User:Cyclonebiskit/1964

A prolonged tornado outbreak affected areas of the Great Plains and Midwestern United States from May 3–8, 1964. This included one of only five E/F5 tornadoes ever documented in Nebraska.

Meteorological synopsis and forecasts
On May 3, 1964, a 29.29 inHg area of low pressure was centered over southeastern Montana with an occluded front stretching east and south from North Dakota to the border of Oklahoma and Kansas. The United States Weather Bureau (later renamed the National Weather Service) advised of possible tornadoes in eastern South Dakota, northwest Iowa, southwestern Minnesota, and far northeastern Nebraska on May 4. At least two tornadoes were reported in South Dakota that morning; however, the NCEI database does not list any in the state that day. On May 5, the US Weather Bureau warned of possible tornadoes across central Kansas northward through Nebraska and into southeastern South Dakota.

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 Doppler 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 Grazulis.

Hastings–Harvard–Bradshaw–Bellwood, Nebraska
This was likely a family of tornadoes. Two people were killed northwest of Bradshaw. The NCEI database starts this tornado's track in Adams County; however, Grazulis assessed its formation to be in Clay County.Multiple sources:

Possible tornadoes
On May 3, the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader reported of tornadoes across South Dakota. In eastern Phillip, "swirling twisting winds" severely damaged a lumber farm and toppled the screen of an outdoor theater. A trailer was flipped on its side and power poles were downed. West of Kadoka, a barn was lofted onto Highway 16. In Hayes, signs were downed.

Non-tornadic effects
Strong winds, heavy rain, and large hail caused significant damage in areas from Duluth, Minnesota, to Superior, Wisconsin, on May 5 with losses reaching $100,000. Winds at the Fraser Nelson Shipyard in Superior gusted to 80 mph. A 1600000 lb tank was knocked over and demolished at the city's port. Damage to planes and hangars was estimated at $20,000 at Richard I. Bong Airport. Heavy rain caused sewers to overflow.

Aftermath
Following the tornado in Linn County, Iowa, the American Red Cross sent volunteers to assist residents.