Smiths Station Tornado - January 21, 2017

Smiths Station EF-1 Tornado (Lee County)
January 21, 2017

Event Summary

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in southeast Lee County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF-1 tornado.

A tornado touched down west southwest of Smiths Station, along County Road 581 and tracked to the northeast downing dozens of trees. The tornado destroyed many buildings at the Smiths Station School Athletic Complex and damaged several additional buildings. The tornado quickly lifted just northeast of the school. The tornado was 0.92 miles long and was 300 yards wide at its widest point. The tornado was rated an EF-1 with maximum winds around 90 mph.

Thanks to Lee County EMA for their assistance with this survey.

Rating: (Click for EF Scale)	EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind:	90 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:	None
Damage Path Length:	0.92 miles
Maximum Path Width:	300 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:3	1 W Smiths Station 2.5294/-85.1094 at 919 am CST
Approximate End Point/Time:	Smiths Station 32.5377/-85.0971 at 920 am CST

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GIS Data

Reflectivity (left) and Velocity (right).
Images are from KMXX at 918 am CST.

Significant roof and bleacher damage

Metal bleachers destroyed

Dugout roof gone

Trees uprooted