WACO, Texas — May 2024 marks 71 years since an EF-5 tornado ripped through Waco, claiming 114 lives, injuring nearly 1,100, and leaving Downtown Waco in ruins.
Despite the devastation, Waco rebuilt and continues to thrive today. However, painful memories linger for those who lived through the disaster and lost loved ones.
Earlier that afternoon, a tornado hit San Angelo, Texas, a city more than 200 miles west of Waco, killing 13 people. Two state troopers there were able to notify their City Hall and the local schools, saving lives with the early warning. Less than two hours later, Waco residents did not receive the same advanced warning for a much deadlier tornado.
While at least two people saw the tornado south of Waco, they were unable to get word to warn others. Some people working or visiting downtown became increasingly concerned about the weather. Others in multi-story buildings noticed the storm approaching. Unfortunately, heavy rain prevented many from seeing the tornado.
The tornado touched down near Stanford Farmhouse in Lorena at 4:10 p.m., carving a path through Hewitt and South Waco before striking downtown. By 4:40 p.m., the storm reached Waco’s business district, leaving the clock on First National Bank frozen in time. The tornado rampaged through East Waco and was last seen leaving the city limits 35 minutes after it touched down, reportedly "disappearing" near Axtell after leaving a 23-mile trail of destruction.
Over 300 homes, buildings, and other structures were destroyed or damaged — most notably the R.T. Dennis building at North 4th Street and Austin Avenue, where many people died. Other nearby buildings around the old square and on Bridge Street were also heavily damaged.
Many years would pass, and many revitalization attempts would come and go to revive the downtown area.
