December 10-11, 2021 Tornado Outbreak

Synopsis

An ominous signal for severe weather was apparent across the Mid-South leading up to the tornadoes of December 10-11, 2021. A strong upper-level trough was approaching from the west, providing strong lift within an unseasonably warm and unstable air mass. Temperatures warming to near 80 degrees during the afternoon hours aided instability with a strong wind field providing the vertical wind shear needed for organized thunderstorms.

The instability wasn’t extreme, but it was more than adequate to sustain strong updrafts. Mean-layer CAPE (MLCAPE) was maximized at 1500-2000 J/kg (Figure 1) at 6 PM, which was around the time that the initial supercell began to affect the Mid-South. 

Figure 1. MLCAPE at 00z via SPC Mesoanalysis Page.

Meanwhile, strong winds at the surface and aloft provided the wind shear necessary for organized severe weather. Effective layer bulk shear was around 70 kts across most of the Mid-South while the effective storm-relative helicity was in the range of 300-400 m2s-2. The combination of these key ingredients suggested the likelihood of severe weather during the evening and overnight period. This threat would be particularly enhanced if any supercells developed in the open warm sector ahead of the overnight complex with the cold front.

Radar Images (County Warning Area)

KNQA WSR-88D Reflectivity Loop

KNQA WSR-88D Storm Relative Velocity Loop

KNQA WSR-88D Velocity Loop
 

Storm Surveys:
Craighead County, Arkansas to Obion County, Tennessee tornado
Newbern to Paris Landing, Tennessee tornado
Tornadoes in Madison, Henderson, and Decatur Counties in Tennessee
Truman Tornado in Poinsett County, Arkansas
Prentiss County, Mississippi Tornado

Craighead County, Arkansas to Obion County, Tennessee tornado
 

The first supercell developed in central Arkansas around mid-afternoon and moved into Poinsett County around 6 PM. This lone storm had a robust convective environment all to its own. The first tornado touched down near Weiner at 6:40 PM, primarily felling trees, though one home sustained damage due to a falling tree. As this storm moved northeast, a second tornado occurred south of Jonesboro, damaging a rice factory. Around this time, the mesocyclone cycled, and the storm produced a pair of concurrent tornadoes to the west of Bay.

Storm rotation intensified as the supercell passed to the east of Jonesboro with the tornado increasing in size and strength as it moved across the northern portion of Monette. Numerous structures sustained significant (EF-3) damage, including a nursing home where one resident was killed. This storm remained very intense, as it crossed the county line and affected the northern extent of Leachville. A second fatality occurred at the Dollar General with other structures sustained heavy damage.

Damage to the Dollar General Store in Leachville, AR.

Additional significant damage occurred from this cell as it moved through Dunklin and Pemiscot Counties. Numerous homes were damaged and utility poles snapped as the storm crossed south of Hornersville and north of Steele. Several houses were completely destroyed (EF-4) in the Braggadocio area where a third fatality was reported. Several other significant injuries occurred in this area as well. 

EF-4 rated damage near Braggadocio, MO.

The tornado maintained intensity as it split Hayti and Caruthersville, making a few passes over the meandering Mississippi River. The tornado debarked trees in central Lake County and finally struck the Samburg area on Reelfoot Lake. There were 4 fatalities in this area with an unknown number of injuries. This tornado dissipated a few miles northeast of Samburg, leaving an 80 mile trail of destruction with a path width up to 1 mile wide at times. This long-track tornado was rated EF-4 with maximum winds of 170 mph. It was responsible for 7 deaths and numerous injuries.

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Memphis TN
402 PM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...NWS Damage Survey For 12/10/21 Tornado Event...

.OVERVIEW...
This statement summarizes the tornadoes produced by the long-track
supercell storm that moved from western Poinsett County AR, to
Obion County TN, and into Kentucky.

PLEASE NOTE...The information regarding tornado #4 below, from
Craighead County to Obion County, is based on data from ground
surveys. We are continuing to evaluate data from UAS, aircraft, and
satellites regarding the storm`s evolution as it moved through
Obion County. If the data from the supplemental sources reveals
additional critical information, this statement will be updated.

.1: Tornado in Western Poinsett County...

Rating:                  EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind:     65 mph
Path Length /Statute/:   2.9 miles
Path Width /Maximum/:    50 yards
Fatalities:              0
Injuries:                0

Start Date:              Dec 10 2021
Start Time:              06:40 PM CST
Start Location:          2.2 WSW Weiner / Poinsett County / AR
Start Lat/Lon:           35.6067 / -90.9342

End Date:                Dec 10 2021
End Time:                06:43 PM CST
End Location:            0.9 E Weiner / Poinsett County / AR
End Lat/Lon:             35.6222 / -90.8849

SURVEY SUMMARY: A brief tornado damaged trees southwest of Weiner.
A tree fell against a house in Weiner.


.2: Tornado in Southern Craighead County...

Rating:                  EF-1
Estimated Peak Wind:     100 mph
Path Length /Statute/:   6.2 miles
Path Width /Maximum/:    150 yards
Fatalities:              0
Injuries:                0

Start Date:              Dec 10 2021
Start Time:              06:57 PM CST
Start Location:          2.7 WSW Cary / Craighead County / AR
Start Lat/Lon:           35.7084 / -90.7330

End Date:                Dec 10 2021
End Time:                07:01 PM CST
End Location:            3.5 NE Cary / Craighead County / AR
End Lat/Lon:             35.7491 / -90.6356

SURVEY SUMMARY: A tornado developed near the Poinsett/Craighead County
line and damaged trees along County Road 452. The tornado damaged a
cotton gin along Highway 1, and destroyed a storage building near
County Road 406.  The tornado dissipated as it approached Highway 158.


.3: Tornado West of Bay...

Rating:                  EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind:     65 mph
Path Length /Statute/:   1.2 miles
Path Width /Maximum/:    50 yards
Fatalities:              0
Injuries:                0

Start Date:              Dec 10 2021
Start Time:              07:03 PM CST
Start Location:          2.0 WSW Bay / Craighead County / AR
Start Lat/Lon:           35.7326 / -90.5971

End Date:                Dec 10 2021
End Time:                07:04 PM CST
End Location:            1.1 WNW Bay / Craighead County / AR
End Lat/Lon:             35.7477 / -90.5831

SURVEY SUMMARY: A brief tornado caused minor damage to trees and
storage buildings just west of Interstate 555, west of Bay.


.4: Tornado From Craighead County to Obion County...

Rating:                  EF-4
Estimated Peak Wind:     170 mph
Path Length /Statute/:   80.3 miles
Path Width /Maximum/:    1800 yards
Fatalities:              6
Injuries:                Unknown

Start Date:              Dec 10 2021
Start Time:              07:07 PM CST
Start Location:          2.9 NNE Bay / Craighead County / AR
Start Lat/Lon:           35.7867 / -90.5511

End Date:                Dec 10 2021
End Time:                08:36 PM CST
End Location:            2.6 ENE Samburg / Obion County / TN
End Lat/Lon:             36.3993 / -89.3113

SURVEY SUMMARY: The tornado produced its first damage north of Bay,
damaging storage and outbuildings. The tornado gradually strengthened,
and destroyed a farm tractor storage building along Highway 135
northwest of Lake City. The tornado possibly weakened slightly as it
crossed the St. Francis River area, but re-strengthened as it
approached Monette. Northern and northwestern portions of Monette
suffered significant damage. Homes and retail facilities had their
roofs partially or completely removed, and the roof of a nursing home
partially collapsed. One fatality and at least 5 injuries occurred in
the nursing home.

After leaving Monette, the tornado struck the northern portions of
Leachville, in northwestern Mississippi County. Several homes suffered
partial or complete roof loss in northwestern Leachville. A restaurant,
store, and cotton gin suffered considerable damage along Highway 77, and
numerous power poles were snapped. A fatality occurred in the store.
Anchors to the store`s metal frame were pulled out of the concrete
foundation. The tornado`s path was estimated at nearly a mile wide in
this area.

The tornado then approached the Little River area south of Hornersville,
near the Arkansas/Missouri state line.  A stand of trees was debarked
east of Arkansas County Road 243. Several homes and mobile homes were
heavily damaged or destroyed along State Line Road.  Additional
debarking of trees was noted. After exiting the Little River area, the
tornado damaged six metal electric transmission line towers. Five of
the towers had their top sections collapse, and one tower completely
collapsed.

The tornado seemed to reach its peak intensity as it moved into
Pemiscot County, Missouri. A home along County Road 454 was substantially
damaged. Farther northeast, near Highway J and County Road 407, two
homes were completely destroyed with debris carried off to the northeast.
A fatality occurred in one of these homes. Several vehicles, including
semi tractor-trailers, were blown off of the road as the tornado
crossed Interstates 55 and 155. Aerial and satellite imagery showed
ground scouring marks in this area across the Mississippi River.

In Lake County, the tornado significantly damaged trees with debarking
southwest of Wynnburg. Homes and shop buildings suffered substantial
damage north of Wynnburg. The tornado approached the Reelfoot Lake
area and caused significant damage to a hotel, convenience store,
restaurant, and camping facilities in the Cypress Point area. Three
fatalities occurred in this area. On the southeast shore of Reelfoot Lake, 
the tornado damaged cabins and numerous recreational vehicles that were parked in
a storage area.

The tornado`s width was shrinking as it approached Samburg, however,
it was still strong enough to damage homes, businesses, and city
buildings in Samburg. Many homes suffered partial roof loss, and
several mobile homes were separated from their undercarriages. The
tornado continued northeast from Samburg, damaging several homes
along Old Samburg Road. The last observed damage was west of Treece
Road.


.5: Tornado in Western Obion County...

Rating:                  EF-1
Estimated Peak Wind:     90 mph
Path Length /Statute/:   0.6 miles
Path Width /Maximum/:    100 yards
Fatalities:              0
Injuries:                0

Start Date:              Dec 10 2021
Start Time:              08:39 PM CST
Start Location:          5.1 ENE Samburg / Obion County / TN
Start Lat/Lon:           36.4192 / -89.2733

End Date:                Dec 10 2021
End Time:                08:40 PM CST
End Location:            5.7 ENE Samburg / Obion County / TN
End Lat/Lon:             36.4236 / -89.2623

SURVEY SUMMARY: A brief tornado uprooted trees along Marvin
Vaught Road northeast of Samburg.


.6: Tornado #2 in Western Obion County...

Rating:                  EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind:     70 mph
Path Length /Statute/:   0.4 miles
Path Width /Maximum/:    50 yards
Fatalities:              0
Injuries:                0

Start Date:              Dec 10 2021
Start Time:              08:43 PM CST
Start Location:          8.9 WNW Union City / Obion County / TN
Start Lat/Lon:           36.4430 / -89.2139

End Date:                Dec 10 2021
End Time:                08:44 PM CST
End Location:            8.6 WNW Union City / Obion County / TN
End Lat/Lon:             36.4458 / -89.2078

SURVEY SUMMARY: A brief tornado damaged trees along Highway 22
west of Union City.


.7: Tornado near Shawtown Road in Obion County...

Rating:                  EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind:     80 mph
Path Length /Statute/:   3.1 miles
Path Width /Maximum/:    80 yards
Fatalities:              0
Injuries:                0

Start Date:              Dec 10 2021
Start Time:              08:41 PM CST
Start Location:          6.4 NE Hornbeak / Obion County / TN
Start Lat/Lon:           36.4066 / -89.2241

End Date:                Dec 10 2021
End Time:                08:44 PM CST
End Location:            9.5 NE Hornbeak / Obion County / TN
End Lat/Lon:             36.4420 / -89.1901

SURVEY SUMMARY: A tornado damaged trees and storage buildings
along Shawtown Road.


EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong. ..111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...> 200 mph

NOTE: Information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

$$

Woodall/Walsh

Newbern to Paris Landing, Tennessee tornado

 

This new supercell produced wind damage in the Osceola and Luxora areas, knocking down numerous power lines and destroying one home. Surveys determined this damage to be straight-line winds. The storm then crossed the Mississippi River and intensified over Dyer County. A tornado developed over Newbern, destroying a gas station and numerous homes and businesses, moving east into Gibson County. Widespread significant damage was observed throughout the community of Kenton with isolated areas of EF-3 damage. This tornado persisted as the storm moved through Weakley County, passing just to the north of Sharon and setting its sights on Dresden. Dresden was hit hard by this tornado with EF-3 damage to numerous homes and businesses across the community. The tornado continued to the east-northeast into Henry County, passing south of Cottage Grove and Puryear, where scattered damage to trees and homes was observed along the path. This storm produced additional damage north of Paris Landing in the Cypress Bay area, crossing Kentucky Lake. This tornado produced winds up to 170 mph along a 72 mile path and was more than one-half mile wide at times.

EF-2 tornado damage in Kenton, TN.

EF-3 tornado damage in Dresden, TN.

 

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Memphis TN
408 PM CST Mon Dec 13 2021

...Preliminary NWS Damage Survey for 12/10/21 Tornado Event- West
Tennessee Portion- Update 1...

.OVERVIEW...

A severe thunderstorm produced a long-track tornado that caused
damage from Newbern, TN to Paris Landing, TN and eventually
crossed the Tennessee River.

.Tornado in #1 Newbern to Paris Landing...

Rating: EF-3
Estimated Peak Wind: 160 mph
Path Length /Statute/: 71.6 miles
Path Width /Maximum/: 1038 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 5

Start Date: Dec 10 2021
Start Time: 1032 PM CST
Start Location: SW Newbern
Start Lat/Lon: 36.12 / -89.26

End Date: Dec 10 2021
End Time: 1148 PM CST
End Location: Paris Landing
End Lat/Lon: 36.50 / -88.07

SURVEY SUMMARY:

The first observed damage was a few miles southwest of Newbern,
TN near Washington Street. The tornado moved northeast, uprooting
and snapping numerous trees along its path. Several homes had
significant roof damage. The tornado initially produced EF-1
damage but while progressing northeast, it continued to strengthen
as it approached Dresden, TN. Several buildings and homes in
downtown Dresden suffered significant damage or were completely
destroyed. The tornado slightly weakened and moved northeast
toward Paris Landing and eventually crossed the Tennessee River
into Stewart County in Middle Tennessee.


&&


EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong. ..111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...> 200 mph

NOTE: Information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

$$

SB/MW

Tornadoes in Madison, Henderson, and Decatur Counties in Tennessee
 

The storms became more organized into a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) as they approached the Jackson area. No damage was reported in Jackson, but another mesovortex developed south of town, eventually resulting in a tornado near Beech Bluff. This tornado tracked into far western Henderson County, causing EF-1 damage to several homes and numerous trees. This tornado lifted, but another touched down west of Beech Lake. This tornado tracked across the Lake, producing significant damage (EF-3) north of Lexington in the area around the Timberlake Industrial Complex. A couple of TVA towers were destroyed, knocking out commercial power to much of northeast Henderson County, portions of Hardin County, and virtually all of Decatur County for nearly a week. A third tornado developed in northern Decatur County, moving largely over rural areas before ending in southern Benton County. One home sustained damage and numerous trees were uprooted or damaged.

...NWS Damage Survey For 12/11/21 Madison..Henderson..and Decatur
County Tornadoes...

.Tornado in Eastern Madison and Western Henderson Counties...

Rating: EF-1
Estimated Peak Wind: 100 mph
Path Length /Statute/: 7.2 miles
Path Width /Maximum/: 300 yds
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Start Date: 12/11/21
Start Time: 132 AM CST
Start Location: 9 miles ESE Jackson, TN
Start Lat/Lon: 35.61/-88.67

End Date: 12/11/21
End Time: 140 AM CST
End Location: 8 miles WSW Lexington, TN
End Lat/Lon: 35.65/-88.55

SURVEY SUMMARY:

The tornado began on Beech Bluff Road near Ranger Road where a
tree was uprooted and a metal outbuilding was damaged. The tornado
then moved ENE where a home sustained significant roof damage
near the intersection of Beech Bluff Road and Willoughby Road. It
then moved northeast where a couple of homes sustained roof and
siding damage near the intersection of Fowler and Old Jackson-Lexington
Road. The tornado then moved northeast where an outbuilding and a
small building were destroyed and came to an end near Luray and
Huron Roads.

.Natchez Trace Tornado in Henderson County...

Rating: EF-2
Estimated Peak Wind: 135 mph
Path Length /Statute/: 15.5 Miles
Path Width /Maximum/: 600 yds
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Start Date: 12/11/21
Start Time: 140 AM CST
Start Location: 5 miles WNW Lexington, TN
Start Lat/Lon: 35.68/-88.48

End Date: 12/11/21
End Time: 158 AM CST
End Location: 12 miles NE Lexington, TN
End Lat/Lon: 35.77/-88.23

SURVEY SUMMARY:

The tornado began just southwest of US-412 off Pine Crest Drive
where several trees were damaged. The tornado crossed US-412 and
destroyed an outbuilding then moved northeast towards Highway 104
and damaged the roof of a home. It continued to move northeast
across northern Beech Lake and produced more damage in the
Timberlake community. A couple of metal power poles were bent and
a couple of metal buildings were significantly damaged or
destroyed in an industrial park. The most significant damage
occurred just east of this area where two TVA transmission towers
were completely destroyed. The tornado then continued traveling
northeast into Natchez Trace State Park snapping and de-barking
numerous trees along its path.

.Tornado in Decatur County...

Rating: EF-1
Estimated Peak Wind: 90 mph
Path Length /Statute/: 50yards
Path Width /Maximum/: 30 yards
Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0

Start Date: 12/11/21
Start Time: 202 AM CST
Start Location: 4 miles S Holladay
Start Lat/Lon: 35.81/-88.14

End Date: 12/11/21
End Time: 202 AM CST
End Location: 4 miles S Holladay
End Lat/Lon: 35.80/-88.18

SURVEY SUMMARY:

A brief tornado touched down on the corner of Ora Bawcum Lane and
Verlie Inman Road. This tornado snapped several trees at their
base, one of which fell onto and demolished half of a mobile home.
Insulation and debris from the mobile home was lofted and
scattered into a nearby field.

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong. ..111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...> 200 mph

NOTE: Information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

$$

SMW/CJC/AJC

Trumann Tornado in Poinsett County, Arkansas
 

As the initial supercell was crossing the state line into Kentucky, a string of supercells was moving into eastern Arkansas. A few brief tornadoes produced minor damage near Cash in western Craighead County and in the Fisher area of western Poinsett County. As the dominant supercell moved into eastern Poinsett County, the mesocyclone quickly intensified and the storm produced an EF-2 tornado in Trumann. This tornado resulted in several injuries and produced widespread damage to homes and businesses throughout the community. Fortunately, this supercell weakened on its way into Mississippi County as a new storm began to dominate the area.

Damage on Wayne St in Trumann, AR.

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Memphis TN
552 PM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...NWS Damage Survey For 12/10/21 Tornado Event

.OVERVIEW...A thunderstorm produced three tornadoes in Poinsett County
on the evening of Dec. 10, 2021.

.Tornado #1 in Poinsett County near Fisher...

Rating: EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind: 80 mph
Path Length /Statute/: 0.5 miles
Path Width /Maximum/: 25 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Start Date: Dec 10 2021
Start Time: 845 PM CST
Start Location: 4 miles ESE Fisher / Poinsett County / AR
Start Lat/Lon: 35.4845 / -90.9068

End Date: Dec 10 2021
End Time: 847 PM CST
End Location: 4 miles E Fisher / Poinsett County / AR
End Lat/Lon: 35.4893 / -90.9001

SURVEY SUMMARY: Several outbuildings damaged and some damage to home and
trees. Tornado started and ended in open fields.

.Tornado #2 in Poinsett County near Fisher...

Rating: EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind: 80 mph
Path Length /Statute/: Less than quarter mile
Path Width /Maximum/: 20 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Start Date: Dec 10 2021
Start Time: 851 PM CST
Start Location: 7 miles ENE Fisher / Poinsett County / AR
Start Lat/Lon: 35.5093 / -90.8431

End Date: Dec 10 2021
End Time: 851 PM CST
End Location:  7 miles ENE Fisher / Poinsett County / AR
End Lat/Lon: 35.5099 / -90.8418

SURVEY SUMMARY: Destroyed an outbuilding.

.Tornado #3 in Poinsett County (Trumann AR)...

Rating: EF-2
Estimated Peak Wind: 130 mph
Path Length /Statute/: 3.6 miles
Path Width /Maximum/: 250 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: Unknown

Start Date: Dec 10 2021
Start Time:  911 PM CST
Start Location: 1.3 SW Trumann / Poinsett County / AR
Start Lat/Lon: 35.6654 / -90.5268

End Date: Dec 10 2021
End Time: 915 PM CST
End Location:  2.3 NE Trumann / Poinsett County / AR
End Lat/Lon: 35.6915 / -90.4719

SURVEY SUMMARY:
Torndao developed just southwest of Trumann and damaged numerous homes,
businesses, and trees.  Worst damage in northeast part of Trumann with
business and homes destroyed.  Tornado path ended near the St. Francis River.

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong. ..111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...> 200 mph

NOTE: Information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

We would like to thank the Emergency Management from Poinsett County in
helping with these surveys.

$$

ARS/TLSJr

Tornado in Prentiss County, Mississippi

The final significant storm of the event moved north of the Tupelo area, intensifying as it moved into Prentiss County.  A tornado touched down in rural areas of the county, damaging a few homes and numerous trees in the New Site area. Some additional wind damage was observed as the storms moved east into Itawamba and southern Tishomingo Counties, but this was mainly to trees.

The severe weather finally moved out of the area by 5 AM, but not before leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many. In total, the Mid-South experienced 18 tornadoes and widespread damage to homes and businesses, upending the lives of numerous Mid-South residents. There were 8 fatalities associated with these storms and an unknown number of injuries.

 

 

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Memphis TN
313 PM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...NWS Damage Survey For 12/11/21 Tornado Event...

.OVERVIEW...A tornado occurred in Prentiss County, Mississippi,
Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021.

.Tornado in Prentiss County Mississippi...

Rating: EF-1
Estimated Peak Wind: 95 mph
Path Length /Statute/: 4.5 miles
Path Width /Maximum/: 100 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Start Date: Dec. 11 2021
Start Time: 430 AM CST
Start Location: 2.3 miles N Marietta MS
Start Lat/Lon: 34.5365 / -88.4622

End Date: Dec. 11 2021
End Time: 432 AM CST
End Location: 5.8 miles NE Marietta MS
End Lat/Lon: 34.5610 / -88.3883

SURVEY SUMMARY: NWS meteorologists surveyed storm damage in the area of
Marietta, MS in Prentiss County and determined it was the result of
a tornado. The tornado began in a field along HWY 371 just south of
MS-4 East. As the tornado tracked northeastward, hardwood and softwood
trees were uprooted with a few snapped trunks. The worst damage occurred
along CR 4111, where a site-built home had a large section of roof
blown off and a carport totally destroyed. Nearby damage consisted
of a narrow path of uprooted trees and a few snapped trunks. It is
along this portion of the track that the tornado was given a peak rating
of EF-1. Just down the road, a mobile home had a section of peeled roof.
The tornado then paralleled CR 3401 to the south, with a narrow but
visible path of uprooted trees with some snapped trunks as the circulation
cut across tree lines between fields. The final area of structural damage
was along CR 3461 where a mobile home had a section of roof peeled back.
A few nearby trees were also uprooted just northeast of the home with
dissipation of the tornado apparent shortly thereafter.


EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong. ..111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...> 200 mph

NOTE: Information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

Special thanks to NWS Birmingham for completing this survey and
to Prentiss County Emergency Management for helping with the
survey.

$$

TLSJr

Memphis Metro Storms:

Line of storms, with embedded supercells, produced damaging winds up to 60-70 mph as they moved through the Memphis metro area. As the storms approached the Mississippi River, a mesovortex developed over West Memphis. This mesovortex moved northeast across southern Marion, derailing more than 20 railroad cars. Another mesovortex formed over south Memphis. As this mesovortex moved northeast, damaging winds began knocking down large trees, several on homes. A fatality resulted in Orange Mound when a tree fell on a home. As the storms moved east into Fayette County, a brief tornado was observed near Somerville. Fortunately, no damage was reported from this tornado

Local Storm Reports:

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
158 AM CST MON DEC 20 2021

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0644 PM     TORNADO          3 NNE WEINER            35.66N  90.88W
12/10/2021                   POINSETT           AR   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TREES DOWN ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. CONE TORNADO PASSED JUST
            NORTH OF WEINER.

0700 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 NNE GREENFIELD        35.73N  90.69W
12/10/2021                   CRAIGHEAD          AR   SOCIAL MEDIA

            POWER POLES WERE SNAPPED ALONG HWY 1 AND A LARGE RICE
            FACILITY SUSTAINED DAMAGE.

0700 PM     TORNADO          5 S JONESBORO           35.75N  90.69W
12/10/2021                   CRAIGHEAD          AR   SOCIAL MEDIA

            TREES SNAPPED IN HALF AND DAMAGE TO SHED.

0708 PM     TORNADO          4 NNW BAY               35.79N  90.59W
12/10/2021                   CRAIGHEAD          AR   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            TORNADO REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

0724 PM     TORNADO          NW MONETTE              35.89N  90.34W
12/10/2021                   CRAIGHEAD          AR   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            TORNADO REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

0732 PM     TORNADO          2 N LEACHVILLE          35.95N  90.26W
12/10/2021                   MISSISSIPPI        AR   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            TORNADO REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

0741 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 SSW HORNERSVILLE      36.00N  90.13W
12/10/2021                   DUNKLIN            MO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO HOME AND TREES ALONG STATE LINE
            ROAD. SEVERAL VEHICLES AND A BOAT WERE TOSSED OVER
            OVERTURNED. LIKELY DUE TO TORNADO.

0741 PM     TSTM WND DMG     4 SW HORNERSVILLE       35.99N  90.16W
12/10/2021                   MISSISSIPPI        AR   TRAINED SPOTTER

            SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO A LARGE BARN ON HWY 119 JUST
            SOUTH OF THE MISSOURI STATE LINE.

0742 PM     TORNADO          2 SSW HORNERSVILLE      36.01N  90.13W
12/10/2021                   DUNKLIN            MO   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            TORNADO REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

0742 PM     TORNADO          1 S HORNERSVILLE        36.03N  90.11W
12/10/2021                   DUNKLIN            MO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            NUMEROUS DAMAGE ON COUNTY ROAD 655.

0754 PM     TSTM WND DMG     5 W DENTON              36.09N  89.97W
12/10/2021                   DUNKLIN            MO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            A HIGH TENSION POWER LINE TOWER WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED
            NEAR HWY NN AND HWY 164. THERE WERE ALSO SEVERAL CENTER
            PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OVERTURNED. LIKELY DUE TO
            TORNADO.

0805 PM     TORNADO          2 SE DEERING            36.18N  89.86W
12/10/2021                   PEMISCOT           MO   EMERGENCY MNGR

            LARGE TORNADO REPORTED ON THE GROUND SOUTHEAST OF
            DEERING.

0830 PM     TORNADO          1 W CASH                35.80N  90.95W
12/10/2021                   CRAIGHEAD          AR   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            BRIEF TORNADO TOUCHDOWN NEAR CASH.

0835 PM     TORNADO          3 SE TIPTONVILLE        36.35N  89.42W
12/10/2021                   LAKE               TN   BROADCAST MEDIA

            *** 2 FATAL *** SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO CYPRESS POINT
            RESORT AND LAKEVIEW RESTAURANT ON REELFOOT LAKE.

0838 PM     TORNADO          SAMBURG                 36.38N  89.35W
12/10/2021                   OBION              TN   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            SAMBURG FIRE STATION TOOK DIRECT HIT WITH PEOPLE
            TRAPPED IN DAMAGE.

0840 PM     TSTM WND DMG     6 SW BONO               35.85N  90.87W
12/10/2021                   CRAIGHEAD          AR   SOCIAL MEDIA

            NUMEROUS LIMBS DOWN IN THE BONO AREA. UTILITY POLES
            SNAPPED 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF TOWN. POSSIBLE TORNADO.

0845 PM     TORNADO          4 E FISHER              35.48N  90.91W
12/10/2021                   POINSETT           AR   NWS STORM SURVEY

            BRIEF EF-0 TORNADO DAMAGED SEVERAL OUTBUILDINGS, TREES,
            AND ONE HOME.

0851 PM     TORNADO          6 SE WALDENBURG         35.51N  90.84W
12/10/2021                   POINSETT           AR   NWS STORM SURVEY

            VERY BRIEF EF-0 TORNADO THAT DAMAGED ONE OUTBUILDING.

0915 PM     TORNADO          TRUMANN                 35.67N  90.52W
12/10/2021                   POINSETT           AR   TRAINED SPOTTER

            MULTIPLE BUILDINGS DAMAGED IN TRUMANN.

0930 PM     TSTM WND DMG     HICKORY RIDGE           35.40N  90.99W
12/10/2021                   CROSS              AR   SOCIAL MEDIA

            NUMEROUS TREE BRANCHES DOWN ACROSS THE COMMUNITY.

0953 PM     TORNADO          3 NE KEISER             35.71N  90.05W
12/10/2021                   MISSISSIPPI        AR   NEWSPAPER

            A HOME WAS DESTROYED ON COTTONWOOD CORNER ROAD JUST
            WEST OF OSCEOLA.

0955 PM     TSTM WND DMG     NE OSCEOLA              35.70N  89.99W
12/10/2021                   MISSISSIPPI        AR   NEWSPAPER

            SEVEREAL POWER LINES WERE KNOCKED DOWN IN OSCEOLA.
            TRUCKS WERE TURNED WEST OF THE TOWN AND A TRUCK WAS
            BLOWN OFF OF I-55.

1000 PM     TSTM WND DMG     LUXORA                  35.76N  89.93W
12/10/2021                   MISSISSIPPI        AR   NEWSPAPER

            POWER LINES WERE DOWN IN LUXORA.

1037 PM     TORNADO          4 ENE NEWBERN           36.14N  89.21W
12/10/2021                   DYER               TN   NWS EMPLOYEE

            TORNADIC DEBRIS SIGNATURE NOTED NORTHEAST OF NEWBERN.

1044 PM     TSTM WND DMG     KENTON                  36.20N  89.01W
12/10/2021                   GIBSON             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            EM REPORTED DAMAGE TO 25-30 HOMES. ON THE GIBSON SIDE
            OF KENTON.

1045 PM     NON-TSTM WND DMG 3 S OLIVE BRANCH        34.91N  89.83W
12/10/2021                   DESOTO             MS   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TREE ACROSS ROAD NEAR HWY 305 AND BYHALIA ROAD

1047 PM     TORNADO          KENTON                  36.20N  89.01W
12/10/2021                   GIBSON             TN   AMATEUR RADIO

            MULTIPLE HOUSES DESTROYED IN KENTON.

1047 PM     TORNADO          KENTON                  36.20N  89.01W
12/10/2021                   GIBSON             TN   AMATEUR RADIO

            REPORT OF MULTIPLE POWER LINES DOWN, TREES DOWN, AND
            IMPASSABLE ROADS.

1055 PM     HAIL             4 N DYER                36.13N  88.99W
12/10/2021  E1.00 INCH       GIBSON             TN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            QUARTER SIZED HAIL NEAR DYER, TENNESSEE, WITH ABOUT
            30-40 MPH WINDS.

1108 PM     TORNADO          DRESDEN                 36.28N  88.69W
12/10/2021                   WEAKLEY            TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            *** 1 INJ *** TORNADO WITH AT LEAST 1 PERSON INJURED IN
            DRESDEN WITH 6 BUILDINGS DAMAGED.

1122 PM     TORNADO          2 E COTTAGE GROVE       36.38N  88.44W
12/10/2021                   HENRY              TN   911 CALL CENTER

            WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO HOMES, TREES, AND POWER LINES
            ALONG LAMPKINS RD NEAR COTTAGE GROVE.

1135 PM     TSTM WND DMG     PURYEAR                 36.44N  88.33W
12/10/2021                   HENRY              TN   911 CALL CENTER

            HOUSE TRAILER ROLLED OVER ON SHADY GROVE ROAD. NUMEROUS
            OTHER REPORTS OF DAMAGE IN THE PURYEAR AREA. LIKELY DUE
            TO TORNADO.

1145 PM     TORNADO          8 ENE BUCHANAN          36.48N  88.08W
12/10/2021                   HENRY              TN   SOCIAL MEDIA

            WIDESPREAD TREE AND ROOF DAMAGE NORTH OF PARIS LANDING
            ALONG CYPRESS ROAD.

1156 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 NE WEST MEMPHIS       35.18N  90.15W
12/10/2021                   CRITTENDEN         AR   EMERGENCY MNGR

            MORE THAN 20 TRAIN CARS WERE DERAILED NEAR THE WEST
            MEMPHIS-MARION BORDER OFF OF MOUND CITY ROAD.

1201 AM     TSTM WND DMG     3 W FRAYSER             35.21N  90.02W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TREE DOWN ACROSS ATLA VISTA AVENUE.

1205 AM     TSTM WND DMG     2 SE MIDTOWN MEMPHIS    35.11N  89.96W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TREE DOWN ON HOME ON SPOTTSWOOD AVE

1207 AM     TSTM WND DMG     2 ESE MIDTOWN MEMPHIS   35.13N  89.95W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TREE DOWN ON HOUSE ON S. GREER ST.

1208 AM     TSTM WND DMG     2 SSE MIDTOWN MEMPHIS   35.11N  89.97W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            *** 1 FATAL *** TREE BLOWN DOWN ONTO HOUSE

1209 AM     TSTM WND DMG     3 SSE MIDTOWN MEMPHIS   35.10N  89.97W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            COLLAPSED ROOF ON STRUCTURE ON LOWELL AVE.

1217 AM     TSTM WND DMG     1 SE ELLENDALE          35.23N  89.82W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   PUBLIC

            A TREE FELL ON A HOME ON BROADWAY, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT
            DAMAGE TO STRUCTURE.

1226 AM     HAIL             2 NNE EAST MEMPHIS      35.16N  89.86W
12/11/2021  E0.88 INCH       SHELBY             TN   STORM CHASER

1231 AM     TSTM WND DMG     4 SSE SOUTHEAST MEMPHIS 35.02N  89.85W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TREE ON HOUSE ON E. SHELBY DRIVE,

1240 AM     TORNADO          6 NNE OAKLAND           35.31N  89.46W
12/11/2021                   FAYETTE            TN   SOCIAL MEDIA

            PHOTO EVIDENCE OF A BRIEF TORNADO NORTHWEST OF
            SOMERVILLE.

1250 AM     TSTM WND DMG     2 WNW COLLIERVILLE      35.07N  89.71W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   NWS EMPLOYEE

            TREE AND UTILITY POLE DOWN ON FRANK RD NEAR HOUSTON
            LEVEE ROAD.

0100 AM     TSTM WND DMG     2 SE MIDTOWN MEMPHIS    35.11N  89.95W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   BROADCAST MEDIA

            TREE DOWN ON CAR ON GREER ST IN ORANGE MOUND.

0115 AM     TSTM WND DMG     3 SE SOUTHEAST MEMPHIS  35.03N  89.85W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            UTILITY POLE DOWN ON CASTLE HEIGHTS DR.

0118 AM     TSTM WND DMG     OLIVE BRANCH            34.95N  89.83W
12/11/2021                   DESOTO             MS   BROADCAST MEDIA

            LARGE TREE DOWN IN OLIVE BRANCH.

0120 AM     TSTM WND DMG     5 SE FAIRVIEW           35.71N  88.79W
12/11/2021                   MADISON            TN   PUBLIC

            TREE DOWN ON FENCE IN OAKFIELD, AS WELL AS SIDING BLOWN
            OFF OF PARTS OF THE HOUSE.

0132 AM     TORNADO          2 WNW BEECH BLUFF       35.61N  88.67W
12/11/2021                   MADISON            TN   NWS STORM SURVEY

            EF-1 TORNADO BEGAN NEAR BEECH BLUFF AND RANGER ROADS IN
            EASTERN MADISON COUNTY AND ENDED NEAR LURAY AND HURON
            ROADS IN WESTERN HENDERSON COUNTY. PATH LENGTH WAS 7.2
            MILES.

0135 AM     TSTM WND DMG     2 N BEECH BLUFF         35.62N  88.63W
12/11/2021                   MADISON            TN   BROADCAST MEDIA

            NUMEROUS TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN ON FOWLER ROAD. CAR
            WINDOWS BLOWN OUT. POSSIBLE TORNADO.

0137 AM     TSTM WND DMG     3 NNE BEECH BLUFF       35.64N  88.60W
12/11/2021                   HENDERSON          TN   SOCIAL MEDIA

            ROOF DAMAGE TO HOMES AND BARNS. POWERLINES AND TREES
            DOWN. POSSIBLE TORNADO.

0140 AM     TORNADO          4 SSE BARGERTON         35.68N  88.48W
12/11/2021                   HENDERSON          TN   NWS STORM SURVEY

            EF-2 TORNADO WITH A 15.5 MILE PATH LENGTH. THIS TORNADO
            CAUSED THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE NORTH OF LEXINGTON
            NEAR THE TIMBERLAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK AND CRUMPLED TWO TVA
            HIGH-TENSION ELECTRIC TOWERS.

0145 AM     TSTM WND DMG     3 W LEXINGTON           35.65N  88.45W
12/11/2021                   HENDERSON          TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO TREES AND POWERLINES ALONG HIGHWAY
            412 JUST WEST OF LEXINGTON.

0145 AM     TSTM WND DMG     4 N LEXINGTON           35.71N  88.38W
12/11/2021                   HENDERSON          TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO HOMES AND MOBILE HOMES
            NEAR THE TIMBERLAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK. TREES WERE
            UPROOTED.

0148 AM     TSTM WND DMG     4 S WILDERSVILLE        35.72N  88.37W
12/11/2021                   HENDERSON          TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TWO TVA HIGH-TENSION POWER LINE TOWERS WERE CRUMPLED
            JUST EAST OF THE TIMBERLAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK. THE LOSS OF
            THESE LINES HAS RESULTED IN MAJOR UTILITY POWER OUTAGES
            INCLUDED NORTHERN HENDERSON, PORTIONS OF HARDIN COUNTY,
            AND ESSENTIALLY ALL OF DECATUR COUNTY. THERE WERE ALSO
            NUMEROUS DOWN TREES AND SIGNIFICANT ROOF DAMAGE TO A FEW
            HOMES.

0202 AM     TORNADO          4 S HOLLADAY            35.81N  88.14W
12/11/2021                   DECATUR            TN   NWS STORM SURVEY

            A BRIEF EF-0 TORNADO FORMED NEAR ORA BAWCUM LANE AND
            VERLIE INMAN ROAD, DAMAGING A MOBILE HOME AND CAUSING
            SIGNIFICANT TREE DAMAGE.

0210 AM     TSTM WND GST     PARSONS                 35.65N  88.12W
12/11/2021  E60 MPH          DECATUR            TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

0300 AM     FLASH FLOOD      1 ESE DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS  35.13N  90.03W
12/11/2021                   SHELBY             TN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            NUMEROUS REPORT OF FLOODING ACROSS DOWNTOWN/MIDTOWN
            AREA OF MEMPHIS. REPORTS STARTED AT 1:30 AND CONTINUED.

0426 AM     TORNADO          5 NE MARIETTA           34.56N  88.41W
12/11/2021                   PRENTISS           MS   EMERGENCY MNGR

            2 MOBILE HOMES DAMAGED AS WELL AS 1 WOOD STRUCTURE NEAR
            NEW SITE COMMUNITY.

0431 AM     TORNADO          4 NNE MARIETTA          34.55N  88.44W
12/11/2021                   PRENTISS           MS   NWS EMPLOYEE

            TORNADIC DEBRIS SIGNATURE NORTHEAST OF MARIETTA.

0500 AM     TSTM WND DMG     2 E MANTACHIE           34.32N  88.46W
12/11/2021                   ITAWAMBA           MS   EMERGENCY MNGR

            LARGE TREE DOWN ON RIVER RD. NEAR MANTACHIE.

0515 AM     TSTM WND DMG     BELMONT                 34.51N  88.21W
12/11/2021                   TISHOMINGO         MS   LOCAL OFFICIAL

            NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ACROSS BELMONT, RESULTING IN
            SEVERAL ROAD CLOSURES.

&&

$$

 

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