The Tornado of 1947 - Woodward, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 36° 26.077 W 099° 23.423
14S E 465009 N 4032226
Commemorating those who lost their lives in this devastating tornado.
Waymark Code: WMXATX
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 12/18/2017
Views: 5
Wednesday, April 9, 1947 - 8:42PM
The huge F5 tornado which originated over Canadian, Texas, roared into Woodward, having traveled continuously on the ground for 100 miles. It was 1.8 miles in width and traveled at 50 mph. It was the most costly tornado in Oklahoma history, destroying over 1000 homes and businesses, killing 107 in Woodward alone, and injuring more than 1000 people.
Over 100 city blocks in northern and western Woodward were destroyed, with lesser damage in other parts of town. As a result of this devastation, the Weather Bureau (now the National Weather Service) instituted a tornado watch and warning program that began in 1953.
At the corner of 9th Street and Texas Avenue stands the Woodward Centennial Park and Plaza. On the back side of the brick wall, there is a granite plaque engraved WOODWARD TORNADO MEMORIAL. Listed below are the names of the 107 who perished that day.
Disaster Date: 04/09/1947
Date of dedication: 04/25/1987
Memorial Sponsors: City of Woodward and its citizens
Disaster Type: Natural
Relevant Website: [Web Link]
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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