The 1953 Sarnia tornado outbreak was a localized but devastating series of severe thunderstorms that affected the Great Lakes region during May 20-21, 1953.

Continuing eastward, the original low moved into Minnesota by May 21 as it made a gradual northeastward turn, producing more severe weather across Ohio and Michigan until a high-pressure system pushed out of the area.

[3] This large, violent tornado touched down at 4:21 p.m. CST near Smiths Creek, Michigan, southwest of Port Huron.

Before exiting Sarnia, the tornado curved even further to the northeast and began to weaken, as its path narrowed to approximately 30 m (33 yd) across.

[8] The tornado then restrengthened as it moved into rural Lambton and Middlesex Counties, where more F4 damage was inflicted upon farmsteads and homes near Nairn, before it dissipated south of Stratford.

Trees were uprooted, disrupting power and communication lines to several large cities, including Milwaukee and Madison.