Southwestern/South Central Squall Line of May 28th/29th 1921

The Southwestern/South Central Squall Line of May 28th/29th, 1921 was a severe squall line that would meet current derecho standards. It was the last storm system of the 1921 Squall Line Series.

Meteorological History
A line of storms developed, as expected, late in the evening of May 28th, 1921. However, no one knew they would intensify into a dangerous system. At 11:45, the first 2 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued, as the system moved East. It spun up a weak F-0 tornado soon before crossing over the border to the South Central province. As the storm barreled through the western areas of the region, it later spun up an F-3 tornado in an open field. 4 people were gruesomely killed by the tornado when it barreled through their farm and home. This was not the worst of the systems, but it was considered the most horrific, due to the death of the family.

Evening Forecast (SCWS)
A line of thunderstorms is forecasted to develop tonight over the eastern portion of the province. While no severe weather is expected, heavy downpours and some hail may be expected.

Evening Forecast (SWWB)
A line of thunderstorms is forecasted to develop tonight over the South Central province and cross over into the Southwestern province. While no severe weather is expected, heavy downpours and some hail may be expected.

Post Storm Report (SCWS and SWWB)
A severe squall line ravaged both provinces overnight. Originally expected to be a line of strong storms, they intensified drastically, and became severe. Wind damage has been reported along the storm's path, along with destruction from a possible weak tornado and destruction of a farm and house potentially from a stronger tornado.

Derecho Reclassification (1961 Report)
Along with 3 other squall lines that occured around the world, the squall line of May 28th/29th, 1921 has been reclassified under a new meteorological term, a derecho. The criteria for a derecho is as follows: the line of storms must last 6 hours or more and have sustained winds of 60 miles per hour throughout the event to be classified as a derecho.