On April 27, 2011, a violent tornado outbreak took place across much of the Southern United States, killing at least 300 people. In the course of 24 hours, more than 140 tornadoes touched down across more than a dozen states, three of which ranked EF5, the highest level on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Numerous supercell thunderstorms developed throughout the outbreak; however, one of these was unusually long-lived and produced several deadly tornadoes. This cell formed around 2:40 pm CDT over Smith County, Mississippi and dissipated around 10:18 pm CDT over Macon County, North Carolina. During its 7 hour and 38 minute existence, it tracked roughly 460 miles (740 km), spawning six tornadoes. Following damage surveys from the National Weather Service, two of these tornadoes were rated EF4, three as EF3, and one as EF0. Collectively, the storms killed 89 people and injured more than 1,000 others, with the majority of these taking place in and around Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Meteorological synopsis
editPanola tornado
editRated EF3, touched down around 3:47 pm CDT northeast of Scooba, Mississippi. Crossed into Sumter County, Alabama at 3:57 pm CDT.[1] Passed just north of Panola, Alabama before moving into Pickens County, Alabama. Dissipated at 4:12 pm CDT near the Sipsey River after tracking 23 miles (37 km). Maximum winds were estimated at 140 mph (230 km/h). No known injuries in relation to the tornado.[2]
Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado
edit65+ fatalities, 1,000+ injuries
Ohatchee tornado
edit23 fatalities
Bartow-Pickens tornado
editLake Burton tornado
edit1 fatality
Rabun tornado
editReferences
edit- ^ "NE Kemper/Sumter, AL/Pickens, AL Counties Tornado". National Weather Service Office in Jackson, Mississippi. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 6, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
- ^ "Panola (Sumter and Pickens Counties) EF-3 Tornado April 27, 2011". National Weather Service Office in Birmingham, Alabama. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 9, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.