Deseret News archives recount Salt Lake City tornado and Berlin Wall origins

Historical archives from the Deseret News highlight two significant past events. On August 11, 1999, a massive tornado struck downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. The sudden storm caused one death, at least 81 injuries, and approximately $170 million in damages. The event was noted for occurring before any official warnings could be issued, destroying structures such as the Salt Palace Convention Center exhibition space.

On August 13, 1961, East Germany began sealing the border between the eastern and western sectors of Berlin, an event known as ‘Barbed Wire Sunday’. This action preceded the construction of the Berlin Wall, which divided the city for 28 years. The border closure was implemented to prevent mass migration to West Germany, following reports that roughly 20% of the East German population had already defected.