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Hurricane Carla triggered a destructive and deadly outbreak of 21 tornadoes in Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Michigan that occurred from September 10–13, 1961. A total of 11 tornadoes touched down in Louisiana, and eight more in Texas. The strongest tornado of the outbreak was a 1 mile (1.6 km) long, 100 yards (91 m) wide F4 tornado that moved across Galveston Island in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 12, 1961, killing eight people. This was the first of only two known violent tornadoes ever spawned by a hurricane with the other one happening during Hurricane Hilda in 1964. By the time it was over, the outbreak had killed 14 people, injured 337 others, and caused over $3.461 million in damage.
As Hurricane Carla moved northwestward over the Gulf of Mexico on September 10, its outer rainbands began to spread over the Gulf Coast. Favorable shear profiles led to scattered tornadoes touching down across the region, including an F3 tornado that caused numerous injuries in Kaplan, Louisiana. More tornadoes touched down the next day as the system made landfall in Port O'Connor, Texas at peak intensity with 145 miles per hour (233 km/h) winds and a pressure of 931 mbar (27.5 inHg). September 12 was the worst day of the outbreak with six significant (F2+) tornadoes touching down, including a violent F4 tornado in Galveston, Texas and an intense F3 tornado in Jonesboro, Louisiana, causing widespread destruction and 250 casualties. By September 13, a weaker Tropical Storm Carla was accelerating northward into Canada. Some scattered tornado activity occurred on this day before the outbreak came to an end.
Confirmed tornadoes
Confirmed tornadoes by Fujita rating
FU
F0
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
Total
0
1
6
6
7
1
0
21
September 10 event
List of confirmed tornadoes – Sunday, September 10, 1961
1 death – This intense tornado touched down just outside of Kaplan and caused heavy damage as it moved over 21 blocks of the town. A total of 21 homes were destroyed while 55 others were damaged. It moved almost due north after that, passing near the town of Cossinade before dissipating. In all, 73 homes were destroyed or extensively damaged, while 175 others received minimal damage. A total of 55 people were injured and damage was estimated at $2.5 million.
Tornado moved west, passing south of Rosaryville and Pumpkin Center before crossing the Natalbany River and moving through Springfield. There was $25,000 in damage.
Four homes were damaged, including one that was destroyed. Three people were injured and losses totaled $25,000. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.
Six commercial buildings and approximately 18 homes were destroyed by this intense tornado. At least 40 additional homes were damaged as well. Cars were tossed up to 100 yd (91 m). A total of 22 people were injured and losses totaled $200,000.
September 12 event
List of confirmed tornadoes – Tuesday, September 12, 1961
8 deaths – This rare, violent tornado caused widespread destruction between 19th and 25th Street. 200 buildings suffered severe damage, including 60-75 that were destroyed, although no damage estimate was given. Several homes in the path of the tornado in Galveston were leveled to the ground, but hurricane-force winds may have weakened the structures beforehand. 200 people were injured. This tornado was the first of only two violent F4 tornadoes ever spawned by a tropical cyclone with the other coming from Hurricane Hilda in 1964.
Strong tornado caused extensive damage to several commercial buildings and other structures and destroyed six homes, although no monetary damage value was given. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.
5 deaths – This devastating tornado, which was the largest of the outbreak, impacted Jonesboro before reaching its peak intensity when it moved through Hodge. Approximately 75 homes were severely damaged with 20 of them being destroyed, while 115 others received minimal damage before the tornado quickly dissipated. A total of 37 people were injured and damage was estimated at $250,000.
Tornado caused some damage in Rum Center, Louisiana before moving into Arkansas east of Junction City, Louisiana and Junction City, Arkansas, where several homes, barns, and other structures were destroyed or otherwise damaged. Losses were estimated at $50,000.
Several structures were impacted by this intense tornado, although no damage estimate was given. The tornado destroyed five homes. Grazulis classified the tornado as an F2.
September 13 event
List of confirmed tornadoes – Wednesday, September 13, 1961
Strong tornado touched down on the eastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay east of Traverse City and northeast of Fivemile Corner and moved due east. Multiple homes were damaged and numerous trees uprooted, including several cherry trees. Losses totaled $25,000.
