This documentary, made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, tells the story of April 10, 1979, the day a F4 tornado a mile and a half wide hit Wichita Falls, Texas, known as Terrible Tuesday. In its wake, 46 people died, 1,700 were injured, and 5,000 homes were destroyed, leaving almost 25,000 residents homeless. This film documents survivors’ stories, describes the city’s disaster plan, examines the National Weather Service’s role in emergency response, and explains to viewers how to most safely behave in the event of a tornado.

Wichita County Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls Wichita County 1970s 1970’s tornado tornadoes weather extreme natural disaster natural disasters disaster disasters destruction devastation injury injuries fatality fatalities rain raining storm storms thunder lightning hail fall falling cloud clouds churn churning funnel funnels debris duck and cover school schools Terrible Tuesday bank banks

community town city mall church churches tree trees survivor survivors hospital hospitals amputate amputated amputee protection barrier wind miles per hour National Guard Armory car cars truck trucks damage damages automobile automobiles force pressure scaffold scaffolding lacerate lacerated parking lot lobby escape emergency emergency response Wichita Falls Fire Department

WFFD fire department fire engine fire engines ambulance ambulances city planner city response exercise exercises drill drills medical medic medics state local federal aid organization organizations American Red Cross State Division of Emergency Management Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA National Weather Service tornado warning tornado warnings warning warning touch down watch watches tornado watch tornado watches satellite satellites radar rainfall shelter

shelters basement emergency shelter tornado shelter radio Ben Milam Elementary School safety procedure procedures secretary principal alarm spotter spotters network trailer trailers resident residents rebuilding rebuild disaster plan window windows windowless interior room rooms