NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information
Significant SPC Storm Reports
The month of May began with a series of severe weather events across the Deep South and Ohio River Valley regions. Widespread wind damage with reports of 110 mph gusts as well as over 100 preliminary tornadoes were reported during the first week of the month. The severe weather was attributed to a slow-moving front that pushed southward into Texas and Mississippi. Intense microbursts severely damaged or destroyed several buildings. On May 2nd, the Dallas Cowboys practice facility in Valley Ranch, Texas was destroyed by the strong downburst winds. Several members of the coaching staff were injured from the accident, including one who was paralyzed. This system spawned tornadoes throughout the South on the 2nd and 3rd days of the month resulting in one fatality. On the 5th and 6th, the dangerous weather moved into North Carolina where several homes were damaged and one person was injured.
On May 8th, straight-line winds tracked across the Central Plains, Ozarks, and thru the Ohio River Valley. Several tornadoes were reported in Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky, resulting in six deaths. On the following day, the New England area experienced the severe weather. Two tornadoes were reported; the first occurred in Vermont—rated an EF-1—and the second in Massachusetts—rated an EF-0. Damage was limited to the roofs and trees. Additional severe weather occurred on May 13th in Missouri. It was reported that tornadoes damaged more than 200 structures, 10 of which were homesteads that were completely destroyed. Three lives were lost during the event. (Source: AP)