On a fateful Friday, April 26, 1991, the central United States found itself in the grip of a powerful and destructive tornado outbreak. This widespread weather event unleashed a barrage of tornadoes across multiple states, leaving a trail of devastation and tragically claiming lives. At the forefront of this severe weather episode was a monstrous F5 tornado, the highest intensity rating on the original Fujita Scale, which scored a direct and catastrophic hit on the quiet town of Andover, Kansas. The sheer force of this particular tornado left Andover heavily damaged, altering the landscape and lives of its residents in mere moments. Beyond Andover, numerous other, though less destructive, tornadoes contributed to the regional impact of this significant outbreak.

The human cost of the 1991 tornado outbreak was profound, with a total of 21 fatalities recorded. A heart-wrenching majority of these deaths, 17 individuals, were directly attributable to the Andover F5 tornado, underscoring its immense destructive power and the challenges of providing adequate shelter in its path.

Amidst the chaos and the critical need for public safety, a perilous misconception unfortunately emerged from this event. During the outbreak, a news team, attempting to film a tornado, sought what they believed was refuge under a highway overpass. This highly visible act, broadcast and replayed, inadvertently fostered a dangerous belief among the public that highway overpasses offer adequate protection during a tornado. In reality, experts unequivocally state that seeking shelter under an overpass is extremely perilous; the structure can act like a wind tunnel, intensifying the tornado's winds and offering no protection from flying debris. It's a critical lesson learned, often highlighted by meteorologists and emergency responders, emphasizing the importance of seeking sturdy, below-ground shelter, or the lowest interior part of a building, rather than a vulnerable overpass.

Understanding the 1991 Andover Tornado Outbreak

What Made the Andover Tornado So Destructive?

The Andover tornado was classified as an F5 on the original Fujita Scale, signifying the highest possible level of intensity. This category denotes wind speeds estimated to be between 261 and 318 miles per hour, capable of inflicting incredible damage, including lifting strong frame houses off their foundations and carrying them considerable distances, or debarking trees. Its direct hit on Andover, Kansas, with such extreme forces, led to widespread structural collapse and the tragic loss of life.

How Many Tornadoes Were Part of the Outbreak?

While the Andover F5 tornado was the most prominent, the April 26, 1991, event was a large "outbreak," meaning it comprised numerous tornadoes. Reports indicate dozens of tornadoes touched down across several states in the central United States that day, collectively causing widespread damage and contributing to the overall casualty count.

Tornado Safety: Dispelling the Overpass Myth

Why Are Highway Overpasses Dangerous During a Tornado?

Despite the persistent misconception, highway overpasses offer little to no protection from a tornado and are, in fact, extremely dangerous. There are several reasons for this:

• Wind Tunnel Effect: An overpass's structure can create a Venturi effect, accelerating wind speeds underneath it rather than shielding from them.
• Lack of Structural Integrity: Overpasses are not designed to withstand the immense forces of a tornado, making them vulnerable to collapse or the failure of their supporting structures.
• Exposure to Debris: They provide no barrier against flying debris, which is the primary cause of injuries and fatalities in a tornado. People under an overpass are fully exposed to projectiles traveling at deadly speeds.
• No Anchoring: There's nothing to hold onto securely, and strong winds can easily lift and throw individuals.

Meteorologists and emergency management officials strongly advise against using overpasses for shelter during a tornado.

What is the Safest Place to Take Shelter During a Tornado?

The safest place to seek shelter during a tornado depends on your location:

• Underground: A basement, storm cellar, or safe room provides the best protection.
• Interior Room: If an underground shelter isn't available, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building (like a bathroom, closet, or interior hallway), away from windows.
• Sturdy Structure: For those in mobile homes or vehicles, abandon them immediately and seek shelter in the nearest sturdy building or a designated storm shelter. If no building is available, lie in a ditch or other ground depression and cover your head with your arms.

Always stay informed through weather alerts and heed warnings from official sources.