1953 Sarnia tornado outbreak


A localized, but devastating series of three intense tornadoes affected Iowa, Michigan, and Ontario during May 20-21, 1953. Eight people were killed and at least 75 others were injured.

Confirmed tornadoes

May 21 event

Port Huron, Michigan–Sarnia, Ontario

This large, violent tornado touched down just before 4:30 p.m. near Smiths Creek, Michigan, southwest of Port Huron. It moved northeast and quickly strengthened before hitting Port Huron, resulting in widespread F3 and F4 damage. Two people were killed in Port Huron and 68 more were injured. Close to 400 homes were damaged or destroyed in the United States with monetary losses totaling $2.6 million. Crossing the St. Clair River into Canada, the tornado moved into Canada just south of Sarnia Harbour. Moving to the northeast, the tornado moved directly through Downtown Sarnia, Ontario, where almost 100 commercial buildings sustained damage. At least 150 homes on the more suburban outskirts of the city were damaged and in some instances reduced to rubble. Before exiting Sarnia, the tornado curved even further to the northeast and began to weaken, as its path narrowed to approximately across. The tornado then restrengthened as it moved into rural Lambton and Middlesex Counties, with more F4 damage was inflicted upon farmsteads and homes near Nairn, before it dissipated south of Stratford. This suggested a total path length exceeding, though it is highly probable that this damage path was made up of more than one tornado, possibly as many as four. Overall, the tornado killed seven people and injured at least 68.

See Also