1997 Jarrell tornado facts for kids
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Counterclockwise from top: The tornado at F5 intensity before striking the Double Creek Estates, the radar scan showing the tornado, an aerial view of the tornado track at Double Creek Estates and a mangled car in Jarrell.
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| Meteorological history | |
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| Duration | 13 minutes |
| Formed | May 27, 1997, 3:40 pm. CDT (UTC−05:00) |
| Dissipated | May 27, 1997, 3:53 pm. CDT (UTC−05:00) |
| F5 tornado | |
| on the Fujita scale | |
| Highest winds | >261 mph (420 km/h) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 27 |
| Injuries | 12 |
| Damage | $40.1 million (1997 USD) |
| Areas affected | Jarrell, Texas and areas near Prairie Dell, Texas |
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Part of the 1997 Central Texas tornado outbreak and tornadoes of 1997 |
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On May 27, 1997, a violent multi-vortex tornado struck the community of Jarrell, Texas, killing 27 people and injuring a further 12. The tornado inflicted a total of $40.1 million (1997 USD) in damages to the area and was the subject of multiple well-known photographs, earning the tornado the nickname of the "Dead Man Walking".
The tornado stalled over the Double Creek Estates housing subdivision for approximately 3 minutes at high-end F5 strength, causing arguably some of the most severe tornado damage ever recorded. NIST Studies on the tornado have been conducted in the years and decades after the event.
As of 2024, this tornado is Texas' most recent F5 or EF5 tornado. The tornado was the fourth-deadliest of the 1990s in the United States, only being surpassed by the 1990 Plainfield tornado, the 1998 Birmingham tornado, and the 1999 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado. It was the only F5 tornado of 1997, and the next F5-rated tornado would occur on April 8 of the following year.
Contents
Meteorological synopsis
On the morning of May 27, 1997, an upper-level low-pressure area located over portions of South Dakota and Nebraska lifted north, causing a weak, mid-level flow across Texas as a result. While this occurred, a cold front extended southwest of a surface-based low-pressure area from Fayetteville, Arkansas to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex to the Permian Basin, which also included two decaying outflow boundaries northeast of the DFW metroplex. A gravity wave was also noted from the cold front near Waco, Texas and southward, which would promote initiation of supercells, including the one which produced the Jarrell tornado. The latter two factors were caused by an overnight mesoscale convective system which had dissipated before the mesoscale setup of the Jarrell tornado.
An upper-air balloon sounding was conducted by the National Weather Service in Fort Worth while the cold front passed directly over the DFW metroplex, which showed favorable mid-level lapse rates, a dewpoint temperature of 73 °F (23 °C) on the surface, and some wind shear, though not towards the surface, which suggested non-tornadic supercell activity. However, a sounding launched from Calvert, Texas a few hours later revealed surface-based convective available potential energy (CAPE) values above 6500 j/kg, up from 3000 j/kg shown by the sounding previously launched over the DFW metroplex. This, along with extremely high CAPE values shown near the surface from a sounding over Waco at 12:00 CDT (17:00 UTC), likely caused vorticity near and along the cold front and the production of the Jarrell tornado.
The supercell that produced the Jarrell tornado first developed in McLennan County before noon, initially moving slowly southwestward in the unstable airmass. Shortly thereafter, a tornado watch was issued by the Storm Prediction Center for eastern Texas and western Louisiana. As the thunderstorm cell moved parallel to Interstate 35, it rapidly intensified and prompted the issuance of a severe thunderstorm warning for portions of McLennan County at 12:50 CDT (17:50 UTC), later being upgraded to a tornado warning as the supercell then began to rapidly exhibit lower-levels of rotation. This would result in multiple tornadoes being produced before the Jarrell tornado occurred; most notably an F3 tornado which caused severe damage in portions of Falls County near Bruceville-Eddy and Lake Belton. Another tornado, rated an F0, touched down near Stillhouse Dam and was incorrectly claimed as the Jarrell tornado due to its close proximity from the F5 tornado's path. This tornado was also subject of a famous image.
Shortly thereafter, the supercell began to move slightly westward towards Jarrell and Salado, while continuing to show signs of rapid, low-level rotation. This would result in another tornado warning being issued by the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio for Williamson County, including Jarrell, at 15:30 CDT (22:30 UTC), in response to the storm's approach to the town. The warning was in effect for a duration of one hour, and local warning sirens in the town went off an estimated 10—12 minutes before the impact. Multiple short-lived, small, and rope-like funnel clouds preceded the Jarrell tornado; and despite being theorized and commonly accepted as being separate tornadoes, there is a possibility that these were part of it.
Tornado summary
Formation and track towards Jarrell
The tornado officially touched down within the Williamson County line 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Jarrell as a faint, rope-shaped funnel wrapped in large amounts of dust at 3:40 pm CDT (20:40 UTC). The tornado began to undergo a rapid intensification as it took on a multi-vortex shape. Traffic along Interstate 35 came to a stop as the tornado descended nearby. The Texas Highway Patrol also stopped traffic on both sides of the interstate under the expectation that the tornado would cross the highway; it ultimately moved parallel to Interstate 35 but never hit.
Tracking south-southwest, the tornado quickly intensified and grew in width. The exact size of the tornado was difficult to determine during this portion of the tornado's life. It's intense winds scoured the ground, vegetation, and stripped pavement from three county roads; the thickness of the asphalt pavement was an estimated 3 inches (7.6 cm). A culvert plant near the intersection of two county roads collapsed. Nearby, a similar plant and a mobile home sustained some damage, with the latter struck by a 2×4'' piece of lumber.
Some of the most extreme damage at this location was inflicted to a small metal-framed recycling plant that was directly hit and destroyed, with only several twisted and bent metal beams remaining. Multiple people were sheltering in a mobile home far south of the recycling plant, but later decided to evacuate to a frame house to take cover. The frame house was directly hit by the tornado moments later, killing everyone inside, while the mobile home only sustained minor damage.
Impact at Double Creek Estates
The tornado turned slightly, entering the Double Creek Estates at F5 intensity. It grew to its maximum width, estimated to be 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km). Post-event surveys and eyewitness accounts suggested that the tornado began to slow its pace, contributing to the extremely violent damage observed there. The tornado immediately began to destroy structures and homes as it hit multiple smaller streets at the northeastern edge of the Estates. The exact time of this is unknown, but timekeeping devices from remaining debris and synced videos had the tornado's starting impact at most likely 3:48 pm.
The entire Double Creek Estates was subjected to extreme winds for three minutes due to the "stalling" pattern of the tornado, which likely exacerbated the damage. Multiple well-built homes on Double Creek Drive were completely swept away and clean slabs were left with a lack of any large debris. Foundations in the direct path of the tornado had all of their plumbing and sill plates ripped away, with some of the foundations partially scoured as well. Grassy fields in this area also sustained extreme ground scouring of up to 18 inches (46 cm). As a result of this, the path was heavily studied due to its visibility and ground scarring.
The tornado picked up cars and were mangled beyond recognition or torn apart, and at least six recognizable cars were found over 300 yards (270 m) away, despite being crushed and mud-covered. Many were never recovered, and are presumed to have been "ground up" inside the debris ball. All trees in the subdivision were completely debarked, with one small tree documented to have had an electrical cord pierced through its trunk.
Weakening and dissipation
After exiting the Double Creek Estates area, the tornado then crossed over a county road while paralleling Spears Ranch Road. After continuing into a cedar tree forest, it began to rapidly weaken, crossing over Appaloosa Cove Road before dissipating. The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) concluded that it had lifted at 3:53 pm, remaining on the ground for 13 minutes and traversing 5.1 miles (8.2 km).
Aftermath
Within minutes after the tornado's impact, emergency management, police, and other volunteers began search-and-rescue operations in Jarrell. Numerous different agencies assisted in the search-and-rescue process, including the Texas Department of Public Safety Police, Texas National Guard, and other smaller agencies. Relief operations, which covered 211 homes and persons damaged or wounded in the tornado, cost an estimated $250,000 (1997 USD); community donations covered at least $200,000 (1997 USD) of the expenses.
The tornado knocked out power in Jarrell, effectively stunting communications between EMS and residents. Cell phones were not functional, and the loved ones of residents became increasingly concerned due to an inability to communicate. Despite this, emergency services were quick to arrive in Jarrell, and the damage was so intense that they almost drove past Double Creek Estates, unaware that houses had stood there. The Double Creek Estates subdivision quickly became the focal point of search-and-rescue and recovery efforts, which were aided by civilians and volunteer workers.
In the six days following the event, the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research conducted multiple surveys from the air and on the ground to survey the track of the tornado and the damage caused by it. The Texas branch of the Civil Air Patrol also helped, and in the end the tornado garnered an F5 rating, which was challenged by the NIST.
Support came in from all over the country, and millions of dollars were donated to aid Jarrell. Texas Governor George W. Bush visited Jarrell days after the tornado and stated that the "damage was mind-boggling." The Jarrell Volunteer Fire Department organized a temporary morgue. Although a death toll of 30 people was initially reported, that figure was later revised to a final tally of 27. A memorial park, which includes twenty-seven trees to commemorate the victims, was built in the Double Creek Estates area. Many impacted people in Double Creek Estates remained in the general area amid recovery efforts stemming from the tornado.
Fatalities
Out of the 131 residents who lived in or near Double Creek Estates, 27 were killed.
After the tornado, multiple residents of Jarrell were interviewed about the tornado and the actions that they took. Many said they were aware of the tornado warnings, and the majority said that they first learned of the warnings through commercial television.
Due to the slow movement and high visibility of the tornado, most of the residents interviewed said they watched the approach of the tornadoes prior to taking shelter. Most said they knew to go to the center of their houses, to avoid staying in mobile homes, and to seek shelter rather than trying to flee the tornadoes. These actions saved lives, but in the case of the Jarrell tornado were unable to prevent fatalities.
Documentation
The tornado was heavily documented during its lifetime, making it a focal point of research for the NWS and other weather agencies. Multiple videos exist of the tornado, showing the fast rotation and heavy debris cloud that engulfed the tornado during its maximum strength.
"Dead Man Walking" photograph
The Jarrell tornado was the subject of a well-known photograph, now known as the "Dead Man Walking". Scott Beckwith took the famous photograph, which became known for it's resemblance to the grim reaper, a figure that commonly represents death in several cultures.
The image consists of the tornado, shrouded in debris, with the main vortex and an adjacent subvortex making "leg" shapes near the bottom of the tornado, giving it the appearance of a giant silhouette walking across the ground. A third subvortex separate from the main funnel is also seen to resemble the blade of a reaper's scythe. The image, which is just one in a sequence of 8 photographs taken as the tornado grew in size, has been widely called an example of pareidolia. The photo has received international attention and the Jarrell tornado has popularized the "Dead Man Walking" nickname for similar multi-vortex tornadoes with "legs".
Damage
Structural
Thirty-eight structures were obliterated in the Double Creek Estates. Three businesses adjacent to Double Creek Estates were also destroyed. In total, the tornado dealt $10–20 million (1997 USD) in damage to the neighborhood.
The tornado caused widespread damage to structures, and destroyed an estimated 40 family residences. Of these estimated 40 homes, multiple were completely swept off their foundations as a result of the wind. Many of the structures that were swept away were located in the double Creek Estates. The damage from the tornado was classified as F5 severity throughout most of the tornado's path. Approximately $40 million in damage was inflicted upon property with another $100,000 (1997 USD) inflicted upon crops.
Reactions
Then-governor of Texas George W. Bush declared Williamson County a disaster area, and during a visit to Jarrell on May 28, stated that "it was the worst tornado I've ever seen". U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison also visited Jarrell and Cedar Park. Bush later requested federal aid for Williamson and Bell counties with support from Hutchinson.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency elected not to provide federal aid, citing the contributions from private and state sources. Instead, the Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture made available loans for the rebuilding of homes, farms, and ranches.
Between May 29 and June 1, the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research carried out aerial and ground surveys of the tornadic damage in Texas in coordination with the Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol.
See also
- List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
- List of F5 and EF5 tornadoes
- List of disasters in the United States by death toll
- 1999 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado – another extremely powerful and violent F5 tornado that struck Oklahoma in 1999
- 2007 Elie tornado – another F5 tornado in 2007 with slow movement and an unusual path
- 2011 Smithville tornado – a fast-moving EF5 tornado from the 2011 Super Outbreak that caused exceptionally extreme damage and debris granulation comparable to this tornado
- 2011 Joplin tornado – an EF5 tornado in 2011 that caused similar damage patterns
