The April 10, 1979 Wichita Falls F4

[T. Mosley]

This is certainly one of the largest storms on record, being between 1.5 and 2 miles wide by some reports.

Did anyone here witness this storm? Was it even chaseable due to its location and proximity to Wichita Falls? Videos of it are available on YouTube and the NOAA has some archived photographs, but I have not seen any other material on it; maybe it predated chasing since even Warren Faidley didn't get his first storm photo until 1991.

Monsters such as this are rare enough and I'd be interested in seeing any chase reports.

 

[Shane Adams]

I know for a fact Gene Moore chased this day, though I'm not sure if he chased the actual Wichita Falls tornado. I've seen video of it, so at least local media guys were out on it.

 

[mike scantlin]

im pretty sure that the hallam, NE tornado(may 22, 2004) was something around 2.5 miles wide.

http://www.stormgasm.com/5-22-04/5-22-04.htm

dave crowley and justin teague had some good video of this tornado. on stormguy.com but its not accessible anymore.

 

[T. Mosley]

April 10, 1979

April 10 that year was a big storm day, as I believe that Seymour, TX also had a significant tornado which is well-documented. This day was, I believe, known as the Red River Outbreak, with the Wichita Falls storm being the largest and most famous of the event. So it is likely that chasers caught some more of these, but not necessarily the Wichita Falls storm. I sure would like to know if anyone did.

2,5 miles wide calls and raises, all right. I am surprised that I missed hearing of that one. Thanks for the info; I'll have to look for that video.