| Partof: | tornado outbreaks of 1992 |
| Tornado outbreak of November 21–23, 1992 | |
| Formed: | November 21, 1992 |
| Active: | 41 hours |
| Dissipated: | November 23, 1992 |
| Tornadoes: | 95 |
| Fujitascale: | F4 |
| Casualties: | 26 deaths, 641 injuries |
| Damages: | >$300 million (1992 USD) |
| Enhanced: | no |
The Tornado outbreak of November 1992, sometimes referred to as The Widespread Outbreak (as was the 1974 Super Outbreak initially), was a devastating, three-day outbreak of tornadoes that struck the Eastern and Midwestern United States on November 21–23. This exceptionally long-lived and geographically large outbreak produced 95 tornadoes over a 41-hour period, making it one of the longest-lasting and largest outbreaks ever recorded in the US, and published studies of the outbreak have indicated the possibility of even more tornadoes (92, 94, 146 and 143, with higher numbers reflected in NOAA studies). There were 26 fatalities, 641 injuries, and over $300 million in damage.
On November 21, 1992, a very strong cold-core low was located over southeastern New Mexico; in nearby El Paso, mid-level temperatures of -31C were recorded. Rounding the base of this feature was an 80kn jet streak. At the surface and in the lower levels of the atmosphere, low pressure was becoming established across western Texas. Strong wind flow in advance of these features led to the northward transport of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and into the Southern United States. The cold-core low progressed northeastward from western Texas toward the eastern Great Lakes region as the tornado outbreak unfolded. Areas of low pressure at and just above the surface followed similar tracks, with the associated low-level jet advancing across most of the Gulf Coast region and eventually along the Atlantic Coast. A preceding system had left a weak cold front stretching from Texas to Michigan on November 21, and in fact, forecasters initially questioned whether moisture would be sufficient for an organized severe weather event across Texas the following day. However, continued southerly flow advanced dewpoints in excess of 65F across central and southern portions of the state, and the cold front soon surged northward as a warm front instead. Convective available potential energy values, though modest, still reached 1,000 J/kg across southern Texas. This moist and unstable environment, combined with very strong wind shear, promoted the development of an intense squall line and isolated supercells ahead of it, contributing to multiple tornadoes in the Greater Houston area on the afternoon of November 21. As the squall line spread eastward the next day, an intense low-level jet contributed to provide favorable wind profiles, abundant moisture, and a sufficiently unstable airmass. As such, the line of thunderstorms maintained vigor as it moved eastward across the Gulf Coast, while discrete supercells continued to form to its east. The same general environment persisted into the Mid-Atlantic early on November 23. This severe weather setup contributed to dozens of tornadoes during that time, many of which were significant and deadly.[1]
Farther north, a secondary concentration of tornadoes developed across the Ohio River Valley, resulting in the most damaging late-season tornado outbreak at the time there. Environmental conditions were more comparable to a widespread springtime event instead of a late season event.
| State | Total | County | County total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 6 | Greene | 1 |
| Lumpkin | 1 | ||
| Putnam | 4 | ||
| Kentucky | 1 | Carroll | 1 |
| Mississippi | 15 | Choctaw | 1 |
| Kemper | 1 | ||
| Leake | 1 | ||
| Rankin | 10 | ||
| Webster | 2 | ||
| North Carolina | 2 | Orange | 2 |
| South Carolina | 1 | Saluda | 1 |
| Tennessee | 1 | Hardeman | 1 |
| Totals | 26 | ||
| All deaths were tornado-related | |||
| Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max width | Summary | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Glen Flora | Wharton | TX | 19:30 | 0.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Several barns were damaged or destroyed.[2] [3] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Jones Creek | Wharton | TX | 19:40 | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Several barns were damaged or destroyed.[4] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Wharton | Wharton | TX | 20:15 | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | One unoccupied home was destroyed.[5] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | NE of Foster to W of Deco | TX | 20:20 | 25abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A strong tornado began in the Cinco Ranch area before moving into Katy, where roofs and walls were removed from homes, garages were destroyed, and some homes under construction collapsed. The tornado crossed I-10 and struck West Houston Lakeside Airport, destroying several metal hangars and 12 planes. The tornado continued through residential areas of northwest Houston, destroying garages and causing roof damage to homes. Several apartment complexes and a Randalls store sustained roof damage as well.[6] The tornado caused substantial roof and wall damage to more than 100 homes. Camera footage revealed that the tornado sometimes exhibited multiple vortices. Eleven people were injured.[7] [8] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F1 | Fort Bend | TX | 20:40 | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Garages were destroyed, and 78 homes were reported to have received roof damage.[9] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F1 | E of Thompsons | Fort Bend | TX | 20:45 | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A barn and many outbuildings were destroyed. Several large trees were damaged as well.[10] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | Brazoria, Harris | TX | 21:10 | 2.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado removed shingles and cladding from six homes. Additional commercial and apartment buildings sustained roof damage as well.[11] [12] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F3 | SE of Huffman to W of Rye | Harris, Liberty | TX | 21:20 | 32abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 300abbr=onNaNabbr=on | F3 tree damage began near the northeast end of Lake Houston. Less intense damage occurred to residential buildings in Tarkington and Hoot and Holler, east of Romayor.[13] [14] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SW of Riverside Terrace to NW of Jacinto City | Harris | TX | 21:20 | 12abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | The tornado began near Hermann Park, close to Rice University in Houston, before moving through residential and industrial areas. Many homes lost their roofs and walls were collapsed at masonry buildings. After touching down, the tornado crossed heavily trafficked U.S. Route 59, Interstate 45, I-10, and I-610, damaging more than 600 buildings, including 500 residences. Despite crossing many busy roads, the tornado only caused six negligible injuries.[15] | |
| bgcolor=# | F4 | W of Galena Park to N of Dayton | Harris, Liberty | TX | 21:27 | 30abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1800abbr=onNaNabbr=on | See section on this tornado – 15 people were injured. | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SE of Schwab City | Polk | TX | 21:27 | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A few trees were downed and two barns were destroyed. The tornado injured one person.[16] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Crosby | Harris, Liberty | TX | 22:15 | 4abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Several homes reported minor damage, but mostly losses were to outbuildings on farms.[17] [18] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | E of Texas City | Galveston | TX | 22:45 | 0.1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Trees were downed and windows were smashed. A radio antenna was also bent over.[19] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | S of Buna | Jasper | TX | 00:00 | 0.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 40abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Power lines were downed and trees were prostrated. Some roofs were removed and windows were broken.[20] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | W of Simpson | Vernon | LA | 01:12 | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 150abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A mobile home was thrown on top of a van and trees were prostrated. Rating disputed, ranked F1 by Grazulis.[21] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis | LA | 01:30–02:08 | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 75abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Six homes were destroyed and 18 damaged. There was $100,000 damage to an outlet mall that had its I-beams deformed and its roof blown away. Two people were injured.[22] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F2 | Rapides | LA | 02:50 | 0.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 150abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Some homes were damaged and trees uprooted. Rating disputed, ranked F1 by Grazulis.[23] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F1 | Wilkinson | MS | 03:30 | 4abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | One mobile home and several barns were destroyed. Several other homes were damaged. Numerous trees were blown down.[24] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F2 | NE of Lozes to NE of Parks | Iberia, St. Marin | LA | 03:30–03:45 | 15abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 75abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Six mobile homes were destroyed, and one was overturned with a woman injured inside. The damage swath was discontinuous.[25] [26] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | N of Monterey | Catahoula | LA | 03:45 | 0.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | The first of two tornadoes in Catahoula Parish destroyed 18 mobile homes, damaged two permanent homes, and downed trees. The tornado also caused $200,000 in timber damage alone.[27] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | W of Monterey | Concordia | LA | 03:45 | 3abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A barn was unroofed and two homes and a mobile home were destroyed. The tornado caused an additional $200,000 in timber damage and injured six people.[28] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | SW of Foules to SE of Richmond | Catahoula, Tensas, Madison | LA | 03:55–04:15 | 38abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | The second tornado to strike Catahoula Parish first struck Foules, where it destroyed 12 mobile homes and a church. The tornado also damaged three permanent homes in Foules. It then struck Cooter Point, where it partially destroyed eight homes and completely destroyed a mobile home. In Madison Parish, the tornado heavily damaged two permanent homes and destroyed two mobile homes and three barns. It continued intermittently to near Tallulah before dissipating, completely destroying a church and three homes. Five other homes were damaged and eight nearly destroyed.[29] [30] [31] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | N of Jackson | West Feliciana, East Feliciana | LA | 04:00–04:15 | 13abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Numerous greenhouses and six residences were destroyed.[32] [33] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | W of Goldman to S of Newellton | Tensas | LA | 04:18–04:32 | 16abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado first downed numerous trees near Goldman before destroying three barns and damaging four other buildings near St. Joseph. The tornado destroyed several outbuildings and heavily damaged five homes south of Newellton before dissipating. In all, five homes were severely damaged and many outbuildings destroyed.[34] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Woodland | East Feliciana | LA | 04:30–04:45 | 11abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 75abbr=onNaNabbr=on | One home was destroyed and some others were damaged nearby.[35] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SE of West Lincoln to W of Beauregard | Lincoln, Copiah | MS | 04:50–05:05 | 16abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 440abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado struck the town of Brookhaven. Four homes were destroyed and five others sustained major damage. Extensive tree and power pole damage occurred as well.[36] [37] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | E of Hazlehurst | Copiah | MS | 05:15–05:24 | 9abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 440abbr=onNaNabbr=on | One house was destroyed and several others were damaged. Numerous trees were downed as well.[38] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | E of Oak Vale to Mount Olive | Jefferson Davis, Covington | MS | 05:23–06:05 | 27abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Many well-constructed homes were destroyed, including 14 in Jefferson Davis County and 32 in Mount Olive. In Jefferson Davis County, a total of 14 homes were destroyed and numerous trees were downed. In the town of Mount Olive, 32 homes were destroyed and 55 others were damaged. At least 105 people were injured.[39] [40] | |
| bgcolor=# | F4 | N of Hopewell to W of Sherwood | Copiah, Simpson, Rankin, Scott, Leake, Attala, Choctaw | MS | 05:27–08:01 | 128abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 12 deaths — See section on this tornado – 122 people were injured.[41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Kelso | Sharkey | MS | 05:30–05:38 | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 440abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado damaged many vehicles and trees, and destroyed one mobile home. One house was damaged as well.[48] | |
| bgcolor=# | F4 | NW of Wisner to Newton | Smith, Jasper, Newton | MS | 06:14–07:14 | 40abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1760abbr=onNaNabbr=on | This large and violent tornado produced a path 1miles wide through the Bienville National Forest and sparsely-populated areas. Most of the damage was in Smith County, near Sylvarena. There, a large church was leveled and 90 homes were destroyed. The tornado then moved into Jasper County, where three houses and four mobile homes were destroyed. In the area, 21 houses and two mobile homes were damaged. In Newton County, six homes were damaged, one mobile home was destroyed, and one commercial building was destroyed. Timber loss was well into the millions of dollars, mainly through the Bienville National Forest, where substantial tree damage occurred over a wide, long swath.[49] [50] [51] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | N of Little Rock | Newton, Neshoba | MS | 07:22–07:35 | 9abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | One church had roof damage and four homes received severe damage. Two mobile homes were destroyed, four houses sustained major damage, and 16 homes had minor damage, mainly in the small community of House. Numerous trees and power lines were also downed.[52] [53] | |
| Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max width | Summary | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Clarkson | Webster, Chickasaw | MS | 08:14–08:25 | 9abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 2 deaths — The tornado destroyed a small wood-frame home in Clarkson, killing the two occupants. Four additional homes were seriously damaged and numerous trees were downed.[54] [55] [56] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | E of Bloomfield to E of Dinsmore | Kemper, Noxubee | MS | 08:15–08:55 | 27abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1 death — One house and several mobile homes were destroyed. Several other mobile homes were also damaged. One person was killed and another was injured in a wood-frame home just west of Wahalak.[57] [58] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | NW of Anchor | Chickasaw | MS | 08:31–08:37 | 4abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Several trees were downed.[59] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Parkersburg | Chickasaw | MS | 08:45–08:54 | 7abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Four mobile homes and one barn were destroyed. Airborne debris damaged a few cars.[60] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | E of Prairie Point | Noxubee | MS | 08:45–09:10 | 15abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 440abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Major damage to 17 frame homes was reported, along with considerable tree damage. Six mobile homes were destroyed and two mobile homes had major damage.[61] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SE of Blackwater to SE of Millington | Kemper | MS | 08:45–09:20 | 23abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Large trees were torn up from the soil, many mobile homes were destroyed, and several houses sustained major damage. | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | NW of Increase | Lauderdale | MS | 09:20–09:22 | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Trees and power lines were blown down.[62] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SW of Panola | Sumter | AL | 09:30–10:00 | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A church and five mobile homes were destroyed. Severe roof damage occurred to a school and many homes.[63] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | NW of Ethelsville | Pickens | AL | 09:30 | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 125abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado destroyed half a dozen mobile homes, injuring seven people.[64] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Bolivar | Hardeman | TN | 09:50 | 16abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 75abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1 death - About 30 homes were damaged or destroyed. A boy was killed when the tornado overturned a mobile home. Numerous trees and several power lines were downed as well. Three people were injured.[65] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | N of Oakman | Walker | AL | 11:18–11:35 | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 45abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A total of 35 structures were damaged or destroyed.[66] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | Eva | Morgan | AL | 12:20 | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 18abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A narrow, weak tornado unroofed a church and damaged a chicken coop. Other outbuildings were also damaged.[67] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | NE of New Hope | Madison | AL | 12:55 | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A total of 11 mobile homes were destroyed and 27 others were damaged. Another 10 residential homes received varying amounts of damage. All 5 injuries occurred in mobile homes.[68] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | E of Rainsville | DeKalb | AL | 14:00 | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | No damage information is available.[69] [70] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | S of Crossville | DeKalb | AL | 14:15 | 5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 73abbr=onNaNabbr=on | No damage information is available.[71] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | NE of Sardis City | Etowah, DeKalb | AL | 14:15 | 12abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 730abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Numerous trees were downed and structures were damaged. Twelve people were injured.[72] [73] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | E of Lakeview | DeKalb | AL | 14:20 | 3abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 23abbr=onNaNabbr=on | No damage information is available.[74] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | E of Keith, AL to NE of Rising Fawn, GA | DeKalb (AL), Dade, (GA) | AL, GA | 14:40–15:10 | 10.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 500abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Numerous trees were downed, a few homes sustained damage, and a trailer home was moved off its foundation.[75] [76] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NW of Zana to SE of Wadley | Tallapoosa, Randolph | AL | 14:40–15:10 | 17abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Three homes were destroyed and 40 others were damaged. 29 businesses were damaged or destroyed. 10 people were injured, all of which occurred in mobile homes.[77] [78] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | Belltown | Cleburne | AL | 15:30 | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Several trees downed and several structures were damaged.[79] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | E of Rock Spring | Walker, Catoosa | GA | 15:30–15:35 | 1.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 150abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado moved into the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Generally tree damage occurred along its path, though two cows were killed as well.[80] [81] | |
| bgcolor=# | F4 | SW of Pine Mountain to W of Hickory Flat | Cobb, Cherokee | GA | 16:44–17:34 | 20abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | This destructive tornado, which may have consisted of twin tornadoes, touched down north of Powder Springs before moving through the northwest Atlanta suburbs, near Marietta, where it leveled homes and trees. The tornado struck and devastated Kennesaw, damaging or destroying more than 325 homes and businesses in the city. A church in Woodstock was destroyed during service, though everyone inside survived. A total of 46 people were injured.[82] [83] [84] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | NE of Dahlonega | Lumpkin | GA | 18:10–18:25 | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1 death – This tornado caused major damage near Dahlonega. On a large ranch, the tornado damaged or destroyed 40 structures, including offices, cabins, stables, and the lodge. Many hardwood trees were downed as well. One person died from severe head injuries, and seven other people were injured, some of whom were carried 65to.[85] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SW of Hampton | Spalding, Henry | GA | 19:04–19:20 | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | About 20 buildings were damaged in Spalding County, and 3 hangars that harbored vintage airplanes were severely damaged too. Three injuries occurred. In Henry County, a few houses were damaged and the wall was blown out of a business. Trees, power poles, and power lines were downed along the tornado's path.[86] [87] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Pimento | Vigo | IN | 19:06 | 0.1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 45abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Metal sheeting was ripped from several buildings.[88] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Box Springs | Muscogee, Talbot | GA | 19:35–19:40 | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Two homes and a barn were severely damaged; one of the homes was forced to be leveled. A smaller building was lifted 4feet off its foundation. The roof was blown off a garage, causing damage to a vehicle inside. Large trees were uprooted; limbs and utility lines were downed.[89] [90] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | N of Elletsville | Monroe | IN | 19:35–19:44 | 5.3abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | This tornado destroyed three houses, seven mobile homes, and three barns, with the worst damage being north of Elletsville. The tornado destroyed 135acres of corn as well. Three people were injured.[91] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | Fincastle | Putnam, Montgomery | IN | 19:50–20:15 | 12abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | This tornado struck about 50 farms, though only a few homes were severely damaged or destroyed.[92] [93] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | NE of Paragon to Five Points | Morgan | IN | 19:55–20:20 | 15abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | An intense tornado first touched down near Hindsville, damaging a meat market. It lifted for a short time before touching down again northwest of Martinsville. It moved along the White River, damaging numerous homes in Centerton and toppling two power line towers. Along the tornado's path, trees were downed.[94] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Raccoon | Montgomery | IN | 20:07–20:15 | 2.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A mobile home was destroyed; the occupant was severely injured.[95] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | NW of Coffee Springs | Geneva | AL | 20:10 | 2.2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 20abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Numerous trees were snapped, and a scoreboard was blown down at a football stadium.[96] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | E of Smarr | Monroe | GA | 20:40–20:45 | 0.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A poultry farm and a mobile home were destroyed. A residential home and another mobile home were heavily damaged. Numerous trees were uprooted, and power lines were downed.[97] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | Indianapolis to Fishers | Marion | IN | 20:45–21:04 | 9abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 440abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A total of 200 homes were damaged, of which a few were destroyed; another 24-30 homes sustained major damage. Large trees, as well as 95feet power poles, were downed.[98] [99] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SW of Round Oak | Monroe, Jones | GA | 21:00 | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A strong tornado impacted areas around Lake Juliette, damaging a building and a park pavilion. South of Juliette, one frame house was destroyed and a second was severely damaged. Seven other houses and trailers, in addition to ten vehicles, were damaged farther along the track. Numerous trees and power lines were downed, particularly in the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge where stands of hardwood and pine trees were destroyed. Fallen trees blocked U.S. Route 23 and Georgia State Route 11.[100] [101] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | W of Shelbyville | Shelby | IN | 21:05–21:27 | 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Major damage near Shelbyville, where three houses, five barns, and many outbuildings were destroyed. A semi-truck was flipped on I-74.[102] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | SE of Smithfield | Henry | KY | 21:20 | 0.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 20abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A trailer was destroyed and a barn was damaged.[103] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | N of Hardscrabble | Hamilton, Madison | IN | 21:20–21:25 | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A pole barn was destroyed and a second barn was severely damaged. The top of a silo was blown down. Some corn was damaged, and trees were downed.[104] [105] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NE of Fishers | Hamilton | IN | 21:23 | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Trees and power lines were downed.[106] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | SW of Waynesburg | Bartholomew, Decatur | IN | 21:34–21:45 | 4.9abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A 98feetby60feetft (byft) commercial building was demolished. Two other commercial buildings sustained moderate to severe damage. Ten farm buildings and a barn were destroyed, while ten houses and a farm building were damaged. Numerous power poles and trees were downed, including an apple orchard that was damaged.[107] [108] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | SE of Campbellsburg | Henry | KY | 21:40 | 3abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 40abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A small tornado touched down three separate times. It destroyed one barn and damaged another. A house was damaged, and many trees were downed.[109] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | N of Gwynneville | Shelby, Hancock, Rush | IN | 21:45–22:00 | 7.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Roofs were damaged or partially removed from several homes and outbuildings. A modular home was blown off its foundation, a metal barn was destroyed, and a shed was downed. Numerous large trees were also downed.[110] [111] [112] | |
| bgcolor=# | F4 | NE of Ethridge to SE of White Plains | Putnam, Greene | GA | 21:45–22:20 | 32abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 880abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 5 deaths – A violent, long-tracked tornado, nearly 1miles wide in spots, destroyed extensive swaths of trees. A total of 134 homes and 5 businesses were destroyed. Another 109 homes sustained varying degrees of damage. A total of 4 dairies were lost and another 5 were heavily damaged, resulting in the deaths of about 350 cattle. Five transmission towers were toppled. Along the track, 86 people were injured.[113] [114] | |
| bgcolor=# | F4 | Worthville, KY to NE of Antioch, IN | Carroll (KY), Switzerland (IN), Boone (KY) | KY, IN | 21:52 | 26.7abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 75abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1 death – Well over 40 residential houses and mobile homes were damaged or destroyed by this violent tornado that crossed the Ohio River twice. Two 100feet power transfer structures were twisted to the ground. A semi-trailer was overturned, and many trees were uprooted. Pieces of debris were found up to 5miles from the tornado's path. Ten people were injured.[115] [116] [117] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NW of Linwood | Madison | IN | 21:54 | 0.2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 65abbr=onNaNabbr=on | The roof was ripped off a storage building.[118] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | S of Gratz | Owen | KY | 22:17 | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 20abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Two barns and a trailer were destroyed.[119] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | Liberty | Union, Wayne | IN | 22:35–23:00 | 12abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | In total, 2 mobile homes, 6 barns, numerous outbuildings, several garages, and 90acres of corn were destroyed. The roofs were ripped off many homes and a farmhouse. Many trees were downed.[120] [121] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | NW of Cohentown | Wilkes | GA | 22:40–22:45 | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Two homes were destroyed and several other buildings were damaged. A poultry farm and a hog farm sustained considerable damage. A 3tonne bin from one location was carried 0.25miles. Numerous large trees were destroyed, and numerous power lines were downed. One person was injured.[122] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | Portland | Jay | IN | 23:00 | 0.2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A storage shed was destroyed. The roof was ripped off one home, and the roofs of several other homes were damaged.[123] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | SE of Campbellstown to S of Arcanum | Preble, Darke | OH | 23:00–23:28 | 20abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 500abbr=onNaNabbr=on | About 30 buildings were destroyed and another 130 were damaged, particularly in Arcanum. Debris from the city was carried as far as 25miles to the northeast. A total of 21 people were injured.[124] [125] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | NE of Amity, GA to W of Jenkinsville, SC | Lincoln (GA), McCormick (SC), Edgefield (SC), Saluda (SC), Newberry (SC) | GA, SC | 23:00–01:00 | 67abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 400abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1 death – An intense tornado began in Georgia moved northeast into South Carolina. At peak intensity, the tornado destroyed a home, killing one occupant and injuring another. It damaged or destroyed at least two homes in McCormick County, at least one home in Edgefield County, and several homes in Saluda County. In conjunction with a later F2 tornado, 14 homes, 9 mobile homes, and 5 businesses were destroyed in Saluda County. Another 2 homes and 20 mobile homes were damaged in Newberry County, and 1 of those mobile homes was destroyed. A car and a truck parked inside a garage was tossed, and an A-frame house was shifted off its foundation. It is impossible to decipher the exact number of injuries or extent of damage from each two tornadoes that occurred in close proximity. In all, nine people were injured.[126] [127] [128] [129] [130] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | S of Eastwood | Brown | OH | 23:15 | 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 60abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado heavily damaged or destroyed 10 outbuildings and 3 mobile homes.[131] | |
| bgcolor=# | F2 | N of Johnston to SE of Stoney Hill | Saluda, Newberry | SC | 00:00–01:15 | 30abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 550abbr=onNaNabbr=on | In conjunction with an earlier F3 tornado, 14 homes, 9 mobile homes, and 5 businesses were destroyed in Saluda County. Another 2 homes and 20 mobile homes were damaged in Newberry County, and 1 of those mobile homes was destroyed. A car and a truck parked inside a garage was tossed, and an A-frame house was shifted off its foundation. It is impossible to decipher the exact number of injuries or extent of damage from each two tornadoes that occurred in close proximity. In all, nine people were injured.[132] [133] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | SW of White Oak | Fairfield | SC | 01:45 | 0.6abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Numerous trees were downed.[134] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F0 | SE of Simpson | Fairfield | SC | 02:12 | 2.7abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado touched down near SC Highway 34 and Interstate 77, blowing cars off I-77 and trees and power lines onto both highways. One house was also significantly damaged.[135] | ||
| bgcolor=# | F1 | N of Lawndale | Cleveland | NC | 03:15–03:23 | 5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 500abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A mobile home and three outbuildings were destroyed. Ten other houses were damaged as well.[136] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Catawba to NE of Turnersburg | Catawba, Iredell | NC | 03:40–04:10 | 26abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 800abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado destroyed at least 3 homes and damaged 33 others. Another 2 homes were destroyed and 9 were damaged along the path, but the tornado was intertwined with a swath of microburst wind damage.[137] [138] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | N of Courtney to SW of Meadows | Yadkin, Forsyth, Stokes | NC | 04:20–05:10 | 31abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 800abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A tornado destroyed 11 homes, damaged 149 others, and injured 12 people.[139] [140] [141] Its rating is disputed and ranked F2 by Thomas P. Grazulis. | |
| Location | County / Parish | State | Start Coord. | Time (UTC) | Path length | Max width | Summary | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Quinque | Greene | VA | 06:05–06:09 | 3abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 35abbr=onNaNabbr=on | A house trailer was destroyed. Two other houses and two cars were damaged. Trees were knocked down.[142] | |
| bgcolor=# | F0 | S of Aylor | Madison | VA | 06:10 | 0.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 17abbr=onNaNabbr=on | The roofs were partially ripped off two homes.[143] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | Northwestern Hillsborough | Orange | NC | 07:20–07:30 | 5.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 1200abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 2 deaths – A significant tornado moved through western and northern sections of Hillsborough, destroying 1 business and 53 homes. Another business and 109 homes were damaged. Ten people were injured.[144] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | Hillcrest Heights | Prince George's | MD | 09:00 | 1.03abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 30abbr=onNaNabbr=on | The roofs of a store and a large building were damaged. A number of 12feetby15feetft (byft) doors were blown down, and a tractor trailer was pushed into an adjacent building. Power poles, transformers, and other equipment were damaged. Trees were broken.[145] | |
| bgcolor=# | F1 | W of Ruthville | Charles City | VA | 09:00–09:04 | 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 25abbr=onNaNabbr=on | Three metal sheds were destroyed, while a house and a car sustained minor damage. Numerous trees were downed or uprooted.[146] | |
| bgcolor=# | F3 | N of Barclaysville to N of Elizabeth City | Harnett, Johnston, Wilson, Edgecombe, Martin, Bertie, Chowan, Pasquotank | NC | 09:10–12:25 | 160abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on | An exceptionally long-tracked tornado, the longest track on record in North Carolina, remained on the ground for over three hours across 160miles and nine counties. It moved across generally rural areas, particularly further east along its track, but the tornado's path was evident in tree damage and ground scouring via an aerial survey. In all, 40 houses, 4 chicken houses, and 1 business were demolished. Another 178 homes and 1 business were damaged. A total of 49 people were injured, especially near Elizabeth City when a 28000lb school bus carrying students was thrown 75yd, injuring 21 occupants.[147] [148] [149] [150] [151] [152] [153] [154] [155] Grazulis notes that this tornado may have instead been a tornado family that was improperly surveyed by unexperienced surveyors. | |
| Hopewell–Florence–Pine Tree–Weir, Mississippi | |
| Fujitascale: | F4 |
| Total Fatalities: | 12 fatalities, 122 injuries |
| Enhanced: | no |
This devastating, long-tracked, violent tornado began near Hopewell and moved northeast across Copiah and Simpson Counties, downing numerous trees as it moved toward the Jackson area. The tornado entered Rankin County and struck the south side of Florence as it moved through a mobile home park at that location. Several homes and mobile homes were destroyed in Florence, and two people were killed. The tornado exited Florence and struck another mobile home park, killing four more people. The tornado then tore directly through the Jackson suburb of Brandon, where numerous homes and 30 mobile homes were destroyed. Large and well-built brick homes were destroyed in the Easthaven Subdivision of Brandon, including a massive, well-constructed, brick mansion that was completely leveled, killing four people, one of whom was found 0.25miles from the foundation. In Rankin County alone, a total of 60 homes were destroyed, over 500 homes were damaged. 10 people died in Rankin County, where the tornado attained its peak intensity. The tornado moved into Scott County, downing numerous trees and power lines. The tornado also damaged several homes in the town of Ludlow. The tornado then crossed into Leake County and struck the community of Pine Tree, where one person was killed in a mobile home. Three homes were destroyed and nine others were damaged in Leake County, and 26 chicken houses and several outbuildings were also destroyed. In neighboring Attala County, 36 homes were severely damaged or destroyed. The tornado then crossed into Choctaw County and struck Weir, where one person was killed in a mobile home. A total of 101 homes were damaged or destroyed in Choctaw County before the tornado dissipated. Extensive tree damage occurred along the entire path length—including thousands of uprooted trees—and 122 people were injured. Eight of the 12 deaths were in mobile homes.
| Channelview, Texas | |
| Fujitascale: | F4 |
| Total Fatalities: | 0 fatalities |
| Enhanced: | no |
| Highest Winds: | ~200mph |
This tornado first touched down near the Houston Ship Channel, snapping trees in a wooded area. The tornado then rapidly intensified and widened to 1miles shortly after touching down, reaching F4 intensity as it moved through several subdivisions in the Channelview area, where the most severe damage occurred. A total of 271 homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, and 14 were left with no walls standing. The tornado crossed the San Jacinto River before dissipating near Dayton. The tornado did not cause any fatalities, but it did injure 15 people. It was one of only two recorded F4 tornadoes in Greater Houston, the other having hit Galveston on September 12, 1961.[156] [157]