FAQ's & Statistics

Population prior to the Tornado: 315
Population as of April, 1999 :     145

The Spencer Tornado was:

• The third of five created by a "super-cell" thunderstorm.
• It was the strongest of the five, classified as a Category F4: Devastating tornado (207-260 mph); Devastating damage. Well-constructed houses leveled; structure with weak foundation blown off some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated.
• Top winds of 220 mph were recorded by mobile Doppler radar situated a mile south of the community.
• It struck the community at 8:38pm Saturday May 30^th, 1998.
• 6 People were killed and 153 others were injured, 41 hospitalized

The Southeastern Council of Governments was put in charge of organizing information about damage in Spencer. From a Survey conducted June 15, 1998;

• 156 property owners were undecided about rebuilding.
• 62 properties were ok or would be rebuilt
• 16 property owners wanted to stay in Spencer but at a different location
• 12 owners wanted to lease or sell excess property in the community

By July 28, 1998:

• The amount of money from private donations to the Spencer Relief Fund totals $612,402.41, including $305,402.41 from the Spencer Area Recovery and Interfaith Network (SARIN).

Early estimates to replace:

• The Assisted Living Apartments $660,000
• The Water Tower $232,145
• The City Maintenance Building $ 38,885
• The Fire Hall Building $ 91,240
• The Library Building $143,329
• The Fire/Warning Siren $ 12,126
• The Traffic Control Signs $ 6,300
• The Water Distribution System $110,166
• The City/Fire Hall Contents $ 11,210
• Fire Protection Equipment $ 61,692
• Total FEMA assistance to the Town of Spencer for these projects (75% of costs not covered by insurance) $376,663.25
• Insurance Coverage for these projects $603,000
• Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) for these projects $622,000
• SARIN has served 115 families with funds designated by the Governor's Committee. Total funds obligated through November, 1998 $307,000

During a tree planting blitz on Arbor Day (April 30, 1999) Volunteers planted 250 6' to 8' landscaping trees and 570 conservation grade trees in and around the community.

By May 1999

• FEMA Public Assistance - $1,914,126
• Individual Assistance - $2,171,298
• CDBG Grants - $1,000,000
• Governor's Fund - $1,082,572
• 10,900 insurance claims have been filed for storm damage in the surrounding five county area
• Spencer insurance claims - $13,000,000
• Other insurance claims - $12,000,000

There were 1172 tornadoes in SD from 1950 and 1995.

The Spencer tornado was the third of five spawned by the same supercell thunderstorm. Another supercell developed on the rear-flank gust front of the Spencer storm and produced two more tornadoes.  Maps of the tornadoes from both supercells were mapped by Brian Smith of NWS Valley NE.

33 killer tornadoes killed 129 people in 98 - Spencer with 6 deaths was #23... only 4 other tornadoes had higher death tolls:

• 3 FEB 22 - SANFORD FL, 13 deaths
• 4 FEB 22 - KISSIMMEE FL, 24 deaths
• 5 MAR 20 - MURRAYVILLE GA, 12 deaths
• 10 APR 08 - PLEASANT GROVE AL, 32 deaths

Every decade brings fewer deaths by tornadoes. In the 1930's there were nearly 2000 deaths caused by tornadoes in the US. In the 1980's the number was 522.

 

What is a supercell?

HAIL, LIGHTNING, TORNADOES, RAIN, and MICROBURSTS are all dangerous objects that a Supercell produces.

A supercell is a very dangerous rotating storm, that is usually the suspect for dropping tornadoes.

Along with tornadoes, supercells also drop very large hail. Sometimes the hail can reach diameters of 5 inches.

Supercells also produce dangerous lightning. Lighting destroys thousands of acres of land each year because of fires.

Finally, supercells produce heavy rain.

What is a tornado?

A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide.

Learn how they form, what to do in case of a warning, and take the tornado quiz.

VORTEX: Unraveling the Secrets Storybook

What should people look for to identify likely conditions for tornadoes?

Dark, often greenish sky; large hail; wall cloud; a loud roar, similar to a freight train. Some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground. Look for signs of debris below the visible funnel. Some tornadoes are clearly visible while others are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds.

When are tornadoes most likely to occur?

Peak times for tornadoes in the northern states are during the summer. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Who is most at risk during tornadoes?

People in automobiles and people in mobile homes; people who may not understand a warning due to a language barrier; the elderly and very young; people with physical or mental impairments.

What dangers other than tornadoes often accompany thunderstorms?

Flash floods, lightning, damaging straight-line winds, and large hail.

I live in an area where there are a lot of tornadoes -- what can I do to be prepared ahead of time?

The most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family is to stay tuned to weather forecasts for the most current information, watches and warnings. Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and a battery back-up. These special radios can be set up to turn on automatically and alert you when a tornado watch or warning is issued, even when you are sleeping. Listen to radio and television for more information. You should also develop a plan for you and your family so you know where to take shelter at home, at work, at school or when outdoors.

What actions should people take to protect themselves during a tornado?

Move to a pre-designated shelter such as a basement in a home or building. If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows; get out of cars -- do not try to out race a tornado. If you're caught outside, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.

Should I open my windows before a tornado approaches?

It's a myth that open windows equalize pressure and minimize damage when a tornado strikes. Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone and immediately go to a safe place.

Doesn't the low pressure associated with a tornado cause buildings to explode?

Violent winds and flying debris slam into buildings and cause most structural damage.

MORE FAQ's

NOAA Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes

Questions and Answers about Tornadoes from the National Severe Storms Laboratory

NOAA Fast Facts about Tornadoes

Meet Joshua Wurman, a storm chaser that studied and witnessed the storm.

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