Tornado outbreak of November 7–8, 1957

On November 7–8, 1957, a significant tornado outbreak affected portions of the Southern United States, particularly the Golden Triangle of Southeast Texas and parts of Acadiana in Louisiana. The severe weather event inflicted 12 deaths and more than 200 injuries, especially in the vicinity of Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas. The most intense tornado of the outbreak, retrospectively rated F4 on the Fujita scale, struck the town of Orange, Texas, killing one person, injuring 81 others, and causing $1$1/2$ million in losses. The deadliest tornado of the outbreak was an F3 that killed four people northwest of Carencro, Louisiana. The costliest tornado of the outbreak, also rated F3, caused $2.3 million in losses in the town of Groves, Texas, killing a few people there. Other intense tornadoes occurred as far east as Mississippi and North Carolina. In all, at least 28 tornadoes were confirmed, yet others were likely present as well.

Background
On November 7, 1957, a potent trough passed over the Central United States. Meanwhile, a vigorous subtropical jet stream—possibly related to ongoing El Niño conditions—bearing winds of up to 120 kn impinged on South Texas. By the evening, high levels of wind shear and atmospheric instability over Southeast Texas and adjourning portions of Louisiana were conducive to the formation of tornado-generating supercells; among these variables were CAPE values of up to 2,500 j/kg, high dew points that reached the lower 70s °F, precipitable water values of up to 1 + 3/4 in, and deep-layer wind shear of up to 70 kn.

Confirmed tornadoes
Prior to 1990, there is a likely undercount of tornadoes, particularly E/F0–1, with reports of weaker tornadoes becoming more common as population increased. A sharp increase in the annual average E/F0–1 count by approximately 200 tornadoes was noted upon the implementation of NEXRAD Doppler weather radar in 1990–1991. 1974 marked the first year where significant tornado (E/F2+) counts became homogenous with contemporary values, attributed to the consistent implementation of Fujita scale assessments. Numerous discrepancies on the details of tornadoes in this outbreak exist between sources. The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The list below documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.

Possible tornadoes
A possible tornado occurred just south of Grenada in Grenada County, Mississippi.

Non-tornadic effects
Significant thunderstorm winds were recorded throughout the event as well. On November 7, a 66 kn wind gust was recorded in Beaumont, Texas. Two strong thunderstorm wind gusts of 65 kn were recorded the next day in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at the Raleigh–Durham International Airport in Raleigh, North Carolina, respectively.