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On May, 24, 1973, a violent tornado touched down several miles west-northwest of Union City and moved east-southeastward through the city before it turned and traveled more southeastward for several miles. Estimated damages totaled $1 million in Union City, and the tornado destroyed 27 homes and 18 mobile homes. In addition, 20 homes sustained major damage and 23 homes had minor damage. Severe commercial buildings and churches were also heavily damaged. Farm animals were killed and crops damaged.
Two people were killed and while four people were injured, with two people being seriously injured. It was noted that the intensity and destruction of this tornado was immense. There were also two funnels reported in the area at the time of the event. This was one of the most thoroughly studied tornadoes in history, as multiple research scientists from the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) documented the event through experimental Doppler radar and storm chase teams.
Please see the StoryMap created by the NSSL to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this event.
Only two tornadoes were documented in Oklahoma on May 24, 1973, and are listed in the table below.
| Tornado Number |
Date | Time (CST) |
Length of Path (miles) |
Width of Path (yards) |
F-Scale | Killed | Injured | County | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 05/24/1973 | 1600 | 0.4 | 33 | F0 | 0 | 0 | Comanche | Near Lawton |
|
A small tornado was observed and heard by two people who said it touched down briefly and then lifted, carrying debris with it as it moved off to the northeast. Light damage was done to a freight company. |
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| 2 | 05/24/1973 | 1600 | 13 | 300 | F4 | 2 | 4 | Canadian | WNW of Union City- Union City- SE of Union City |
|
This violent tornado touched down several miles west-northwest of Union City and moved east-southeastward through the city before it turned more southeastward for several miles. Estimated damages totaled $1 million in Union City, and the tornado destroyed 27 homes and 18 mobile homes. In addition, 20 homes sustained major damage and 23 homes had minor damage. Severe commercial buildings and churches were also heavily damaged. Farm animals were killed and crops damaged. Two people were killed and while four people were injured, with two people being seriously injured. It was noted that the intensity and destruction of this tornado was immense. There were also two funnels aloft reported in the area at the time of the event. This was one of the most thoroughly studied tornadoes in history, as multiple research scientists from the National Severe Storms Laboratory documented the event through experimental Doppler radar and storm chase teams. |
|||||||||
 NSSL's first Doppler Weather Radar was located near the Max Westheimer Airport in Norman, Oklahoma. Research during the 1970s and 1980s using this radar led to NWS NEXRAD WSR-88D radar network. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL/NOAA Photo Library. |
 The NSSL Storm Intercept project was one of the earliest field experiments. NSSL scientists were guided by Norman Doppler Radar as they tracked the Union City tornado on May 24, 1973. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL. |
 The May 24, 1973 Union City tornado was the first tornado captured by the NSSL doppler radar and NSSL chase personnel. The tornado is here in its early stage of formation. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
 The May 24, 1973 Union City tornado was the first tornado captured by the NSSL doppler radar and NSSL chase personnel. The tornado is here in its early stage of formation. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
 The May 24, 1973 Union City tornado was the first tornado captured by the NSSL doppler radar and NSSL chase personnel. The tornado is here in its early stage of formation. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
 The May 24, 1973 Union City tornado was the first tornado captured by the NSSL doppler radar and NSSL chase personnel. The tornado is here in its early stage of formation. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
 The May 24, 1973 Union City tornado was the first tornado captured by the NSSL doppler radar and NSSL chase personnel. The tornado is now in its mature stage. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
Restored NSSL videos of the 1973 Union City, OK F4 Tornado are provided by the NOAA Weather Partners.
 This photo shows neighbors and friends working to remove debris around remains of a farmhouse after the May 24, 1973 F4 tornado destroyed it. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
 This photo shows damage in Union City, OK that was caused by the May 24, 1973 F4 tornado. Photo is provided courtesy of the NSSL and the NOAA Photo Library. |
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