented the event through experimental Doppler radar and storm chase teams.
Please see the StoryMap created by the NSSL to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this event.
Only two tornadoes were documented in Oklahoma on May 24, 1973, and are listed in the table below.
| Tornado Number |
Date | Time (CST) |
Length of Path (miles) |
Width of Path (yards) |
F-Scale | Killed | Injured | County | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 05/24/1973 | 1600 | 0.4 | 33 | F0 | 0 | 0 | Comanche | Near Lawton |
|
A small tornado was observed and heard by two people who said it touched down briefly and then lifted, carrying debris with it as it moved off to the northeast. Light damage was done to a freight company. |
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| 2 | 05/24/1973 | 1600 | 13 | 300 | F4 | 2 | 4 | Canadian | WNW of Union City- Union City- SE of Union City |
|
This violent tornado touched down several miles west-northwest of Union City and moved east-southeastward through the city before it turned more southeastward for several miles. Estimated damages totaled $1 million in Union City, and the tornado destroyed 27 homes and 18 mobile homes. In addition, 20 homes sustained major damage and 23 homes had minor damage. Severe commercial buildings and churches were also heavily damaged. Farm animals were killed and crops damaged. Two people were killed and while four people were injured, with two people being seriously injured. It was noted that the intensity and destruction of this tornado was immense. There were also two funnels aloft reported in the area at the time of the event. This was one of the most thoroughly studied tornadoes in history, as multiple research scientists from the National Severe Storms Laboratory documented the event through experimental Doppler radar and storm chase teams. |
|||||||||
 The NSSL Storm Intercept project was one of the earliest field experiments. NSSL scientists were guided by Norman Doppler Radar as they tracked the Union City tornado on May 24, 1973. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL. |
Restored NSSL videos of the 1973 Union City, OK F4 Tornado are provided by the NOAA Weather Partners.
 This photo shows neighbors and friends working to remove debris around remains of a farmhouse after the May 24, 1973 F4 tornado destroyed it. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
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