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Mulhall Tornado Map

From the Fujita Supply storm archive, compiled from NWS, NOAA and Wikipedia records
Map of the 1999 Mulhall tornado path, drawn on a vintage survey sheet
1999 Mulhall tornado path | Drawn by Fujita Supply from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center record
Every tornado recorded in Oklahoma from 1950 to 2024, mapped on one survey sheet: Tornadoes of Oklahoma print.View print →
RatingF4
DateMay 3, 1999
Peak Winds257 mph
Path Length39 miles
Max Width1,760 yards
Duration1 hour, 20 minutes
Fatalities2
Injuries26
Damage Est.$100 million
Areas AffectedLogan, Noble and Payne Counties, Oklahoma

During the nighttime hours of May 3, 1999, a deadly, long-tracked and violent high-end F4 tornado struck the town of Mulhall, Oklahoma, causing devastating damage in an around the surrounding regions. Known most frequently as the Mulhall tornado, this wedge tornado, which tracked a 39-mile (63 km) path, was very wide and at times exceeded one mile (1.6 km) in width. It occurred amidst a major tornado outbreak that took place across the region from May 2 to 5. According to storm chasing meteorologist Roger Edwards, it may have been as violent or more than the F5 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado from earlier that evening; however, it was officially rated as an F4. The tornado dissipated at approximately 10:45 p.m. CDT in southeastern Noble County, 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Perry.

The path of the Mulhall tornado

On the night of Monday, May 3, 1999, a tornado touched down 19 miles southwest of Mulhall. Over the next 40.0 miles it traveled northeast, passing through Cimarron City and Mulhall, before lifting 20 miles northeast of Mulhall.

At its widest the damage path was 1,760 yards (1.0 miles) across. It was rated F4 on the Fujita Scale, a violent tornado. It killed 2 people and injured 26.

The track, widths and figures on this map come from the Storm Prediction Center's survey record, so they can differ slightly from totals published elsewhere.

What was the Mulhall tornado?

The Mulhall tornado was a violent, long-tracked F4 wedge tornado that struck Oklahoma on the night of May 3, 1999. It occurred during a major multi-day tornado outbreak that spanned five states. The tornado produced a path 39 miles long and exceeded one mile in width at its peak. Meteorologists noted its intensity rivaled the F5 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado that occurred earlier the same evening.

What was the Mulhall tornado wind speed?

The Mulhall tornado produced peak wind speeds of 257 mph (414 km/h). Scientists documented these intense winds using a Doppler On Wheels (DOW) mobile radar unit as the storm crossed near Mulhall. This radar analysis revealed a complex multi-vortex structure within the tornado. The DOW also observed the largest-ever core flow circulation measured in a tornado, with a distance of 1,600 meters between peak velocities.

What was the Mulhall tornado path?

The tornado touched down at 9:25 p.m. CDT about 7 miles southwest of Crescent, Oklahoma. It moved eastward for 39 miles, passing through the unincorporated community of Abell and the town of Mulhall. The storm tracked across northwestern Payne County before entering Noble County. It finally dissipated at 10:45 p.m. CDT, approximately 3 miles northeast of Perry.

How many people died in the Mulhall tornado?

The tornado directly caused two fatalities during its 80-minute lifespan. One woman died in her home in the community of Abell, and another person died when a vehicle was sucked out from underneath an overpass. Additionally, the storm caused 26 injuries throughout its path. Authorities attribute the relatively low fatality count to the advanced warning time residents received before the storm arrived.

What did the Mulhall tornado destroy?

The tornado destroyed roughly 60 to 70 percent of the 130 homes in Mulhall. It leveled the Mulhall/Orlando Elementary School and blew away the city water tower. In the Boonsboro Addition of Noble County, the storm destroyed 20 mobile homes and damaged dozens of others. It also struck the Roselawn Cemetery, where it uprooted trees and blew over tombstones and fences.

What caused the Mulhall tornado?

A vigorous upper-level trough moving into the Central Plains caused the May 3 outbreak. Atmospheric conditions featured dew points in the mid-60s and CAPE values potentially exceeding 4000 J/kg. Strong directional wind shear and high instability provided favorable conditions for supercell development. The specific tornado originated from supercell B, which formed in northern Texas and moved into Oklahoma.

What happened after the Mulhall tornado?

President Bill Clinton signed a major disaster declaration on May 4, 1999, to release federal aid. The American Red Cross established ten emergency shelters, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies provided support. Cleanup crews began debris removal on May 12, eventually clearing 964,170 cubic yards of wreckage. Recovery aid for the event reached approximately $67.8 million by the end of July.

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide was the Mulhall tornado?
The Mulhall tornado reached a peak width of one mile.
What was the Fujita rating of the Mulhall tornado?
Official records rate the Mulhall tornado as an F4.
How long was the Mulhall tornado on the ground?
The tornado stayed on the ground for approximately one hour and 20 minutes.
Did the Mulhall tornado destroy the water tower?
Yes, the tornado destroyed the city's water tower, which served as the primary water source for residents.

Citations

NCEI Storm Events Database: Mulhall tornado

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