Elk City, OK Tornado, May 1902

AN OKLAHOMA TORNADO.

Several Persons Fatally Injured and Number of Houses Wrecked.

Okalahoma City, O. T., May 22. – A tornado struck six miles southeast of Elk City this morning, wrecking a number of houses. Several persons are reported fatally injured, among them a Mrs. Combs. The damage wrought is estimated at $25,000. The tornado passed over Elk City in a northeasterly direction, passing near Chanute, a small town off the railway in Washita county.

Elk City is a small town in Roger Mills county, on the Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf railway. Details are lacking.

The residence of Mr. Know, four miles from Elk City, was destroyed. Mr. Knox and his son were carried about 100 yards, but escaped uninjured.

The storm developed in the eastern part of Rogers Mill county, and traveling in a northeasterly direction, destroyed everything in its track, which varied from 100 yards to half a mile in width. The funnel-shaped clouds were seen to form and were in plain view for many minutes. The clouds finally separated, one going southwest and the other north, leaving Elk City untouched. The injured were hurt by flying debris. The storm was followed by a heavy rain storm that did much damage.

Des Moines Daily Leader, Des Moines, IA 23 May 1902
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Transcribed by Jenni Lanham.