Tornado Hits St. Louis in February 1959

FEBRUARY 10, 1959

The following is a public information statement by:

The National Weather Service St Louis, Missouri

During the early mornings of February 10, 1959,.one of the worst tornadoes in St Louis history roared through parts of St Louis County and St Louis City. Following is information as it was written in the National Weather Service publication Storm Data which documented the event.

• TIME: 1:40 am - 2:15 am
• Length: 25 miles
• Width: 100 - 200 yards
• Killed: 21
• Injured: 354

Storm path first in evidence near Sherman....in the southwest corner of St Louis County. Several houses and buildings damaged in rural areas along the path.

First major damage in vicinity of intersection of Manchester Road and Woodlawn in the southwest suburban area of the metropolitan area. Roofs off houses and stores....many trees and wires down. Next major damage in area just south of Forest Park including heavy damage to Arena roof...large TV tower blown down....and large trees and power lines down. Heavy damage to apartment houses in the vicinity of Boyle and Olive....and in an area centered near Page and Grand. People were buried in the debris of collapsed buildings. Many power and phone lines down. Heavy damage to parked cars in streets.

Tornado crossed into Illinois in vicinity of McKinley Bridge. Forward speed of storm estimated at 5- to 60 MPH. Some evidence that more than one funnel involved. Some damage to homes in the northern and southern parts of the County in addition to the main storm path.