Flint-Worcester Tornadoes - Definition and Overview

The Flint-Worcester Tornadoes were two tornadoes. One occurring in Flint, Michigan on June 8, 1953. Another hit in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 9, 1953. These two tornadoes are among the deadliest in United States history.

The Flint, Michigan tornado

A tornado hit in Flint, Michigan, near Detroit on June 8, 1953. The tornado moved east-northeast 2 miles north of Flushing, Michigan and devastated the north side of Flint. The tornado dissipated near Lapeer, Michigan. Nearly every home was destroyed on both sides of Coldwater Road. Multiple deaths were reported in 20 families. It is, as of this writing, the last tornado to kill more than 100 people. One hundred and fifteen were killed, making it the ninth deadliest tornado in U.S. history. It is also one of only two F5 tornadoes ever to hit in Michigan history. Another F5 would hit in Hudsonville on April 3, 1956.

The Worcester, Massachusetts tornado

The storm system that created the Flint tornado moved east and another tornado hit in Worcester, Massachusetts in the early afternoon hours on June 9, 1953. Ninety-four people were killed. The tornado formed around Petersham, Massachusetts at 3:25 P.M. It then slammed into the suburbs of Barre, Rutland, and Holden before killing 60 in Northern Worcester.

This tornado was on the ground for an hour and a half. In that time period, the tornado traveled 46 miles and 1,100 people were injured. Debris was strewn eastward at an observatory 35 mi (56 km) away. Debris was also strewn out over Massachusetts Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

1953 tornado season in perspective

Even though the 1953 tornado season only saw 422 tornadoes (which is half the nationwide average), the year saw some of the deadliest tornadoes, which included the Waco Tornado that hit on May 11.

How did a tornado hit in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is part of the New England tornado alley which extends from central Massachusetts up through Vermont. Massachusetts has an average of about 5 tornadoes since 1950. The New England Tornado alley is at its most active in July.

See also: List of tornadoes and tornado outbreaks