By reviewing hospital records and patient surveys, we were able to obtain some information on what caused each injury.

We were only able to obtain this information for survivors. There are limitations in categorizing the causes of injuries since people have multiple injuries and multiple causes of injuries. With that in mind, we can say something about the causes of injuries and the severity of these factors.

Among all survivors flying or falling debris was the most common cause of injury. Over one-third of survivors sustained injuries from debris.

Persons who were hospitalized were more likely to sustain injuries that were caused by flying/falling debris, being picked up or blown by the tornado, being injured by flying/falling wood or boards, or being struck by objects than persons who were treated and released in the emergency department.