Golden Anniversary of Tornado Forecasting: 50 Years of Service to the American People

Tinker Air Force Base and Norman, OK
March 23-25, 1998

      In the evening of March 25, 1948, a tornado roared through Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), Oklahoma, causing considerable damage, a few injuries, but no fatalities. However, the destruction could have been much worse. A few hours earlier Air Force Captain Robert C. Miller and Major Ernest J. Fawbush correctly predicted that ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS were ripe for tornadoes in the vicinity of Tinker AFB. This first tornado forecast was instrumental in advancing the nation's commitment to protecting the American public and military resources from the dangers caused by natural hazards.

SELS and SPC Time Line

History of the SPC

National Severe Storms Laboratory      Storm Prediction Center      Norman Chamber of Commerce

For more information about the planned activities or how your organization can get involved, please contact the Storm Prediction Center at feedback@spc.noaa.gov or the National Severe Storms Laboratory at webmaster@nssl.noaa.gov
Last updated 26 March 1998. AKM
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