November 1989 tornado outbreak facts for kids

This picture shows the damage left behind by a tornado in Huntsville, Alabama.

The November 1989 tornado outbreak was a series of strong storms and tornadoes that hit the United States on November 15 and 16, 1989. These powerful storms caused a lot of damage and sadly led to many injuries and deaths.

A wall cloud seen over Huntsville. This is a sign that a tornado might form.

Powerful Tornadoes

Huntsville, Alabama Tornado

On November 14, 1989, weather forecasters in Huntsville, Alabama, warned people about severe thunderstorms coming. The next day, on November 15, things got more serious.

• At 9:30 a.m., weather experts said there was a high chance of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Tennessee Valley.
• By 10:50 a.m., the weather office in Birmingham, Alabama, warned of a major threat for severe weather across Alabama and northern Florida.

A tornado watch was put in place at 12:45 p.m. This meant that tornadoes were possible in the area. Later, actual tornado warnings were issued as a line of strong storms moved through. People watching the weather reported large hail and very strong winds.

Just before the tornado hit, a severe thunderstorm warning was active. Weather spotters saw a rotating cloud, called a wall cloud, but the rotation stopped for a bit. Then, at 4:25 p.m., the rotation started again and grew stronger.

The tornado struck during the busy afternoon rush hour. It was a very powerful storm, rated an F4 on the Fujita Scale. This scale measures how strong tornadoes are. The tornado sadly killed 21 people and injured 463 others. Many of those who died were in their cars, similar to a tornado that hit Wichita Falls in 1979.

Newburgh, New York Tornado

On November 16, 1989, a strong burst of wind, called a downburst, hit East Coldenham Elementary School in Newburgh, New York, at 11:35 a.m. This downburst was considered an F1 tornado. It caused a cafeteria wall to collapse. Sadly, nine people died, and eighteen others were hurt. Former President Ronald Reagan visited the site very soon after the event.

Another view of a wall cloud over the Huntsville Police Academy. The academy was damaged, and two officers were injured.

Images for kids

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  This map shows the path the tornado took in Huntsville, from the National Weather Service.

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  An aerial view showing buildings that were completely flattened the day after the Huntsville tornado.