Disaster History

The 1953 Tornado Killed 114 People in Downtown Waco

On May 11, 1953, a tornado struck downtown Waco, killing 114 people and destroying hundreds of buildings in one of Texas's deadliest tornadoes.

McLennan County History & Culture

The May 11, 1953 tornado struck during the afternoon and hit densely built parts of downtown Waco. It killed 114 people and left about 145 seriously injured. Nearly 600 buildings were damaged or destroyed. The storm caused long-term decline in the downtown core.

The 1953 storm is part of why tornado preparedness matters in this county. McLennan County sits in a region of Central Texas where severe spring storms are common. The NWS Fort Worth office tracks tornado climatology for the county going back to the 1800s.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Waco, TX

More McLennan County notes

Property Tax

McLennan CAD Handles Your Property Appraisal

McLennan Central Appraisal District sets property values for all 44 taxing entities in the county, but a separate office collects the tax.

Read note ->

Property Tax Exemption

File for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

Texas homeowners who live in their home can file for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of the property.

Read note ->

Agricultural Appraisal

Ag Valuation Can Cut Taxes on Rural Land

Land used mainly for farming or ranching can be taxed on its agricultural value instead of its market value, which is usually much lower.

Read note ->

Appraisal Protest

You Can Protest Your Property Appraisal

Property owners in McLennan County can formally challenge their appraised value each year if they believe it is too high.

Read note ->