| Tornado outbreak of November 7–8, 1957 | |
| Duration: | November 7–8, 1957 |
| Tornadoes: | 28 |
| Fujitascale: | F4 |
| Gusts: | 66kn on November 7 |
| Year: | 1957 |
| Damages: | $7.719 million ($ in USD) |
| Fatalities: | 12 |
| Injuries: | 213 |
| Affected: | Southern United States (primarily Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi) |
On November 7–8, 1957, a significant tornado outbreak affected portions of the Southern United States, particularly the Golden Triangle of Southeast Texas and parts of Acadiana in Louisiana. The severe weather event inflicted 12 deaths and more than 200 injuries, especially in the vicinity of Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas. The most intense tornado of the outbreak, retrospectively rated F4 on the Fujita scale, struck the town of Orange, Texas, killing one person, injuring 81 others, and causing $1 million in losses. The deadliest tornado of the outbreak was an F3 that killed four people northwest of Carencro, Louisiana. The costliest tornado of the outbreak, also rated F3, caused $2.3 million in losses in the town of Groves, Texas, killing a few people there. Other intense tornadoes occurred as far east as Mississippi and North Carolina. In all, at least 28 tornadoes were confirmed, yet others were likely present as well.
On November 7, 1957, a potent trough passed over the Central United States. Meanwhile, a vigorous subtropical jet stream—possibly related to ongoing El Niño conditions—bearing winds of up to 120kn impinged on South Texas. By the evening, high levels of wind shear and atmospheric instability over Southeast Texas and adjourning portions of Louisiana were conducive to the formation of tornado-generating supercells; among these variables were CAPE values of up to 2,500 j/kg, high dew points that reached the lower 70s °F, precipitable water values of up to NaNabbr=onNaNabbr=on, and deep-layer wind shear of up to 70kn.[1]
| Date | Total | F-scale rating | Deaths | Injuries | Damage | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | |||||||
| November 7 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 199 | |||
| November 8 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | |||
| Total | 28 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 213 | |||
| State | Total | County | County total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 7 | Acadia | 2 |
| Rapides | 3 | ||
| St. Landry | 2 | ||
| Mississippi | 2 | Holmes | 2 |
| Texas | 3 | Jefferson | 2 |
| Orange | 1 | ||
| Totals | 12 | ||
| All deaths were tornado-related | |||
Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of NEXRAD Doppler weather radar in 1990–1991. 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of Fujita scale assessments. Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.
| Color / symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| † | Data from Grazulis 1990/1993/2001b |
| ¶ | Data from a local National Weather Service office |
| ※ | Data from the 1957 Climatological Data National Summary publication |
| ‡ | Data from the NCEI database |
| ♯ | Maximum width of tornado |
| ± | Tornado was rated below F2 intensity by Grazulis but a specific rating is unavailable. |
| Location | County / Parish | State | Start | Date | Time (UTC) | Path length | Width | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1¶ | Grand Prairie | St. Landry | Louisiana | 20:20–? | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | |||
| This tornado was not listed in the NCEI database or by Grazulis, but was revealed in a reanalysis by the National Weather Service. | |||||||||
| F2 | Robson to Fillmore※ | Caddo, Bossier※ | Louisiana | 20:30–? | 15abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | ‡ | ||
| This tornado unroofed or destroyed a few homes as it traversed rural, mostly forested land. Many trees and transmission wires were downed as well. The NCEI database lists the path as traveling from Lucas to Curtis and thence to just west of Haughton. | |||||||||
| F1¶ | Lowry | Cameron | Louisiana | 20:30–?‡ | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | |||
| This and the following two events are listed as a single tornado in the NCEI database, but were split into three distinct tracks in a reanalysis by the National Weather Service. | |||||||||
| F1¶ | Andrus Cove | Jefferson Davis | Louisiana | ‡ | 21:00–?¶ | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | ||
| This, the preceding, and the following event are listed as a single tornado in the NCEI database, but were split into three distinct tracks in a reanalysis by the National Weather Service. The NCEI database lists the path as traveling from just east-northeast of Illinois Plant to south-southwest of Iota. | |||||||||
| F1¶ | Gotts Cove | Acadia | Louisiana | 21:30–?¶ | 5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | |||
| This and the preceding two events are listed as a single tornado in the NCEI database, but were split into three distinct tracks in a reanalysis by the National Weather Service. Between Lowry and Iota the three events altogether damaged just a few homes. | |||||||||
| F2† | Near Lettsworth to near Torras† | Pointe Coupee | Louisiana | 22:50–? | 3abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | ‡ | ||
| This intense tornado destroyed three barns and seven homes. 12 other structures were damaged as well. Five people were injured. | |||||||||
| F1¶ | Iota | Acadia | Louisiana | 23:30–? | 5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | |||
| One person was injured. | |||||||||
| F2† | W of Leesville※ | Vernon | Louisiana | 02:35–? | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | ‡ | ||
| This tornado only destroyed one home and damaged four other structures. The NCEI database lists the touchdown as southwest of Hawthorne. | |||||||||
| F2† | WSW of Nome to WSW of China¶ | Jefferson | Texas | 02:45–? | 5abbr=onNaNabbr=on† | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on† | ¶ | ||
| This tornado damaged or destroyed three homes, one of which was a two-story structure. A Sun Oil Company utility shed was also damaged.[2] | |||||||||
| F2¶ | Northwestern Boyce | Rapides | Louisiana | ‡ | 02:55–? | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | ||
| 1 death – This strong tornado destroyed or damaged more than 11 homes, one of which shifted on its foundation. 14 people were injured. This and the following tornado are listed as one event in the NCEI database, but were split into separate events in a reanalysis by the NWS.[3] | |||||||||
| F3 | Downtown Alexandria to Wardville¶ | Rapides | Louisiana | 03:04–?¶ | 3abbr=onNaNabbr=on¶ | 75abbr=onNaNabbr=on¶ | ¶ | ||
| 2 deaths – This intense tornado destroyed or damaged 235–315 homes in Alexandria. The tornado subsequently traversed the Red River and hit Wardville before dissipating, causing two injuries and destroying or damaging nine homes there. Only individuals—28 in all—whose injuries required medical attention were recorded; others may have received minor injuries. This and the preceding tornado are listed as one event in the NCEI database, but were split into separate events in a reanalysis by the NWS.[4] | |||||||||
| F2† | Southeastern Port Acres※ | Jefferson | Texas | 03:10–?¶ | 1.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 70abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | † | ||
| This strong tornado damaged 15 homes and destroyed five others. Only one injury was reported.[5] | |||||||||
| F3 | Downtown Groves※ | Jefferson | Texas | 03:15–? | 3abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 150abbr=onNaNabbr=on† | † | ||
| 2 deaths – Approximately 1,160 structures were destroyed or damaged, including many businesses and homes. The deaths occurred each in small homes that were flattened. 53 people were injured as well. This tornado was the costliest of the outbreak. The NCEI database lists the endpoint as south of Atreco.[6] | |||||||||
| F4 | Northern Orange¶ | Orange | Texas | 03:27–?¶ | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on† | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on† | † | ||
| 1 death – This was probably the most intense tornado of the outbreak, but only leveled frail structures beside the Sabine River in its path, so it may have merited high-end F3 status at most. About 430 homes were destroyed or damaged in Orange, including a two-story home that was flattened, killing a woman inside. A total of 12 barges and ships were torn from their moorings, some of which were moved onto the Louisiana shore. The tornado may have ended as a downburst in neighboring Louisiana. 81 people were injured, though other estimates ranged from 20 to 50. The NCEI database incorrectly labels this tornado as having moved southwestward.[7] | |||||||||
| F1¶ | Mossville | Calcasieu | Louisiana | 04:20–? | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 25abbr=onNaNabbr=on | |||
| This tornado was not listed in the NCEI database or by Grazulis, but was revealed in a reanalysis by the National Weather Service. | |||||||||
| F3 | S of Cruger to E of Greenwood※ | Holmes, Leflore†, Carroll | Mississippi | 05:00–? | 20abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 300abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | ‡ | ||
| 2 deaths – This intense, long-tracked tornado destroyed 23 structures near Cruger, including a tenant home. A car was transported for NaNmiles as well. One person was injured. The NCEI database indicates that the path extended from near Keirn to near Malmaison. | |||||||||
| F1 | Alcorn to ESE of Westside | Claiborne | Mississippi | 05:05–? | 4.1abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | ‡ | ||
| This tornado struck Alcorn State University, known then as Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical (A & M) College. | |||||||||
| F1 | Eastern Louisville | Winston | Mississippi | 05:30–? | 0.1abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | 33abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | ‡ | ||
| Nine structures were destroyed or damaged. | |||||||||
| F3 | WSW of Higginbotham to between Cankton and Bristol¶ | Acadia, St. Landry | Louisiana | 05:30–? | 8abbr=onNaNabbr=on¶ | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | ‡ | ||
| 4 deaths – This intense tornado destroyed or damaged 85 homes and outbuildings. Two of the dead, a couple, were cast 150yd. 15 people were injured, though some sources list 10 to 12 injuries. An F1 tornado is incorrectly listed in the NCEI database as having killed a few people and injured 13 others near the northern edge of Carencro, but in a reanalysis by the NWS is assessed as having been the same event as this tornado. Grazulis listed a 15adj=midNaNadj=mid path that began southeast of Branch and ended near Sunset.[8] | |||||||||
| F2† | SE of Philadelphia to Gholson† | Neshoba, Kemper, Noxubee | Mississippi | 07:30–08:25※ | 25abbr=onNaNabbr=on† | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | ‡ | ||
| A total of 52 structures were destroyed or damaged, including 15 barns and six homes. In all, three people were injured. | |||||||||
| F2± | Eastern Pulaski to S of Berea | Giles | Tennessee | 08:00–? | 4abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | ‡ | ||
| A strong tornado touched down in the Rebel Acres neighborhood, damaging television antennae and roofing. At Powell Chapel the tornado tore off a roof, porch, and wall. A garage and a barn were wrecked as well. | |||||||||
| F2† | NW of Aliceville※ | Pickens | Alabama | 08:25–? | 8abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | ‡ | ||
| 15 homes were destroyed or damaged. Five people were injured. The NCEI database incorrectly lists a path that extends from eastern Aliceville to east-northeast of Hickory.[9] | |||||||||
| FU※ | Northwestern Selma | Dallas | Alabama | 10:22–? | 1.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 400abbr=onNaNabbr=on♯ | |||
| Hundreds of houses received damage, but only two to a serious degree. A vehicle was flipped onto its side as well. | |||||||||
| F1 | S of Nelson to W of Wilsonville※ | Shelby | Alabama | 10:30–? | 9abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 40abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | ‡ | ||
| Sporadic damage was reported. | |||||||||
| F1 | S of Blakely to near Leary※ | Early, Calhoun | Georgia | 14:20–? | 15abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 33abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | ‡ | ||
| Seven small homes and a few larger were destroyed or damaged, along with many barns. Numerous trees were prostrated or otherwise bent in half. Fallen trees damaged a few vehicles as well. One minor injury was reported. | |||||||||
| F3 | SE of Rocky Mount† | Wilson, Edgecombe, Bertie※ | North Carolina | 23:30–00:30※ | 40abbr=onNaNabbr=on※ | 150abbr=onNaNabbr=on‡ | ‡ | ||
| Eight homes were severely damaged or destroyed on US 64, just east of Rocky Mount. 23 farmsteads and 10 other homes were wrecked elsewhere along the path. A school was destroyed as well. 52 other structures received damage. Five people were injured. The NCEI database incorrectly lists a path from east of Drivers Store to west of Windsor via Crisp and Quitsna. | |||||||||
| FU※ | Between Coker and Buhl | Tuscaloosa | Alabama | ||||||
| A utility pole was downed. | |||||||||
| FU※ | Franklin | Alabama | |||||||
| A few trees were felled, along with five utility poles. | |||||||||
A possible tornado occurred just south of Grenada in Grenada County, Mississippi.
Significant thunderstorm winds were recorded throughout the event as well. On November 7, a 66kn wind gust was recorded in Beaumont, Texas. Two strong thunderstorm wind gusts of 65kn were recorded the next day in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at the Raleigh–Durham International Airport in Raleigh, North Carolina, respectively.[10]