JW Vance was my great grandfather. John Will, Hattie Ann, and my mom Ann was in the house untouched. While, my grandmother Emma Jean Crews at the time along with her kids was in the trailer.

My uncle Bobby was blown several feet from the trailer in a tree. Since I was old enough to remember my mother spoke of Mrs. Smith that day and how she was found. My aunt still has a scar that will remind her of that day forever. The youngest was a baby at that time and was blown from my grandmothers arms. I will try to find some pics. When my mom passed away I got several pictures and these storm were part of it.

• April 27, 1971 Tornado Album from 2012
• Adair Co. KY, struck by F4 Tornado 43 years ago today
• Tornado of April 27, 1971 - a first person account
• Gosser Ridge hit by Tornado April 27, 1971
• Tornado April 27, 1971: numbed citizenry, communications, power, dead
• Letter: Tornado of 4-27-71
• Letter: Family memories of 1971 tornado
• Tornado April 27, 1971: Six lost their lives in Adair County
• Tornado April 27, 1971: Angry streak of destruction


• External: kyclimate.org In-depth look at the severe weather outbreak of April 27, 1971, by Shane Holinde