May 4 in Weather History

254 events on record, 1614 to 2025

Every tornado, hurricane, flood, blizzard, heat wave, record, earthquake, eruption, tsunami, wildfire and geomagnetic storm on record for May 4, in any year, each linked to its full record.

← May 3TodayMay 5 →

May 4 on the map

Every event with a place, colored by kind. Tap one to open its record.

  • Tornadoes
  • Hurricanes and tropical storms
  • Floods
  • Severe storms
  • Winter storms and snow
  • Heat and drought
  • Wildfires
  • Earthquakes
  • Tsunamis
  • Other weather

The most significant

By deaths, damage and strength together, across every archive.

Tornadoes

2007EF5 tornado, Kiowa County, Kansas

An EF5 tornado touched down in Kiowa County, Kansas and tracked 25.8 miles, 3,000 yards wide at its widest, killing 11 and injuring 63.

Rating
EF5
Deaths
11
Injuries
63
Path
25.8 mi
Width
3,000 yd

The full record

Tornadoes

200381 tornadoes across 9 states

81 tornadoes were recorded on May 4, 2003, in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and more, 4 of them rated violent (F4 or EF4 and above). They killed 38 people.

Tornadoes
81
States
9
Deaths
38
Violent
4

The full record

Tornadoes

1922F4 tornado, Travis County, Texas

An F4 tornado touched down in Travis County, Texas and tracked 7.1 miles, 200 yards wide at its widest, killing 12 and injuring 50. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Austin, TX.

Rating
F4
Deaths
12
Injuries
50
Path
7.1 mi
Width
200 yd

The full record

Tsunamis

2000May 4, 2000 Tsunami at Sulawesi, Indonesia

A tsunami caused by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, with a maximum water height of 6 meters. It killed 54 people, injured 264, destroyed 23,000 houses and did $30 million in damage.

When
May 4, 2000
Magnitude
7.6
Water height
6 m
Deaths
54
Damage
$30 million
Where
Sulawesi, Indonesia

The full record

Tornadoes

1934F4 tornado, Tulsa, Wagoner counties, Oklahoma

An F4 tornado touched down in Tulsa, Wagoner counties, Oklahoma and tracked 14.4 miles, 200 yards wide at its widest, killing 3 and injuring 11. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: E Jenks to Catoosa, OK.

Rating
F4
Deaths
3
Injuries
11
Path
14.4 mi
Width
200 yd

The full record

Tornadoes

2007Tornadoes and Hail in Kansas, May 4 to 5, 2007

A destructive tornado, the first 5 rating on the new Enhanced-Fujita Scale and the first 5 classification since May 3, 1999 when an F5 tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma occurred on this day.

Deaths
13
Injuries
66
Damage
$252 million
Strongest
EF5
Events
58

The full record

By kind

Tornadoes

155 on May 4, oldest first.

1890F3 tornado, Hood, Johnson counties, Texas

An F3 tornado touched down in Hood, Johnson counties, Texas and tracked 13 miles, 200 yards wide at its widest, killing 6 and injuring 25. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: NW Fall Creek to W Cleburne.

Rating
F3
Deaths
6
Injuries
25
Path
13 mi
Width
200 yd

The full record

1890F4 tornado, Hamilton County, Texas

An F4 tornado touched down in Hamilton County, Texas and tracked 12.6 miles, 400 yards wide at its widest. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Indian Gap, TX.

Rating
F4
Path
12.6 mi
Width
400 yd

The full record

1908F2 tornado, Pulaski County, Arkansas

An F2 tornado touched down in Pulaski County, Arkansas and 150 yards wide at its widest, killing 2 and injuring 6. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Marche, AR.

Rating
F2
Deaths
2
Injuries
6
Width
150 yd

The full record

1914F2 tornado, Bowie County, Texas

An F2 tornado touched down in Bowie County, Texas and tracked 8 miles, 200 yards wide at its widest, killing 4 and injuring 42. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Maud/Redwater, TX.

Rating
F2
Deaths
4
Injuries
42
Path
8 mi
Width
200 yd

The full record

1920F1 tornado, Dallas County, Texas

An F1 tornado touched down in Dallas County, Texas and 50 yards wide at its widest, killing 1 and injuring 4. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Wilmer, TX.

Rating
F1
Deaths
1
Injuries
4
Width
50 yd

The full record

1922F4 tornado, Travis County, Texas

An F4 tornado touched down in Travis County, Texas and tracked 7.1 miles, 200 yards wide at its widest, killing 12 and injuring 50. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Austin, TX.

Rating
F4
Deaths
12
Injuries
50
Path
7.1 mi
Width
200 yd

The full record

1933F3 tornado, Madison Parish, Louisiana

An F3 tornado touched down in Madison Parish, Louisiana and tracked 10.2 miles, 500 yards wide at its widest, killing 1 and injuring 15. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: E Tallulah, LA.

Rating
F3
Deaths
1
Injuries
15
Path
10.2 mi
Width
500 yd

The full record

1934F4 tornado, Tulsa, Wagoner counties, Oklahoma

An F4 tornado touched down in Tulsa, Wagoner counties, Oklahoma and tracked 14.4 miles, 200 yards wide at its widest, killing 3 and injuring 11. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: E Jenks to Catoosa, OK.

Rating
F4
Deaths
3
Injuries
11
Path
14.4 mi
Width
200 yd

The full record

1934F4 tornado, Nowata, Montgomery counties, Oklahoma

An F4 tornado touched down in Nowata, Montgomery counties, Oklahoma and tracked 15 miles, 800 yards wide at its widest, killing 1 and injuring 17. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: OK to Coffeyville, KS.

Rating
F4
Deaths
1
Injuries
17
Path
15 mi
Width
800 yd

The full record

1934F3 tornado, Washington County, Oklahoma

An F3 tornado touched down in Washington County, Oklahoma and tracked 3.4 miles, 400 yards wide at its widest, injuring 5. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: E Bartlesville, OK.

Rating
F3
Injuries
5
Path
3.4 mi
Width
400 yd

The full record

1941F3 tornado, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma

An F3 tornado touched down in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma and tracked 9.7 miles, 300 yards wide at its widest, killing 1 and injuring 3. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: E Macomb, OK.

Rating
F3
Deaths
1
Injuries
3
Path
9.7 mi
Width
300 yd

The full record

1961At least 10 tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma on this date back in 1961, including a large tornado near Cheyenne that…

At least 10 tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma on this date back in 1961, including a large tornado near Cheyenne that was observed from many surrounding communities. One person was killed, and more than 20 farmsteads were severely damaged or destroyed by a tornado that tracked from just west of Geary, to south of Kingfisher. One farmstead was struck by two tornadoes within 5 minutes. This tornado outbreak occurred exactly one year after an outbreak that produced a dozen tornadoes across Oklahoma on May 4th, 1960.

From the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma.

The full record

197730 tornadoes across 6 states

30 tornadoes were recorded on May 4, 1977, in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, 3 of them rated violent (F4 or EF4 and above). They killed 3 people.

Tornadoes
30
States
6
Deaths
3
Violent
3

The full record

1999Tornado in Texas, May 4, 1999

This tornado moved directly through the downtown district of De Kalb and across a high school. Numerous homes and businesses were severely damaged or destroyed. The high school suffered severe damage. Sirens sounded 15 minutes prior to arrival of the storm.

Injuries
22
Damage
$125 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornado in Texas, May 4, 1999

Major damage to homes and businesses. Stoneridge Apartment complex lost portions of its roof and walls collapsed. The complex was condemned. This tornado is separate from the Gree County to Rusk County to Gregg County tornado event which occurred at the same time.

Injuries
2
Damage
$19 million
Strongest
F2
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornado in Texas, May 4, 1999

Supercells developed in unstable airmass ahead of strong upper low over central plains states. Numerous trees blown over or broken. Nine mobile homes and 1 frame home destroyed. This tornado moved into McCurtain county, OK.

Injuries
7
Damage
$600,000
Strongest
F2
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Arkansas, May 4, 1999

Summary of events for May 4 1999:Following a record tornado outbreak in Oklahoma on May 3-4, a significant severe weather outbreak affected northwest Arkansas on the morning and afternoon of May 4 as a vigorous upper level system continued to move slowly east.

Injuries
1
Damage
$118,000
Strongest
F3
Events
17

The full record

1999Tornado in Arkansas, May 4, 1999

Two frame homes were demolished, several frame homes suffered roof damage, 1 church and 3 businesses suffered roof and frame damage. Many trees were snapped and uprooted. Damage estimates includes timber damage.

Damage
$600,000
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 1999

A tornado downed trees just north of Highway 82 near the intersection of OO Highway. The tornado skipped across an open field and increased in intensity just before striking and completely destroying a modular home, spreading debris nearly a mile away.

Injuries
1
Damage
$50,000
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornado in Arkansas, May 4, 1999

A supercell developed under favourable atmospheric conditions. A partial roof was removed from a frame home. One mobile home was heavily damaged. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. Damage estimates include timber damage.

Damage
$150,000
Strongest
F2
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornado in Texas, May 4, 1999

Numerous trees were blown over or broken. A few out buildings were severely damaged. This tornado moved from Titus county, TX into Red River county, TX and exited into Bowie county TX.

Damage
$5,000
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornado in Texas, May 4, 1999

Supercells developed in unstable airmass ahead of strong upper low over central plains states. Damage confined to broken branches off trees and snapped twigs. This tornado moved into Titus county, TX.

Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

1999Tornado in Arkansas, May 4, 1999

Damage path consisted of numerous snapped and fallen small trees. The damage path was in a wooded region away from any population. This tornado moved into Little River county from Bowie county, TX then continued into Sevier county, AR.

Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2001Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Texas, May 4 to 6, 2001

May 4, 5, and 6th Episode NarrativeNorthwesterly flow set up over the region. Numerous disturbances moved through the northwest flow and touched off thunderstorms. Some storms became severe and numerous reports of wind, rain, and hail were received.

Injuries
3
Damage
$5.3 million
Strongest
F1
Events
91

The full record

200381 tornadoes across 9 states

81 tornadoes were recorded on May 4, 2003, in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and more, 4 of them rated violent (F4 or EF4 and above). They killed 38 people.

Tornadoes
81
States
9
Deaths
38
Violent
4

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

This tornado is a continuation of the Newton County tornado. A large tornado laid out a half mile wide path of destruction across southwest, central, and east central Lawrence County.

Deaths
5
Injuries
33
Damage
$28 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

A large tornado laid out a path of destruction across the entire county. During this time, it took a path through the center of Stockton, which is the most populated community in the county. 350 homes, businesses, and outbuildings were destroyed while 650 received major damage.

Deaths
3
Injuries
37
Damage
$43 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Tennessee, May 4 to 7, 2003

The White House granted Governor Phil Bredesen's request for Presential Disaster Declaration for 20 counties in West and Middle Tennessee for damage as a result of tornadoes, flooding and severe thunderstorms which began on Sunday , May 4, 2003.

Deaths
4
Injuries
8
Damage
$2.9 million
Strongest
F1
Events
132

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

A long lived cyclic supercell that had a history of producing large and destructive tornadoes spawned another large tornado in rural south central Camden County.

Deaths
4
Injuries
27
Damage
$6.0 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornadoes and Hail in Kansas, May 4, 2003

A dry line moved into eastern Kansas and initiated severe thunderstorm development the afternoon of May 4th. Several of the thunderstorms became tornadic in Miami, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties.

Deaths
2
Injuries
32
Damage
$20 million
Strongest
F4
Events
21

The full record

2003Tornado in Kansas, May 4, 2003

This storm is known to have initiated the unforgettable series of events of 4 May, 2003. This classic supercell rapidly developed over Montgomery County, Kansas, eventually moving into southwestern Crawford County, Kansas where it spawned a very large and destructive tornado.

Deaths
3
Injuries
20
Damage
$8.2 million
Strongest
F4
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

This tornado is a continuation of the Cherokee County, Kansas tornado. This feature crossed the Kansas-Missouri state line near the community of Smithfield, and then wreaked havoc through the center of Carl Junction.

Deaths
2
Injuries
15
Damage
$21 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornadoes and Hail in Missouri, May 4, 2003

A dry line moved into eastern Kansas on the afternoon of May 4th. Severe thunderstorms quickly erupted in the mid afternoon hours and marched east northeast into Missouri. Several of the severe thunderstorms became tornadic.

Injuries
13
Damage
$125 million
Strongest
F4
Events
91

The full record

2003Tornadoes in Missouri, May 4, 2003

An F-4 tornado tracked over the Kansas-Missouri state line and into west central Barton County. The tornado destroyed several farm houses and outbuildings prior to dissipating one mile north of Liberal. Ten injuries and one fatality can be accounted for from this large tornado.

Deaths
1
Injuries
10
Damage
$20 million
Strongest
F4
Events
2

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

This tornado is a continuation of the Christian County tornado that entered southwestern Greene County and laid down a path of destruction into the city of Battlefield.

Deaths
1
Injuries
12
Damage
$15 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

This is a continuation of the Polk County tornado that entered the northwestern portion of Dallas County near the Polk-Hickory-Dallas County lines.

Deaths
2
Injuries
10
Damage
$3.8 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

This tornado is a continuation of the Lawrence County tornado that laid a half mile wide path of destruction across the Christian County panhandle. Populated areas between the communities of Billings and Clever were affected that resulted in one fatality and three injuries.

Deaths
1
Injuries
3
Damage
$5.1 million
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornadoes in Tennessee, May 4 to 5, 2003

A tornado affected the southeast part of Montgomery County and did damage from Roberts Road, to Fredonia and to Albright Road. 108 homes were damaged. Estimated loss is about 3/4 of a million dollars.

Injuries
1
Damage
$5.8 million
Strongest
F3
Events
3

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

This tornado is a continuation of the Cedar County tornado that produced F-3 damage in the city of Stockton. The tornado remained on the ground across rural sections of northern Polk County. The tornado destroyed 180 homes and outbuildings while damaging 70.

Damage
$4.7 million
Strongest
F2
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornadoes in Kentucky, May 4, 2003

A severe thunderstorm produced a series of tornadoes across Livingston, Crittenden, and Webster Counties. Both tornadoes in Livingston County originated on the Illinois side of the Ohio River.

Injuries
2
Damage
$1.4 million
Strongest
F2
Events
8

The full record

2003Tornado in Arkansas, May 4, 2003

A strong tornado moved from Lonoke County into White County about 4 miles southeast of El Paso. The tornado moved across Highway 64 where several homes and businesses were destroyed with a number of other buildings suffering significant damage.

Injuries
5
Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Kentucky, May 4, 2003

A mobile home was destroyed, injuring two persons. A boy received a broken arm, and a girl suffered a broken back. Several barns and garages were blown down, and a garage was pushed off its foundation. One permanent home received minor damage.

Injuries
2
Damage
$75,000
Strongest
F2
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Missouri, May 4, 2003

A seven mile long path of rural east central Newton County was affected from the initial stages of a large tornado. Three homes and outbuildings were destroyed while five more were damaged causing approximately one half million dollars in monetary loss.

Damage
$500,000
Strongest
F2
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado and Hail in Missouri, May 4, 2003

Severe thunderstorms produced dime to nickel size hail in isolated locations from around Poplar Bluff west. The storms then organized into a single tornadic supercell just northeast of Poplar Bluff.

Damage
$75,000
Strongest
F2
Events
5

The full record

2003Tornado in Arkansas, May 4, 2003

A strong tornado moved out of White County and into Woodruff County about 4.8 miles west-southwest of Gregory. The tornado continued to strengthen as it moved northeastward before reaching Patterson and McCrory.

Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Arkansas, May 4, 2003

The tornado moved from Faulkner County into the extreme northwest corner of Lonoke County, about 7.2 miles northwest of Cabot. The tornado moved across Highway 5 where a number of trees and power poles were blown down.

Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2003Tornado in Arkansas, May 4, 2003

A strong tornado touched down in the southern part of Faulkner County, about 3 miles southwest of Saltillo. The tornado caused quite a bit of tree and power pole damage.

Strongest
F3
Events
1

The full record

2007Tornadoes and Hail in Kansas, May 4 to 5, 2007

A destructive tornado, the first 5 rating on the new Enhanced-Fujita Scale and the first 5 classification since May 3, 1999 when an F5 tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma occurred on this day.

Deaths
13
Injuries
66
Damage
$252 million
Strongest
EF5
Events
58

The full record

20072007 Greensburg tornado

In the evening hours of Friday, May 4, 2007, amid a severe weather outbreak across the central United States, a massive and violent tornado moved through Kiowa County in southwest Kansas, before impacting the city of Greensburg and causing widespread devastation. 3 km) through the area, killing 10 to 13 people and injuring 63.

Where
Greensburg
Country
United States
Deaths
11
Injured
63

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

200729 tornadoes across 5 states

29 tornadoes were recorded on May 4, 2007, in Illinois, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Colorado, Kansas, 1 of them rated violent (F4 or EF4 and above). They killed 13 people.

Tornadoes
29
States
5
Deaths
13
Violent
1

The full record

2007May 2007 tornado outbreak

From May 4–6, 2007, a major and damaging tornado outbreak significantly affected portions of the Central United States, with several strong to violent long-track tornadoes occurring across much of the impacted regions. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms for May 4 over portions of Central Nebraska, Western Kansas, Western Oklahoma, Eastern Colorado and portions of the Texas Panhandle.

Ended
May 6, 2007
Where
United States
Country
United States

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

2013Tornado and Flash Flood in Florida, May 4, 2013

A series of weak surface low pressure systems draped across the the deep south including the central Florida peninsula combined with an approaching cold front over a very saturated airmass triggered a cluster of storms over Nassau county that produced a strong outflow that…

Damage
$39 million
Strongest
EF0
Events
12

The full record

2019The month of May in 2019 was exceptionally busy with tornadoes

The month of May in 2019 was exceptionally busy with tornadoes. 105 tornadoes were recorded that year, setting a record for the highest total for any month in Oklahoma. With several periods of severe weather through the summer and fall months, 2019 also saw the highest total for tornadoes in a year, 147. Despite the high number of tornadoes that year, no EF4 or EF5 tornadoes were recorded.

From the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma.

The full record

2021Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Kentucky, May 4, 2021

Clusters of storms, followed by a bowing line of thunderstorms, organized and accelerated east-northeastward during the overnight and wee morning hours. Several tornadoes accompanied mesovortices along the bowing line of storms.

Damage
$1.2 million
Strongest
EF2
Events
15

The full record

2021Tornadoes and Hail in Tennessee, May 4, 2021

A QLCS (Quasi-linear Convective System) moved across Middle Tennessee during the early morning hours of May 4, 2021. This line of thunderstorms spawned a total of 14 EF-0 tornadoes throughout Middle Tennessee, at least 4 of which were captured on video by local residents.

Damage
$431,000
Strongest
EF0
Events
48

The full record

2022Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 4 to 5, 2022

Several rounds of storms occurred on the 4th as a large trough approached the region. Initially several storms developed across northwest Oklahoma with large hail, with new storm development then occurring along and south of a warm front in central Oklahoma during the afternoon.

Damage
$755,000
Strongest
EF2
Events
20

The full record

2024Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Texas, May 4, 2024

A cold front moved across the Permian Basin before stalling during the afternoon. Several intense supercells formed along and behind this front, producing very large hail. Another area of thunderstorms developed near Fort Stockton.

Damage
$15,000
Strongest
EF2
Events
30

The full record

Hurricanes and tropical storms

4 on May 4, oldest first.

Floods

15 on May 4, oldest first.

1999Flash Flooding in Missouri, May 4 to 5, 1999

Thunderstorms produced a large area of 2 to 6 inch rainfall over central, south central, and southwest Missouri. The hardest hit areas were along the Kansas state line from Nevada to Joplin where some damage to roads occurred.

Deaths
1
Damage
$110,000
Events
21

The full record

2009Flooding in Arkansas, May 4 to 31, 2009

Record rainfall caused river flooding in southwest Arkansas. The Ouachita River and tributaries experienced the highest stages since 1990 and caused Lake Greeson to go over the uncontrolled spillway for only the second time in the history of the reservoir.

Damage
$4.5 million
Events
7

The full record

2012Flash Flooding and Damaging Winds in Ohio, May 4 to 5, 2012

Convection dropped from northwestern Ohio during the late afternoon and reached into southeast Ohio during the evening hours of the 4th. This was south of an east to west cold front in northern Ohio. That front was sinking slowly south. Surface dew points were in the mid 60s.

Deaths
1
Damage
$760,000
Strongest
50 kt wind
Events
7

The full record

2015Flash Flood and Flooding in Texas, May 4 to 5, 2015

A deep fetch of Gulf moisture overspread the South Plains this afternoon in advance of a slow-moving trough. Numerous thunderstorms erupted by late afternoon across the western South Plains and spread slowly northeast through the overnight hours under weak upper level winds.

Injuries
1
Damage
$311 million
Events
6

The full record

2015Flash Flood and Hail in Iowa, May 4, 2015

A slow moving cold front produced areas of thunderstorms with large hail up to the size of quarters and frequent lightning. One person was killed and another injured by lightning in Muscatine County. Heavy rain also was common.

Deaths
1
Injuries
2
Strongest
0.88 in hail
Events
3

The full record

2018Flash Flooding and Lakeshore Flood in Vermont, May 4 to 5, 2018

An energetic storm system moved from the Great Lakes across the St. Lawrence Valley into Ontario/Quebec during the afternoon and evening hours of May 4th. Instability was marginal for thunderstorm development during the evening hours with thunderstorms ahead of a cold front.

Damage
$1.5 million
Strongest
1.5 in hail
Events
26

The full record

2020Flash Flood and Hail in Oklahoma, May 4, 2020

Strong to severe thunderstorms developed over northeastern Oklahoma during the morning of the 5th, as warm, moist, and unstable air was drawn northward over a warm front that stretched across the area.

Damage
$990,000
Strongest
2.75 in hail
Events
39

The full record

2023Flash Flood and Hail in Texas, May 4 to 8, 2023

A lingering upper trough provided several days of thunderstorm activity across the region, with a dryline providing focus for development each day from Thursday May 4 through Monday May 8. Several of these storms were severe with damaging winds and large hail.

Deaths
2
Damage
$1.1 million
Strongest
2.25 in hail
Events
40

The full record

2024Flash Flooding and Hail in Texas, May 4 to 5, 2024

A shortwave trough and a cold front led to the development of scattered to numerous thunderstorms May 4 and 5. Heavy rain causing flash flooding was the main impact during these days. Unfortunately one flash flood fatality occurred in Johnson County.

Deaths
1
Damage
$673,000
Strongest
0.75 in hail
Events
15

The full record

Severe storms

11 on May 4, oldest first.

1996Hail in Florida, May 4, 1996

Ping-pong sized hail produced a ten mile wide swath of significant crop damage from the Manatee county line north to the Wimauma/Balm area, mainly east of U.S.

Damage
$15 million
Strongest
1.5 in hail
Events
1

The full record

2003Hail and Damaging Wind in Kentucky, May 4, 2003

One of the most destructive hailstorms on record in far western Kentucky began near the Mississippi River just south of Cairo, Illinois. The storm moved east across Ballard County, producing quarter-size hail. One-inch diameter hail was reported on U.S.

Injuries
1
Damage
$30 million
Strongest
2.75 in hail
Events
8

The full record

2003Hail and Damaging Winds in Nebraska, May 4, 2003

Widespread severe thunderstorms engulfed most of south-central Nebraska this Sunday morning and afternoon. There were several reports of hail and a few reports of strong winds. The strongest winds were reported north of Pauline and gusted to 80 mph.

Damage
$1.3 million
Strongest
2.75 in hail
Events
38

The full record

2010Hail and Damaging Winds in Massachusetts, May 4, 2010

An upper level disturbance combined with a weakening cold front to initiate showers and thunderstorms across southern New England. These storms produced damaging winds, downing trees, wires, and power poles throughout the area.

Injuries
6
Damage
$676,000
Strongest
58 kt wind
Events
26

The full record

2012Hail in Nebraska, May 4, 2012

For the fourth consecutive day, severe thunderstorms affected parts of South Central Nebraska, this time targeting northwest portions of the 24-county area with a fairly significant Friday evening hail event primarily impacting Valley, Greeley, Howard and Sherman Counties.

Damage
$6.8 million
Strongest
2.75 in hail
Events
16

The full record

2016Damaging Winds in Washington, May 4 to 5, 2016

A moderately unstable warm southerly flow of moisture allowed thunderstorms to develop that moved rather quickly to the north at 25 mph. A few of the thunderstorms downdrafts resulted in power lines and trees down in the Spokane Area.

Damage
$4.8 million
Strongest
52 kt wind
Events
2

The full record

2019Damaging Winds in North Carolina, May 4, 2019

Several multi-cellular clusters moved across the area during the late afternoon and evening. Multiple clusters produced wind damage as they moved through the area in a moist and unstable environment.

Deaths
1
Injuries
1
Damage
$19,000
Strongest
50 kt wind
Events
11

The full record

Winter storms and snow

1 on May 4, oldest first.

2024Avalanche and Heavy Snow in Utah, May 4 to 9, 2024

A cold season type of trough and associated surface features moved through Utah in early May. Ahead of the system, strong synoptic wind gusts occurred throughout portions of the state. While wind gusts decreased following a cold frontal passage, precipitation increased.

Deaths
2
Injuries
1
Damage
$5,000
Strongest
74 kt wind
Events
7

The full record

Heat and drought

1 on May 4, oldest first.

Cold

1 on May 4, oldest first.

Wildfires

30 on May 4, oldest first.

1992Sebastain Fire

The Sebastain Fire was discovered on May 4, 1992, in California, and burned 1,000 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
May 4, 1992
Acres
1,000

The full record

1994Unnamed Fire

The Unnamed Fire was discovered on May 4, 1994, in Sarasota County, Florida, and burned 600 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 1994
Acres
600

The full record

1996Unnamed Fire

The Unnamed Fire was discovered on May 4, 1996, in Clay County, Minnesota, and burned 1,155 acres; the cause was recorded as arson/incendiarism.

When
May 4, 1996
Acres
1,155

The full record

1996Unnamed Fire

The Unnamed Fire was discovered on May 4, 1996, in California, and burned 1,000 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 1996
Acres
1,000

The full record

2000Wildfire in New Mexico, May 4 to 31, 2000

The hot and dry weather throughout the spring culminated in a series of dastivating wildfires that sorched nearly 90,000 acres of forest and ravaged Los Alamos and the adjacent Los Alamos National Labratory (LANL).

Damage
$1.5 billion
Events
2

The full record

2000Cerro Grande Fire

The Cerro Grande Fire was a prescribed-burn forest fire in Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America, that occurred in May of 2000. The fire started as a controlled burn on May 4, 2000, and became uncontrolled owing to high winds and drought conditions.

Ended
July 20, 2000
Where
United States
Country
United States

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

2000Long Bay Fire

The Long Bay Fire was discovered on May 4, 2000, in Florida, and burned 6,679 acres; the cause was recorded as arson/incendiarism.

When
May 4, 2000
Acres
6,679

The full record

2001Animas Fire

The Animas Fire was discovered on May 4, 2001, in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, and burned 11,000 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2001
Acres
11,000

The full record

2002Little Fire

The Little Fire was discovered on May 4, 2002, in Arizona, and burned 8,800 acres; the cause was recorded as equipment and vehicle use.

When
May 4, 2002
Acres
8,800

The full record

2006Canadian Fd Mutual Aid Fire

The Canadian Fd Mutual Aid Fire was discovered on May 4, 2006, in Hemphill County, Texas, and burned 850 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
May 4, 2006
Acres
850

The full record

2009Irishman Fire

The Irishman Fire was discovered on May 4, 2009, in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, and burned 4,888 acres; the cause was recorded as recreation and ceremony.

When
May 4, 2009
Acres
4,888

The full record

2014Wildfire in Oklahoma, May 4 to 8, 2014

Unseasonably hot and dry conditions combined with strong and gusty southwest winds created an environment ripe for wildfires across much of Oklahoma. At least two large fires occurred the first week in May.

Deaths
1
Injuries
2
Events
2

The full record

2014Guthrie Fire

The Guthrie Fire was reported on May 4, 2014, in Logan County, Oklahoma, and burned 3,250 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2014
Acres
3,250

The full record

2014270 Fire

The 270 Fire was reported on May 4, 2014, in Dewey County, Oklahoma, and burned 2,657 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2014
Acres
2,657

The full record

2017International Fire

The International Fire was reported on May 4, 2017, in Volusia County, Florida, and burned 1,600 acres.

When
May 4, 2017
Acres
1,600

The full record

2018Storm Trooper Wf Fire

The Storm Trooper Wf Fire was reported on May 4, 2018, in Okaloosa County, Florida, and burned 1,100 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2018
Acres
1,100

The full record

20205 Mile Swamp Fire

The 5 Mile Swamp Fire was reported on May 4, 2020, in Santa Rosa County, Florida, and burned 2,215 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2020
Acres
2,215

The full record

2020L-67 Fire

The L-67 Fire was reported on May 4, 2020, in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and burned 1,792 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2020
Acres
1,792

The full record

2022L39 Fire

The L39 Fire was reported on May 4, 2022, in Palm Beach County, Florida, and burned 12,050 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
May 4, 2022
Acres
12,050

The full record

20222 Bravo Fire

The 2 Bravo Fire was reported on May 4, 2022, in Broward County, Florida, and burned 9,150 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
May 4, 2022
Acres
9,150

The full record

20222Alpha Fire

The 2Alpha Fire was reported on May 4, 2022, in Palm Beach County, Florida, and burned 5,600 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
May 4, 2022
Acres
5,600

The full record

2022May Fire

The May Fire was reported on May 4, 2022, in Lea County, New Mexico, and burned 1,833 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2022
Acres
1,833

The full record

2023Big Tank Fire

The Big Tank Fire was reported on May 4, 2023, in San Miguel County, New Mexico, and burned 1,181 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
May 4, 2023
Acres
1,181

The full record

2025Blind Fire

The Blind Fire was reported on May 4, 2025, in Coconino County, Arizona, and burned 6,329 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
May 4, 2025
Acres
6,329

The full record

2025Pouch Point Fire

The Pouch Point Fire was reported on May 4, 2025, in Mountrail County, North Dakota, and burned 2,000 acres.

When
May 4, 2025
Acres
2,000

The full record

2025pouch point Fire

The pouch point Fire was reported on May 4, 2025, in Mountrail County, North Dakota, and burned 1,800 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
May 4, 2025
Acres
1,800

The full record

Earthquakes

21 on May 4, oldest first.

20002000 Banggai Islands Earthquake

5 earthquake struck off the coast of Banggai Islands Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, which was followed by a damaging local tsunami. The earthquake and tsunami killed at least 54 people and injured 270 others, with most of the damage and casualties occurring in the Banggai Islands.

Where
Indonesia
Country
Indonesia

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

Tsunamis

9 on May 4, oldest first.

1820May 4, 1820 Tsunami at S. Mexico

A tsunami caused by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck S. Mexico, with a maximum water height of 4 meters. It did severe (about $5 to $25 million) damage.

When
May 4, 1820
Magnitude
7.6
Water height
4 m
Where
S. Mexico

The full record

2000May 4, 2000 Tsunami at Sulawesi, Indonesia

A tsunami caused by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, with a maximum water height of 6 meters. It killed 54 people, injured 264, destroyed 23,000 houses and did $30 million in damage.

When
May 4, 2000
Magnitude
7.6
Water height
6 m
Deaths
54
Damage
$30 million
Where
Sulawesi, Indonesia

The full record

2018May 4, 2018 Tsunami at Hawaii, United States

A tsunami with a source recorded as volcano and earthquake struck Hawaii, United States, with a maximum water height of 0.4 meters. It injured 1, destroyed 716 houses and did $370 million in damage.

When
May 4, 2018
Magnitude
6.9
Water height
0.4 m
Damage
$370 million
Where
Hawaii, United States

The full record

Space weather and aurora

2 on May 4, oldest first.

1989G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm of May 4, 1989

A G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm began May 4, 1989, reached Kp 7- and lasted 12 hours, with a daily Ap as high as 44; at that Kp the aurora may be seen from about 52 degrees geomagnetic latitude.

When
May 4 to 5, 1989
Peak Kp
7-
Storm level
G3

The full record

Other weather

4 on May 4, oldest first.

2019Rip Current in California, May 4, 2019

A 74 year old man drowned while fishing at South Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore Saturday May 4th. The man was digging for sand crabs on the beach with his back to the water when he was presumably knocked into the water by a wave.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

2022Rip Current in Puerto Rico, May 4, 2022

The combination of a small northerly swell and choppy, wind-driven seas resulted in life-threatening rip currents across most of the north and east-facing beaches of the islands on the 4th of May.

Deaths
1
Injuries
1
Events
1

The full record

Every day of the year

Sources

Gathered from this site’s archives: the tornado record (NOAA SPC, and Grazulis before 1950), IBTrACS and the National Hurricane Center, NOAA NCEI’s Storm Events Database, Regional Snowfall Index, billion-dollar disasters list, State Climate Extremes Committee and hazard databases, USGS, NIFC, GFZ Potsdam’s Kp index (CC BY 4.0), the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, and Wikidata (CC0), with article leads from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0, each credited where it appears. Rebuilt 2026-09-24.