20-Year Anniversary of Ozarks Tornado Outbreak

a tornado producing supercell thunderstorm spinning over ranch land at sunset near leoti, kansas

It has now been 20 years since a deadly tornado outbreak hit southwest Missouri

On May 4, 2003, 15 separate tornadoes touched down in the Ozarks, hitting towns such as Stockton, Pierce City, Battlefield, Clever and Camdenton.

It was one of the most severe tornado days in state history, with 38 confirmed twisters touching down in Missouri alone.

An EF-3 tornado hit Stockton, doing severe damaging and claiming the lives of three people.

The tornado that touched down in Pierce City destroyed the National Guard armory before making its way to Battlefield.

Over 3,000 homes and business were destroyed during the storm, and six people were confirmed dead in the two tornadoes.