"Tornado Week" Timeline

Release Date: May 15, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-TornadoWeek

The Week of May 4-11 was unprecedented in American meteorological history. During that time, a unique weather pattern gave rise to a series of damaging storms that included nearly 400 tornadoes, more than twice the national record for a one-week period. These storms have resulted in disaster declarations for nine states and caused the loss of more than 40 lives.

Sunday, May 4	Tornadoes strike Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Tennessee. Heavy damage is reported in many communities and at least 42 are killed by the storms.
Monday, May 5	Severe thunderstorms continue in much of the Midwest and Southeast
Tuesday, May 6	President Bush issues disaster declaration for Missouri. President Bush issues disaster declaration for Kansas. DHS/FEMA Under Secretary Michael Brown visits Missouri, Kansas and Tennessee to meet with local officials and view disaster damage. Additional tornadoes strike in Missouri Heavy rains lead to flooding in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.
Wednesday, May 7	Tornadoes again hit several states; two deaths reported in Illinois. Severe thunderstorms continue in the Southeast, adding to flood woes.
Thursday, May 8	President Bush issues disaster declaration for Tennessee. A large tornado strikes Oklahoma City, causing extensive damage. Additional tornadoes strike across Kansas.
Friday, May 9	A second large tornado strikes Oklahoma City. Storms move further east, with tornadoes reported in Virginia.
Saturday, May 10	President Bush issues disaster declaration for Oklahoma. DHS/FEMA Under Secretary Michael Brown visits Oklahoma to view disaster damage. Heavy rains cause flooding in the Cincinnati area.
Sunday, May 11	Another wave of storms strikes with tornadoes spotted in Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri and Iowa.
Monday, May 12	President Bush issues disaster declaration for Alabama.
Thursday, May 15	President Bush issues disaster declaration for Illinois.
Tuesday, May 23	President Bush issues Disaster Declaration for Mississippi
Tuesday, June 3	President Orders Federal Aid For Kentucky Disaster Recovery
Friday, June 6	Federal Disaster Funds Authorized For Arkansas To Aid Local Government Storm Recovery

Last Modified: Wednesday, 05-May-2004 12:31:35

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