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The Wichita Falls Tornado of 1979 - Terrible Tuesday

On April 10, 1979 - known as "Terrible Tuesday" - a devastating F4 tornado struck Wichita Falls, Texas. It killed 42 people, injured 1,700, and destroyed thousands of homes. It remains one of the most catastrophic tornado disasters in Texas history.

The Event

April 10, 1979 became known as "Terrible Tuesday" - one of the most active tornado outbreak days in Texas history. Multiple tornadoes struck across the state. The Wichita Falls tornado was the most devastating.

Key Facts

• Date: April 10, 1979
• Rating: F4
• Killed: 42
• Injured: 1,700
• Homeless: 20,000
• Homes destroyed: 3,000+
• Path width: 1.5 miles
• Path length: 47 miles
• Damage: $400 million

Path Description

The tornado tracked through:

• South of Wichita Falls
• Through Wichita Falls proper
• Northern suburbs
• Extended into Oklahoma

Damage Description

Neighborhoods Destroyed

Multiple neighborhoods leveled:

• Faith Village neighborhood
• Southeast portion of city
• Sikes Senter mall damaged
• Multiple residential areas

F4 Damage

Extensive F4 damage:

• Well-built houses destroyed
• Roofs completely torn off
• Trees uprooted and debarked
• Vehicles thrown considerable distances
• Concrete slabs remain of some structures

Casualties

Death Toll

42 killed:

• Multiple in mobile homes
• Some in vehicles
• Some in older housing
• Broad demographic impact

Injuries

1,700 injured - one of the highest tornado injury counts in modern US history.

Terrible Tuesday Context

April 10, 1979 saw multiple significant tornadoes:

• Wichita Falls F4 (42 killed)
• Vernon, TX F4
• Multiple smaller events
• Combined outbreak death toll: 58

Warning Response

Warnings were issued but faced challenges:

• Some warning lead time available
• Public awareness varied
• Nighttime component increased casualties
• Mobile home vulnerability significant

Historical Significance

Warning Development

Wichita Falls contributed to:

• Better warning systems
• Storm chaser awareness
• Community preparedness
• Modern building codes discussions

Community Recovery

Wichita Falls rebuilt over years:

• Federal disaster aid
• State resources
• Community volunteering
• Long-term rebuilding

The Broader Tornado Context

1979 Tornado Season

1979 was a significant tornado year with multiple outbreaks throughout spring.

Historical Position

Wichita Falls 1979 ranks among:

• Deadliest Texas tornadoes
• Costliest tornado events of era
• Largest single-tornado casualty counts of 1970s

Modern Legacy

Storm Shelter Programs

Wichita Falls and Texas expanded shelter programs in years following.

Warning Improvements

Better community warning systems developed after 1979.

Storm Chase Documentation

Terrible Tuesday photography contributed to public awareness of tornado dangers.

Bottom Line

The 1979 Wichita Falls tornado killed 42 on Terrible Tuesday - one of Texas's most catastrophic tornado disasters. The devastation reshaped tornado awareness and preparedness in Texas and beyond. Even after modern warning systems developed, Wichita Falls 1979 remains one of the most impactful tornado events in US history.

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