April 2, 2006 Tornado Outbreak
Encyclopedia
The April 2, 2006 Central United States tornado outbreak was a series of tornadoes that occurred during the late afternoon and evening of April 2, 2006 in the central United States
. It was the second major outbreak of 2006, in the same area that suffered considerable destruction in a previous outbreak
on March 11 and March 12, as well as an outbreak
on November 15, 2005. The most notable tornadoes of the outbreak
struck northeastern Arkansas
, the Missouri
Bootheel
and West Tennessee
, where several communities - including Marmaduke, Arkansas
, Caruthersville, Missouri
and Newbern, Tennessee
suffered devastating damage from several tornadoes triggered from a supercell. In total, sixty-six tornadoes touched down across seven states, which is the most in a single day in 2006. In addition, there were over 850 total severe weather reports, including many reports of straight-line winds exceeding hurricane force and hail as large as softball
s, which caused significant additional damage in a nine-state region.
The outbreak was a deadly one; there were a total of twenty-seven tornado-related deaths plus two other deaths from straight-line winds. It was the deadliest tornado outbreak in the United States
since the May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence
in the first week of May 2003, which killed forty-eight people. Twenty-six of those deaths were caused by a single supercell
thunderstorm which produced damaging and long lived tornadoes from north central Arkansas
into northwest Tennessee
.
that tracked across the central United States, triggered by a deep low pressure area
in the Upper Midwest
. The warm humid air mass ahead of the cold front, along with high upper-level wind shear, allowed for the production of supercell
s across the region.
The outbreak was expected to have started the previous day in the High Plains
as the cold front tracked across that region. The supercells did not fire up as expected and only one small tornado was reported on April 1, in Pawnee County, Kansas
. Severe weather that day was largely restricted to significant microbursts and large hail.
A moderate risk of severe weather was issued by the Storm Prediction Center
(SPC) for April 2, with the main risk being tornadoes and large hail. The primary risk area was the central Mississippi Valley and lower Ohio Valley up to central Illinois
, which is where most of the tornadoes touched down. Many tornado watch
es - although no PDS watches - would be issued across the region. While a significant severe weather event was expected, the extreme nature caught many forecasters by surprise, based on the risk levels and probabilities estimated by the SPC in the main area affected.
Farther north, the initial thunderstorm development in eastern Missouri
quickly developed into a squall line
, eventually becoming a derecho
that produced many embedded - and generally weak - tornadoes and widespread wind damage across Illinois
, Indiana
, Kentucky
and Ohio
. Springfield, Illinois
, struck by two tornadoes less than a month earlier, was hit again by tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds of up to 80 mph (65.7 kn; 128.7 km/h), as was the St. Louis, Missouri
area. The storm quickly tracked through Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky with a peak wind gust of 82 mph (67.3 kn; 132 km/h) in Lexington, Kentucky
. Wind damage was reported in and around Cincinnati, Ohio
, Louisville, Kentucky
and Indianapolis, Indiana
among other cities.
The line of storms would slowly weaken as it traveled eastward, and the severe weather came to an end late that evening.
The most prolific tornadoes of the outbreak took place in a supercell
in extreme northeastern Arkansas
, the Missouri
Bootheel
and extreme northwestern Tennessee
, north of Memphis
. It involved four tornadoes - all of them F3 on the Fujita scale
- along a line over 140 miles (225.3 km) long.
The first and longest-lasting tornado began in Randolph County Arkansas, south of Pocahontas
, at just after 5:30 p.m. CDT (2230 UTC). The tornado then tracked across Greene County. The tornado was fairly weak at first. Numerous houses were damaged in Randolph County, but as it approached the town of Marmaduke
at about 6:00 p.m. CDT (2300 UTC), the tornado quickly intensified.
Marmaduke was one of the hardest hit communities. Images have shown that much of the town was destroyed, and nearly every structure has at least significant damage. 137 houses were destroyed, 25 mobile homes were flattened and dozens of railroad cars were thrown into the air like toy
s. Most of the victims stayed in shelters in Paragould
after the tornado hit. Although 47 people were injured, no one was killed.
When the tornado continued eastward into Missouri, damage increased significantly. The worst of it occurred after the tornado reached the vicinity of Caruthersville
in Pemiscot County
at around 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC). Considerable destruction was reported in the community, with 226 homes destroyed and 542 houses damaged. The water tower in Caruthersville was destroyed, cutting water service in the area after the tornado. Heavy damage was also reported in Dunklin County
. At least two deaths and 130 injuries were reported in the area. The tornado dissipated as it approached the Mississippi River
.
More destruction took place after the supercell crossed the Mississippi River into Tennessee, where a new tornado touched down in Dyer County and crossed into western Gibson County between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. CDT (0030-0100 UTC). The tornado touched down in the Newbern
area. Damage was reported to have been very severe across the area, with 72 homes completely destroyed and another 182 homes damaged in the Newbern area. Electricity was also cut to much of the area. That section of the tornado there was also deadly, as at least 16 deaths were reported in the Newbern area, many of which were near the Sara Lee Foods plant in Newbern. 70 other people were injured as a result of the tornado. It was the deadliest single tornado in the US since the Evansville tornado
on November 6, 2005.
Despite speculation that the tornadoes would be upgraded on the Fujita scale, the ratings for both of those tornadoes were finalized at the high end of F3 with estimated maximum wind speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h).
The supercell as a whole continued eastward into eastern Gibson County, where a new tornado touched down near Bradford
. It too was an F3 and resulted in severe damage. A new tornado touched down in the Rutherford
area and went southward into the Bradford area. It was also a high-end F3 tornado that left total devastation in the area. The tornadoes also affected Obion, Weakley and Carroll
Counties. The two tornadoes left 85 homes destroyed, 573 homes damaged and the complete destruction of many farm and commercial buildings and the Bradford Police Department. Cars were tossed into open fields. 8 people died and 50 were injured in the Bradford area from the two tornadoes.
The Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee
, declared seven counties disaster area
s due to this and other tornadoes in the state. The counties were Cross, Fulton, Greene, Hot Spring, Randolph, White
and Conway. The total damage from the three tornadoes was estimated at over $150 million.
On August 29, 2006, Caruthersville Emergency Manager and Fire Chief Charlie Jones was awarded the StormReady
Community Hero Award for his actions preventing further injuries and fatalities in the area. He summoned the sirens to ring repeatedly and used the fire department's communications availability to warn of the imminent and extreme danger that lied ahead, which saved many lives that evening. No lives were lost in Caruthersville as a result. Caruthersville's reconstruction is currently underway after more than half the community was destroyed. Charitable outpouring was enormous and several key buildings, including one of the schools, has been rebuilt.
Numerous FEMA trailer
s - intended for Hurricane Katrina
victims but unused and sitting nearby - were redirected to the communities affected in Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee after the tornado hit.
Central United States
The Central United States is sometimes conceived as between the Eastern United States and Western United States as part of a three-region model, roughly coincident with the Midwestern United States plus the western and central portions of the Southern United States; the term is also sometimes used...
. It was the second major outbreak of 2006, in the same area that suffered considerable destruction in a previous outbreak
March 2006 Tornado Outbreak Sequence
The March 2006 Tornado Outbreak Sequence was an early season and long lasting tornado outbreak sequence in the central United States that started on the morning of March 9 and continued for over four days until the evening of March 13. The outbreak produced 105 confirmed tornadoes. At least 13...
on March 11 and March 12, as well as an outbreak
Mid-November 2005 Tornado Outbreak
The Mid-November 2005 outbreak was an unseasonably strong tornado outbreak on November 15, 2005 in the central United States. It occurred along a cold front separating warm, humid air from the southeast from cold Arctic air to the north and northwest...
on November 15, 2005. The most notable tornadoes of the outbreak
Tornado outbreak
While there is no single agreed upon definition, generally at least 6-10 tornadoes produced by the same synoptic scale weather system is considered a tornado outbreak. The tornadoes usually occur within the same day, or continue into the early morning hours of the succeeding day, and within the...
struck northeastern Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
, the Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
Bootheel
Bootheel
The Missouri Bootheel is the southeasternmost part of the state of Missouri, extending south of 36°30’ north latitude, so called because its shape in relation to the rest of the state resembles the heel of a boot. Strictly speaking, it is composed of the counties of Dunklin, New Madrid, and Pemiscot...
and West Tennessee
West Tennessee
West Tennessee is one of the three Grand Divisions of the State of Tennessee. Of the three, it is the one that is most sharply defined geographically. Its boundaries are the Mississippi River on the west and the Tennessee River on the east...
, where several communities - including Marmaduke, Arkansas
Marmaduke, Arkansas
Marmaduke is a city in Greene County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,158 at the 2000 census.- History :The town of Marmaduke was named for Confederate Major General John Sappington Marmaduke, who later served as Governor of Missouri. Marmaduke was said to have established a camp for...
, Caruthersville, Missouri
Caruthersville, Missouri
Caruthersville is the most populous city and county seat of Pemiscot County, located along the Mississippi River in the bootheel of southeastern Missouri in the United States. The population was 6,760 at the 2000 census.-History:...
and Newbern, Tennessee
Newbern, Tennessee
Newbern is a town in Dyer County, Tennessee, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 3,313.-Natural Disasters:Sixteen people were killed in Newbern when its surrounding communities were directly hit by an F3 tornado April 2, 2006...
suffered devastating damage from several tornadoes triggered from a supercell. In total, sixty-six tornadoes touched down across seven states, which is the most in a single day in 2006. In addition, there were over 850 total severe weather reports, including many reports of straight-line winds exceeding hurricane force and hail as large as softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
s, which caused significant additional damage in a nine-state region.
The outbreak was a deadly one; there were a total of twenty-seven tornado-related deaths plus two other deaths from straight-line winds. It was the deadliest tornado outbreak in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
since the May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence
May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence
The May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence in the United States was a series of tornado outbreaks that occurred from May 3 to May 11, 2003. Tornadoes began occurring over the affected area on April 30, but the most prolific continuous period was the seven day period of May 4–10...
in the first week of May 2003, which killed forty-eight people. Twenty-six of those deaths were caused by a single supercell
Supercell
A supercell is a thunderstorm that is characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone: a deep, continuously-rotating updraft. For this reason, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms...
thunderstorm which produced damaging and long lived tornadoes from north central Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
into northwest Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
.
Meteorological synopsis
The outbreak took place as a result of a cold frontCold front
A cold front is defined as the leading edge of a cooler mass of air, replacing a warmer mass of air.-Development of cold front:The cooler and denser air wedges under the less-dense warmer air, lifting it...
that tracked across the central United States, triggered by a deep low pressure area
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
in the Upper Midwest
Upper Midwest
The Upper Midwest is a region in the northern portion of the U.S. Census Bureau's Midwestern United States. It is largely a sub-region of the midwest. Although there are no uniformly agreed-upon boundaries, the region is most commonly used to refer to the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and...
. The warm humid air mass ahead of the cold front, along with high upper-level wind shear, allowed for the production of supercell
Supercell
A supercell is a thunderstorm that is characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone: a deep, continuously-rotating updraft. For this reason, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms...
s across the region.
The outbreak was expected to have started the previous day in the High Plains
High Plains
High Plains refers to one of two distinct land regions:*High Plains , land region of the western Great Plains*High Plains , land region adjacent to the Great Dividing Range...
as the cold front tracked across that region. The supercells did not fire up as expected and only one small tornado was reported on April 1, in Pawnee County, Kansas
Pawnee County, Kansas
Pawnee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 6,973...
. Severe weather that day was largely restricted to significant microbursts and large hail.
A moderate risk of severe weather was issued by the Storm Prediction Center
Storm Prediction Center
The Storm Prediction Center , located in Norman, Oklahoma, is tasked with forecasting the risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the contiguous United States. The agency issues convective outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and watches as a part of this process...
(SPC) for April 2, with the main risk being tornadoes and large hail. The primary risk area was the central Mississippi Valley and lower Ohio Valley up to central Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, which is where most of the tornadoes touched down. Many tornado watch
Tornado watch
A tornado watch is issued when conditions are right for a tornado to form. Since any thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado is defined as severe, a tornado watch is also automatically a severe thunderstorm watch...
es - although no PDS watches - would be issued across the region. While a significant severe weather event was expected, the extreme nature caught many forecasters by surprise, based on the risk levels and probabilities estimated by the SPC in the main area affected.
Farther north, the initial thunderstorm development in eastern Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
quickly developed into a squall line
Squall line
A squall line is a line of severe thunderstorms that can form along or ahead of a cold front. In the early 20th century, the term was used as a synonym for cold front. It contains heavy precipitation, hail, frequent lightning, strong straight-line winds, and possibly tornadoes and waterspouts....
, eventually becoming a derecho
Derecho
A derecho is a widespread and long-lived, violent convectively induced straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms in the form of a squall line usually taking the form of a bow echo...
that produced many embedded - and generally weak - tornadoes and widespread wind damage across Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
and Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
, struck by two tornadoes less than a month earlier, was hit again by tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds of up to 80 mph (65.7 kn; 128.7 km/h), as was the St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
area. The storm quickly tracked through Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky with a peak wind gust of 82 mph (67.3 kn; 132 km/h) in Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...
. Wind damage was reported in and around Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
and Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
among other cities.
The line of storms would slowly weaken as it traveled eastward, and the severe weather came to an end late that evening.
Confirmed tornadoes
| List of confirmed tornadoes - Sunday, April 2, 2006 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fujita scale The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... |
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| Iowa Iowa Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New... |
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| F0 | SW of Bloomfield Bloomfield, Iowa Bloomfield is a city in Davis County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,601 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Davis County.-Geography:Bloomfield is located in the southeastern part of Iowa near the Missouri border.... |
Davis Davis County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 8,753 in the county, with a population density of . There were 3,600 housing units, of which 3,201 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2047 | unknown | Brief touchdown over open fields. | |
| F0 | N of Pulaski Pulaski, Iowa Pulaski is a city in Davis County, Iowa, United States. The population was 249 at the 2000 census.- Corn Show :The Pulaski Corn Show, held annually on a September weekend, is a citywide celebration with a parade.-Geography:... |
Davis Davis County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 8,753 in the county, with a population density of . There were 3,600 housing units, of which 3,201 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2057 | unknown | Brief touchdown with a narrow swath over open fields. | |
| F2 | Pittsburg Pittsburg, Iowa (Van Buren County) Pittsburg is an unincorporated town in Van Buren County, Iowa, United States. Named for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it is located at 40.75639ºN and 91.99167ºW. Phil Stong was born in Pittsburg on Jan 27, 1899.-Geography:... |
Van Buren | 2101 | 3 miles (5 km) |
Two houses lost their roofs and four outbuildings were destroyed. Extensive tree Tree A tree is a perennial woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or trunk with clear apical dominance. A minimum height specification at maturity is cited by some authors, varying from 3 m to... and power line Electric power transmission Electric-power transmission is the bulk transfer of electrical energy, from generating power plants to Electrical substations located near demand centers... damage also reported. |
|
| F1 | Mount Zion | Van Buren | 2109 | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
Minor damage reported to one house, plus a barn was seriously damaged and an outbuilding was destroyed. | |
| F1 | S of Fairfield Fairfield, Iowa Fairfield is a city and the county seat of Jefferson County, Iowa, United States. The population was 9,464 in the 2010 census, a decline from 9,509 in the 2000 census. - History :... |
Jefferson Jefferson County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 16,843 in the county, with a population density of . There were 7,594 housing units, of which 6,846 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2118 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown destroyed an outbuilding. | |
| F1 | E of Stockport Stockport, Iowa Stockport is a city in Van Buren County, Iowa, United States. The population was 284 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Stockport is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.... |
Van Buren | 2119 | 3 miles (5 km) |
Several outbuildings were destroyed and numerous trees were knocked down. | |
| F2 | Washington Washington, Iowa Washington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,047 at the 2000 census.-History:... |
Washington | 2147 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Moderate damage was reported to at least one business. Two outbuildings were destroyed, and many trees were knocked down. | |
| F1 | S of Riverside Riverside, Iowa Riverside is a city in rural Washington County, Iowa, United States, along the English River on Iowa Highway 22. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 928 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Highland Community School District.Riverside proclaimed... |
Washington | 2200 | unknown | Trees and power lines were knocked down by the brief tornado. | |
| F0 | SW of Hartford Hartford, Iowa Hartford is a city in Warren County, Iowa, United States. The population was 759 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Hartford is located at .... |
Warren | 2206 | unknown | Brief touchdown over open fields. | |
| F0 | N of Runnells Runnells, Iowa Runnells is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 352 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:... |
Polk Polk County, Iowa Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 430,640 in the 2010 census, an increase from 374,601 in the 2000 census. The county seat is Des Moines, which is also the capital city of Iowa... |
2231 | unknown | Brief touchdown over open fields. | |
| Missouri Missouri Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It... |
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| F2 | Clarence Cannon Dam | Ralls | 2125 | 3.2 miles (5 km) |
Several businesses were damaged in the Mark Twain Lake Mark Twain Lake Mark Twain Lake is located in Ralls County, Missouri and Monroe County, Missouri. It was created by the Clarence Cannon Dam impounding the Salt River and is located about twenty miles southwest of Hannibal. It was named for Missouri author Mark Twain and part of the area around it is Mark Twain... area. Many trees were knocked down as well. |
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| F0 | Park Hills Park Hills, Missouri Park Hills is a city in St. Francois County, Missouri, United States. The population was estimated at 8,851 in 2008. It was 7,861 at the 2000 census.-History:... |
St. Francois | 2200 | 150 yd (130 m) |
Minor damage to the roofs of three houses and a business. Numerous trees were also snapped. | |
| F0 | SW of Weingarten Weingarten, Missouri Weingarten is an unincorporated community in Sainte Genevieve County, Missouri. It is located about thirteen miles southwest of Sainte Genevieve on Route 32. Weingarten was founded in 1887 and is German for ‘wine garden’... |
Ste. Genevieve | 2205 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Minor damage reported to three houses. | |
| F0 | N of Sikeston Sikeston, Missouri Sikeston is a city located both in southern Scott County and northern New Madrid County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It is geographically situated just north of the "Missouri Bootheel", although many locals consider Sikeston a part of it. By way of Interstate 55, Sikeston is close to the... |
Scott Scott County, Missouri Scott County is a county located in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the population was 40,422; a 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 40,673. Its county seat is Benton... |
2343 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Minor damage to several buildings on a farm. | |
| Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River... |
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| F1 | Ravenden Ravenden, Arkansas Ravenden is a town in Lawrence County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 511 at the 2000 census.Spring River flows near Ravenden. Spring River originates at Mammoth Spring, AR, its flow coming from a very large spring there. Spring River flows into Black River near Black Rock, AR.U.S.... |
Sharp Sharp County, Arkansas -External links:*... , Lawrence |
2159 | 10 miles (16 km) |
Related to main long-track tornado. 40 houses and several barns were damaged. | |
| F3 | Pocahontas, AR Pocahontas, Arkansas Pocahontas is a city in Randolph County, Arkansas, United States, along the Black River. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, its population of the city is 6,765. The city is the county seat of Randolph County.... to Caruthersville, MO Caruthersville, Missouri Caruthersville is the most populous city and county seat of Pemiscot County, located along the Mississippi River in the bootheel of southeastern Missouri in the United States. The population was 6,760 at the 2000 census.-History:... |
Randolph (AR), Greene (AR), Dunklin (MO) Dunklin County, Missouri Dunklin County is a county located in the Bootheel of Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 33,155. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 31,454. The largest city and county seat is Kennett... , Pemiscot (MO) Pemiscot County, Missouri Pemiscot County is a county located in the Bootheel in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 20,047. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 18,515. The largest city and county seat is Caruthersville... |
2237 | 77 miles (124 km) |
2 deaths - Part of the Tri-State Supercell - see section on this tornado. | |
| F2 | Searcy Searcy, Arkansas Searcy is the largest city and county seat of White County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 20,663. It is the principal city of the Searcy, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of White County... |
White White County, Arkansas White County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2010, the population was 77,076. The county seat is Searcy. White County is Arkansas's 31st county, formed on October 23, 1835, from portions of Independence, Jackson, and Pulaski counties and named for Hugh Lawson White, a... |
2235 | 6.3 miles (10 km) |
Several mobile homes were damaged, including two destroyed. Damage was also reported to several houses, four businesses and many outbuildings. Tree and power line damage was also reported. | |
| F3 | Wynne Wynne, Arkansas Wynne is the county seat and largest city of Cross County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 8,615 at the 2000 Census. Nestled between the Arkansas Delta and Crowley's Ridge, Wynne is home to the largest state park in Arkansas, Village Creek State Park.-Geography:Wynne lies at , the... area |
Woodruff, Cross, Crittenden | 2352 | 22 miles (35 km) |
Major damage reported. Numerous houses were destroyed along with several mobile homes and many outbuildings. Extensive damage to trees and power lines were reported, especially around Village Creek State Park Village Creek State Park Village Creek State Park is a state park located in the Piney Woods of eastern Texas in the Hardin County community of Lumberton. The heavily forested park opened in 1994... . Five people were injured. |
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| Illinois Illinois Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,... |
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| F1 | Good Hope Good Hope, Illinois Good Hope is a village in McDonough County, Illinois, United States. The population was 415 according to the 2000 census.-Geography:Good Hope is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land.... area |
McDonough | 2214 | 12 miles (20 km) |
Considerable damage was reported, including 11 grain bins destroyed and several barns also destroyed. Hire Township also lost its maintenance facility. | |
| F0 | Piasa Piasa, Illinois Piasa is an unincorporated community in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. Piasa is located on Illinois Route 16 west of Shipman. Piasa has a post office with ZIP code 62079.... |
Macoupin Macoupin County, Illinois Macoupin County is a county located in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 47,765, which is a decrease of 2.6% from 49,019 in 2000. The county seat is Carlinville. Macoupin County is an outlying county of the Metro-East region... |
2215 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Intermittent damage; mostly minor to several houses, plus a barn was destroyed. Numerous trees were knocked over. | |
| F0 | NE of Piasa Piasa, Illinois Piasa is an unincorporated community in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. Piasa is located on Illinois Route 16 west of Shipman. Piasa has a post office with ZIP code 62079.... |
Macoupin Macoupin County, Illinois Macoupin County is a county located in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 47,765, which is a decrease of 2.6% from 49,019 in 2000. The county seat is Carlinville. Macoupin County is an outlying county of the Metro-East region... |
2215 | 0.5 mile (800 m) |
One mobile home Mobile home Mobile homes or static caravans are prefabricated homes built in factories, rather than on site, and then taken to the place where they will be occupied... was destroyed along with several farm buildings. |
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| F2 | Fairview Heights Fairview Heights, Illinois Fairview Heights is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,078 at the 2010 census. Fairview Heights is a dominant shopping center for Southwestern Illinois and includes numerous shopping plazas and the St... area |
St. Clair St. Clair County, Illinois St. Clair County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau placed the mean center of U.S. population in St. Clair County. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 270,056, which is an increase of 5.5% from 256,082 in 2000. Its county seat is... |
2215 | unknown | 1 death - One death and 11 injuries reported from this non-supercell tornado. Significant damage reported on the north side of O'Fallon (photos below). | |
| F0 | N of Terre Haute Terre Haute, Illinois Terre Haute is an unincorporated town in Terre Haute Township, Henderson County, Illinois, USA.-Geography:Terre Haute is located at at an elevation of 709 feet.... |
Henderson | 2218 | unknown | Brief touchdown at the intersection of Highway 96 and Highway 94. No major damage reported. | |
| F0 | Staunton Staunton, Illinois Staunton is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,030 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Staunton is located at .... area |
Madison Madison County, Illinois Madison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. Madison County is part of the Metro-East region of the St. Louis Metro Area. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 269,282, which is an increase of 4.0% from 258,941 in 2000. The county seat is Edwardsville, home to... , Macoupin Macoupin County, Illinois Macoupin County is a county located in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 47,765, which is a decrease of 2.6% from 49,019 in 2000. The county seat is Carlinville. Macoupin County is an outlying county of the Metro-East region... |
2220 | 16 miles (26 km) |
Damage was intermittent and minor along a long swath. Mostly limited to trees, although a few houses suffered minor damage. | |
| F1 | Highland Highland, Illinois Highland is a city in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,433 at the 2010 census. Highland began as a Swiss settlement and derived its name from later German immigrants.Highland is a sister city of Sursee in Switzerland.... |
Madison Madison County, Illinois Madison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. Madison County is part of the Metro-East region of the St. Louis Metro Area. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 269,282, which is an increase of 4.0% from 258,941 in 2000. The county seat is Edwardsville, home to... |
2230 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Severe damage was reported to several houses, including one weak structure destroyed. | |
| F0 | N of Gillespie Gillespie, Illinois Gillespie is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,412 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Gillespie is located at .... |
Macoupin Macoupin County, Illinois Macoupin County is a county located in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 47,765, which is a decrease of 2.6% from 49,019 in 2000. The county seat is Carlinville. Macoupin County is an outlying county of the Metro-East region... |
2235 | 100 yd (90 m) |
One mobile home was destroyed. | |
| F0 | N of Walshville Walshville, Illinois Walshville is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 89 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Walshville is located at .... |
Montgomery | 2241 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Damaged limited to a single farm, where a house suffered minor damage and a shed was destroyed. | |
| F1 | SW of Loami Loami, Illinois Loami is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 804 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Loami is located at .... |
Sangamon Sangamon County, Illinois Sangamon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 197,465, which is an increase of 4.5% from 188,951 in 2000... |
2246 | 0.5 mile (800 m) |
Damage limited to several trees and power lines. | |
| F1 | Berlin Berlin, Illinois Berlin is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 140 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area... |
Sangamon Sangamon County, Illinois Sangamon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 197,465, which is an increase of 4.5% from 188,951 in 2000... |
2249 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
One grain bin was destroyed, along with several barns. At least one house also suffered minor damage. | |
| F2 | Hillsboro Hillsboro, Illinois Hillsboro is a city in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,359 at the 2000 census, and 6,106 at a 2009 estimate. It is the county seat of Montgomery County.-History:... |
Montgomery | 2250 | 20 miles (32 km) |
Significant damage reported. Many buildings of various types were damaged, plus at least one mobile home was overturned. Farm structures, including grain bins, were also hit hard. Many trees and power lines were also down along a narrow swath. | |
| F1 | N of Chatham Chatham, Illinois Chatham is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 11,500 as of the 2010 census. The village lies along the original alignment of historic U.S... |
Sangamon Sangamon County, Illinois Sangamon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 197,465, which is an increase of 4.5% from 188,951 in 2000... |
2256 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Damage was reported to the roofs of several homes, and substantial damage to several construction sites. | |
| F1 | E of Farmersville Farmersville, Illinois Farmersville is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 768 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Farmersville is located at .... |
Montgomery, Christian Christian County, Illinois Christian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 34,800, which is a decrease of 1.6% from 35,372 in 2000... |
2256 | 3 miles (5 km) |
Several outbuildings and barns were heavily damaged at three farms. | |
| F1 | Springfield Springfield, Illinois Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area... (1st tornado) |
Sangamon Sangamon County, Illinois Sangamon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 197,465, which is an increase of 4.5% from 188,951 in 2000... |
2258 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Light to moderate damage reported in the same area hit on March 12. Damage limited to a few commercial businesses and several outbuildings. | |
| F0 | SW of Pawnee Pawnee, Illinois Pawnee is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,647 at the 2000 census, and 2,550 at a 2009 estimate. It is part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:... |
Sangamon Sangamon County, Illinois Sangamon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 197,465, which is an increase of 4.5% from 188,951 in 2000... |
2259 | 1.3 miles (2 km) |
Three grain bins were overturned and destroyed, and three barns were also damaged. | |
| F1 | Springfield Springfield, Illinois Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area... (2nd tornado) |
Sangamon Sangamon County, Illinois Sangamon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 197,465, which is an increase of 4.5% from 188,951 in 2000... |
2306 | 0.75 mile (1.2 mile) |
Damage mainly to the Illinois Department of Transportation Illinois Department of Transportation The Illinois Department of Transportation is a state agency in charge of state-maintained public roadways of the U.S. state of Illinois. In addition, IDOT provides funding for rail, public transit and airport projects and administers fuel tax and federal funding to local juridictions in the... building near Interstate 55 Interstate 55 Interstate 55 is an Interstate Highway in the central United States. Its odd number indicates that it is a north–south Interstate Highway. I-55 goes from LaPlace, Louisiana at Interstate 10 to Chicago at U.S. Route 41 , at McCormick Place. A common nickname for the highway is "double... . |
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| F1 | Taylorville Taylorville, Illinois Taylorville is a city in Christian County, Illinois, United States. The population was 11,246 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat and largest city in Christian County.-Geography:Taylorville is located at .... |
Christian Christian County, Illinois Christian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 34,800, which is a decrease of 1.6% from 35,372 in 2000... |
2308 | 6.3 miles (10 km) |
Damage overstated in initial report. Four businesses, a church and several houses were damaged. One minor injury was reported. | |
| F1 | S of Riverton Riverton, Illinois Riverton is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,048 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Riverton is located at .... |
Sangamon Sangamon County, Illinois Sangamon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 197,465, which is an increase of 4.5% from 188,951 in 2000... |
2313 | 1.5 miles (2.4 mile) |
Severe damage reported to numerous mobile homes, a few of which were destroyed. One person was injured. | |
| F1 | Pana Pana, Illinois Pana is a city in Christian County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,847 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Pana is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.... area |
Shelby, Christian Christian County, Illinois Christian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 34,800, which is a decrease of 1.6% from 35,372 in 2000... |
2315 | 6 miles (9.5 km) |
Several outbuildings were destroyed and minor damage was reported to several houses. Extensive tree damage also reported. | |
| F0 | NE of Taylorville Taylorville, Illinois Taylorville is a city in Christian County, Illinois, United States. The population was 11,246 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat and largest city in Christian County.-Geography:Taylorville is located at .... |
Christian Christian County, Illinois Christian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 34,800, which is a decrease of 1.6% from 35,372 in 2000... |
2317 | unknown | Brief touchdown in open fields. No damage. | |
| F1 | Assumption Assumption, Illinois Assumption is a city in Christian County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,168 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Assumption is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:... |
Christian Christian County, Illinois Christian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 34,800, which is a decrease of 1.6% from 35,372 in 2000... |
2320 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Minor damage to one business, plus some tree damage. | |
| F0 | Greenview Greenview, Illinois Greenview is a village in Menard County, Illinois, United States. The population was 862 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Greenview is located at .... |
Menard | 2322 | 0.25 mile (400 m) |
Confirmed by storm spotters. Minor damage reported to one house. | |
| F0 | E of Niantic Niantic, Illinois Niantic is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States whose population was 738 at the 2000 census.It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Niantic is located at .... |
Macon | 2330 | 0.1 mile (150 m) |
Brief touchdown confirmed by storm spotters. No damage reported; tornado remained in open fields. | |
| F2 | Macon Macon, Illinois Macon is a city in Macon County, Illinois, United States whose population was 1,213 at the 2000 census, and 1,128 at a 2009 estimate. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:... |
Macon | 2330 | 4.5 miles (7.5 km) |
One barn was destroyed and one house suffered minor damage. Extensive tree damage also reported. | |
| F0 | SE of Lincoln Lincoln, Illinois Lincoln is a city in Logan County, Illinois, United States. It is the only town in the United States that was named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president; he practiced law there from 1847 to 1859. First settled in the 1830s, Lincoln is home to three colleges and two prisons. The three... |
Logan Logan County, Illinois Logan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 30,305, which is a decrease of 2.8% from 31,183 in 2000... |
2332 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
One barn was damaged, and several trees were knocked down. | |
| F0 | NW of Chestnut Chestnut, Illinois Chestnut is a census-designated place in Aetna Township, Logan County, Illinois. As of the 2010 census, its population was 246. Its claim to fame is that it is the geographic center of the state.. The community is located along Illinois Route 54.... |
Logan Logan County, Illinois Logan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 30,305, which is a decrease of 2.8% from 31,183 in 2000... |
2336 | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
Roofs were blown off several barns, and minor damage to a few houses. | |
| F1 | Decatur Decatur, Illinois Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,... area |
Macon | 2336 | 7.5 miles (11.5 km) |
Moderate damage overall. Damage was heaviest at the southeast corner of Lake Decatur Lake Decatur Lake Decatur is a reservoir located in the city of Decatur, Illinois, east of downtown. The city and lake both share the name of U.S. Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur. The lake is above sea level. Lake Decatur has a watershed of 925 square miles spanning 7 counties... and in the Decatur Airport Decatur Airport Decatur Airport is a public use airport located four nautical miles east of the central business district of Decatur, a city in Macon County, Illinois, United States. It is owned by the Decatur Park District.... area, where some damage was reported to commercial businesses. Three minor injuries were reported. |
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| F0 | Neoga Neoga, Illinois Neoga is a city in Cumberland County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,854 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area. The current mayor of Neoga is Wayne Modglin, a councilman who was appointed to the position following the resignation... |
Cumberland | 2342 | 0.75 mile (1.2 km) |
The roof was damaged at a local school, plus several trees were knocked down. | |
| F0 | N of Weldon Weldon, Illinois Weldon is a village in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 429 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Weldon is located at .... |
De Witt | 0001 | 0.1 mile (150 m) |
Confirmed by storm spotters. No damage reported; remained in open fields. | |
| F0 | S of Towanda Towanda, Illinois Towanda is a village in McLean County, Illinois, United States. The population was 480 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Bloomington–Normal Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
McLean McLean County, Illinois McLean County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois. McLean County is included in the Bloomington–Normal, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 169,572, which is an increase of 12.7% from 150,433 in 2000. Its county seat is... |
0008 | 0.1 mile (150 m) |
Confirmed by storm spotters. No damage reported; remained in open fields. | |
| F0 | SW of Kappa Kappa, Illinois Kappa is a village in Woodford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 170 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
McLean McLean County, Illinois McLean County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois. McLean County is included in the Bloomington–Normal, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 169,572, which is an increase of 12.7% from 150,433 in 2000. Its county seat is... , Woodford |
0012 | 0.5 mile (800 m) |
Minor damage reported, mainly to a pole barn. | |
| F0 | Champaign Champaign, Illinois Champaign is a city in Champaign County, Illinois, in the United States. The city is located south of Chicago, west of Indianapolis, Indiana, and 178 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Though surrounded by farm communities, Champaign is notable for sharing the campus of the University of... |
Champaign Champaign County, Illinois Champaign County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 201,081, which is an increase of 11.9% from 179,669 in 2000.. It is the 10th most populous county in Illinois... |
0015 | 0.1 mile (150 m) |
Tornado sighted on Oak Street south of Assembly Hall. Sighted by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a large public research-intensive university in the state of Illinois, United States. It is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system... police. No damage reported. |
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| F0 | SW of Saybrook Saybrook, Illinois Saybrook is a village in southeast McLean County, Illinois, United States. The population was 693 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Bloomington–Normal Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
McLean McLean County, Illinois McLean County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois. McLean County is included in the Bloomington–Normal, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 169,572, which is an increase of 12.7% from 150,433 in 2000. Its county seat is... , Livingston Livingston County, Illinois Livingston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 38,950, which is a decrease of 1.8% from 39,678 in 2000. Its county seat is Pontiac.... |
0022 | 2.25 miles (3.5 km) |
No damage reported. Remained in open fields. | |
| F0 | Flatville Flatville, Illinois Flatville is an unincorporated town in Compromise Township, Champaign County, Illinois, USA.Size-population about 20 people. A known fact you can make it through the town in less than 30seconds.-Landmarks:Emmanuel Lutheran Church... |
Champaign Champaign County, Illinois Champaign County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 201,081, which is an increase of 11.9% from 179,669 in 2000.. It is the 10th most populous county in Illinois... |
0025 | 0.25 mile (400 m) |
Minor damage reported. | |
| Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area... |
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| F3 | Newbern Newbern, Tennessee Newbern is a town in Dyer County, Tennessee, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 3,313.-Natural Disasters:Sixteen people were killed in Newbern when its surrounding communities were directly hit by an F3 tornado April 2, 2006... area |
Dyer, Gibson | 0030 | 18 miles (29 km) |
16 deaths - Part of the Tri-State Supercell - see section on this tornado. | |
| F3 | Bradford Bradford, Tennessee Bradford is a town in Gibson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 1,048 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Bradford has a total area of , all of it land.... area (1st tornado) |
Gibson, Weakley, Carroll Carroll County, Tennessee Carroll County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of 2010, the population was 28,522. Its county seat is Huntingdon. It was named for Governor William Carroll.-Geography:According to the U.S... |
0109 | 31 miles (50 km) |
6 deaths - Part of the Tri-State Supercell - see section on this tornado. | |
| F3 | Bradford Bradford, Tennessee Bradford is a town in Gibson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 1,048 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Bradford has a total area of , all of it land.... area (2nd tornado) |
Obion, Gibson | 0125 | 10 miles (16 km) |
2 deaths - Part of the Tri-State Supercell - see section on this tornado. | |
| F1 | Longtown | Fayette | 0245 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
10 homes and two businesses, along with numerous farm buildings, were damaged. Two people were injured. | |
| F1 | Camden Camden, Tennessee Camden is a city in Benton County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 3,828 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Benton County.-Geography:Camden is positioned at... area |
Benton | 0255 | unknown | Reported on WLAC WLAC WLAC is a clear channel radio station based in Nashville, Tennessee, operating at 1510 kHz on the AM dial.-Early history:Its first broadcast took place on November 24, 1926. The call letters were chosen to contain an acronym for the first owner of the station, the Life and Casualty Insurance... coverage. Significant damage reported in the community, including at least one industrial building destroyed. |
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| F2 | Brownsville Brownsville, Tennessee Brownsville is a city in Haywood County, Tennessee, United States. It is the county seat of Haywood County. The city is named after Jacob Jennings Brown, an officer who served during The War of 1812.-Geography:... area |
Haywood | 0325 | 0.75 mile (1.2 km) |
Considerable damage reported to the Hickory Mills subdivision. Several houses suffered heavy damage, such as roof damage and falling off the foundation. Many trees and power lines were also down. | |
| Kentucky Kentucky The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth... |
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| F0 | E of Gage | McCracken McCracken County, Kentucky McCracken County is a county located in the Jackson Purchase, the extreme western end of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 65,514. The county seat, largest city, and only incorporated community is Paducah.... |
0031 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown. No significant damage reported. | |
| F3 | Hopkinsville Hopkinsville, Kentucky Hopkinsville is a city in Christian County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 31,577 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Christian County.- History :... area |
Christian Christian County, Kentucky Christian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1797. As of 2000, its population was 72,265. Its county seat is Hopkinsville, Kentucky... , Todd Todd County, Kentucky Todd County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population is 11,971. Its county seat is Elkton. The county is named after Colonel John Todd, who was killed at the Battle of Blue Licks in 1782... |
0150 | 30 miles (48 km) |
Major damage reported. 93 homes were destroyed and 199 others suffered severe damage. In addition, structural damage was reported to dozens of other businesses, along with countless trees, power lines, transmission towers and other structures, cutting electricity to the city of Hopkinsville. A gas line was also damaged, causing a gas leak Gas leak In common usage, a gas leak refers to a leak of natural gas, from a pipe or other containment, into a living area or any other area where the gas should not be... . 32 people were injured but none seriously. |
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| F1 | N of Shelbyville Shelbyville, Kentucky As of the census of 2000, there were 10,085 people, 3,822 households, and 2,549 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,333.5 people per square mile . There were 4,117 housing units at an average density of 544.4 per square mile... |
Shelby Shelby County, Kentucky Shelby County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2010, the population was 42,074. Its name is in honor of Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky. Its county seat is Shelbyville... |
0215 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Damage primarily to trees and powerlines. Likely an anticyclonic Anticyclone An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon defined by the United States' National Weather Service's glossary as "[a] large-scale circulation of winds around a central region of high atmospheric pressure, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere"... tornado. |
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| F1 | Edwards | Logan Logan County, Kentucky Logan County is a county located in the southwest area of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 26,573. Its county seat is Russellville... |
0330 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Minor damage along an intermittent track through the area. | |
| Indiana Indiana Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is... |
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| F1 | Mitchell Mitchell, Indiana Mitchell is a city in Lawrence County, Indiana, United States. The population was 4,567 as of the 2000 census.It is the birthplace of astronaut Gus Grissom, who flew on Liberty Bell 7, Gemini 3, and died in a launch pad fire at Kennedy Space Center in 1967.... |
Lawrence Lawrence County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 45,922 people, 18,535 households, and 13,141 families residing in the county. The population density was 102 people per square mile . There were 20,560 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile... |
0105 | unknown | Photos show varying degrees of damage to several houses. | |
| F1 | Romney Romney, Indiana Romney is an unincorporated community in Tippecanoe County in the U.S. state of Indiana. Originally named Columbia, Romney received its present name from the community of Romney in West Virginia.... |
Tippecanoe Tippecanoe County, Indiana Tippecanoe County is a county located in the northwest quadrant of the U.S. state of Indiana. It was created in 1826 from Wabash County. It is part of the Lafayette, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
0110 | unknown | Damage reported on at least one farm, including a mobile home overturned. | |
| F1 | Seymour Seymour, Indiana Seymour was the site of the World's First Train Robbery, committed by the local Reno Gang, on October 6, 1866 just east of town. The gang was put into prison for the robbery, and later hanged at Hangman's Crossing outside of town.... |
Jackson Jackson County, Indiana Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 42,376. The county seat is Brownstown.-History:... |
0145 | unknown | Minor to moderate damage to several houses. Numerous trees and power lines also knocked down. | |
| Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 04/02, Little Rock office, Quad Cities office, Memphis office, Paducah office, Lincoln office, Nashville office, Indianapolis office, Louisville office, National Climatic Data Center | ||||||
Tri-State Supercell tornadoes
| State | Total | County | County total |
Tornado related |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Illinois Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,... |
1 | St. Clair St. Clair County, Illinois St. Clair County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau placed the mean center of U.S. population in St. Clair County. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 270,056, which is an increase of 5.5% from 256,082 in 2000. Its county seat is... |
1 | 1 |
| Missouri Missouri Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It... |
4 | St. Louis St. Louis County, Missouri St. Louis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. Its county seat is Clayton. St. Louis County is part of the St. Louis Metro Area wherein the independent City of St. Louis and its suburbs in St. Louis County, as well as the surrounding counties in both Missouri and Illinois all... |
1 | 0 |
| Stoddard Stoddard County, Missouri Stoddard County is a county located in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the population was 29,705. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 29,537. The county seat is Bloomfield while the largest city in the county is Dexter... |
1 | 0 | ||
| Pemiscot Pemiscot County, Missouri Pemiscot County is a county located in the Bootheel in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 20,047. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 18,515. The largest city and county seat is Caruthersville... |
2 | 2 | ||
| Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area... |
24 | Dyer | 16 | 16 |
| Gibson | 8 | 8 | ||
| Totals | 29 | 27 | ||
The most prolific tornadoes of the outbreak took place in a supercell
Supercell
A supercell is a thunderstorm that is characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone: a deep, continuously-rotating updraft. For this reason, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms...
in extreme northeastern Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
, the Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
Bootheel
Bootheel
The Missouri Bootheel is the southeasternmost part of the state of Missouri, extending south of 36°30’ north latitude, so called because its shape in relation to the rest of the state resembles the heel of a boot. Strictly speaking, it is composed of the counties of Dunklin, New Madrid, and Pemiscot...
and extreme northwestern Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
, north of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
. It involved four tornadoes - all of them F3 on the Fujita scale
Fujita scale
The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation...
- along a line over 140 miles (225.3 km) long.
The first and longest-lasting tornado began in Randolph County Arkansas, south of Pocahontas
Pocahontas, Arkansas
Pocahontas is a city in Randolph County, Arkansas, United States, along the Black River. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, its population of the city is 6,765. The city is the county seat of Randolph County....
, at just after 5:30 p.m. CDT (2230 UTC). The tornado then tracked across Greene County. The tornado was fairly weak at first. Numerous houses were damaged in Randolph County, but as it approached the town of Marmaduke
Marmaduke, Arkansas
Marmaduke is a city in Greene County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,158 at the 2000 census.- History :The town of Marmaduke was named for Confederate Major General John Sappington Marmaduke, who later served as Governor of Missouri. Marmaduke was said to have established a camp for...
at about 6:00 p.m. CDT (2300 UTC), the tornado quickly intensified.
Marmaduke was one of the hardest hit communities. Images have shown that much of the town was destroyed, and nearly every structure has at least significant damage. 137 houses were destroyed, 25 mobile homes were flattened and dozens of railroad cars were thrown into the air like toy
Toy
A toy is any object that can be used for play. Toys are associated commonly with children and pets. Playing with toys is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society. Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old...
s. Most of the victims stayed in shelters in Paragould
Paragould, Arkansas
-Health & Education:Paragould is home to Arkansas State University Paragould, Arkansas Northeastern College, Black River Technical College, and Crowley's Ridge College. Paragould has two public school districts, the Greene County Technical School District and the Paragould School District, as well...
after the tornado hit. Although 47 people were injured, no one was killed.
When the tornado continued eastward into Missouri, damage increased significantly. The worst of it occurred after the tornado reached the vicinity of Caruthersville
Caruthersville, Missouri
Caruthersville is the most populous city and county seat of Pemiscot County, located along the Mississippi River in the bootheel of southeastern Missouri in the United States. The population was 6,760 at the 2000 census.-History:...
in Pemiscot County
Pemiscot County, Missouri
Pemiscot County is a county located in the Bootheel in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 20,047. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 18,515. The largest city and county seat is Caruthersville...
at around 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC). Considerable destruction was reported in the community, with 226 homes destroyed and 542 houses damaged. The water tower in Caruthersville was destroyed, cutting water service in the area after the tornado. Heavy damage was also reported in Dunklin County
Dunklin County, Missouri
Dunklin County is a county located in the Bootheel of Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 33,155. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 31,454. The largest city and county seat is Kennett...
. At least two deaths and 130 injuries were reported in the area. The tornado dissipated as it approached the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
.
More destruction took place after the supercell crossed the Mississippi River into Tennessee, where a new tornado touched down in Dyer County and crossed into western Gibson County between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. CDT (0030-0100 UTC). The tornado touched down in the Newbern
Newbern, Tennessee
Newbern is a town in Dyer County, Tennessee, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 3,313.-Natural Disasters:Sixteen people were killed in Newbern when its surrounding communities were directly hit by an F3 tornado April 2, 2006...
area. Damage was reported to have been very severe across the area, with 72 homes completely destroyed and another 182 homes damaged in the Newbern area. Electricity was also cut to much of the area. That section of the tornado there was also deadly, as at least 16 deaths were reported in the Newbern area, many of which were near the Sara Lee Foods plant in Newbern. 70 other people were injured as a result of the tornado. It was the deadliest single tornado in the US since the Evansville tornado
Evansville Tornado of November 2005
- Evansville area tornado :On Sunday, November 6, 2005 at around 1:50 am CST , a tornado touched down 2 miles north-northwest of Smith Mills in Henderson County, Kentucky, near the Indiana/Kentucky border, and then crossed the Ohio River into Vanderburgh County, Indiana...
on November 6, 2005.
Despite speculation that the tornadoes would be upgraded on the Fujita scale, the ratings for both of those tornadoes were finalized at the high end of F3 with estimated maximum wind speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h).
The supercell as a whole continued eastward into eastern Gibson County, where a new tornado touched down near Bradford
Bradford, Tennessee
Bradford is a town in Gibson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 1,048 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Bradford has a total area of , all of it land....
. It too was an F3 and resulted in severe damage. A new tornado touched down in the Rutherford
Rutherford, Tennessee
Rutherford is a town in Gibson County, Tennessee, United States. At the 2000 census, its population was at 1,272.-Geography:Rutherford is located at ....
area and went southward into the Bradford area. It was also a high-end F3 tornado that left total devastation in the area. The tornadoes also affected Obion, Weakley and Carroll
Carroll County, Tennessee
Carroll County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of 2010, the population was 28,522. Its county seat is Huntingdon. It was named for Governor William Carroll.-Geography:According to the U.S...
Counties. The two tornadoes left 85 homes destroyed, 573 homes damaged and the complete destruction of many farm and commercial buildings and the Bradford Police Department. Cars were tossed into open fields. 8 people died and 50 were injured in the Bradford area from the two tornadoes.
The Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee
Mike Huckabee
Michael "Mike" Dale Huckabee is an American politician who served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. He was a candidate in the 2008 United States Republican presidential primaries, finishing second in delegate count and third in both popular vote and number of states won . He won...
, declared seven counties disaster area
Disaster area
A disaster area is a region or a locale heavily damaged by either natural hazards, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, technological hazards including nuclear and radiation accidents, or sociological hazards like riots, terrorism or war. The population living there often...
s due to this and other tornadoes in the state. The counties were Cross, Fulton, Greene, Hot Spring, Randolph, White
White County, Arkansas
White County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2010, the population was 77,076. The county seat is Searcy. White County is Arkansas's 31st county, formed on October 23, 1835, from portions of Independence, Jackson, and Pulaski counties and named for Hugh Lawson White, a...
and Conway. The total damage from the three tornadoes was estimated at over $150 million.
Aftermath
Six months after the tornado, debris remained scattered throughout Marmaduke. Many homes and businesses had been rebuilt; many others remain in their tornado-damaged state. The Marmaduke water tower, which was heavily damaged, was torn down shortly after the tornado. The primary employer in the area, American Railcar Industries, rebuilt its facility and quickly returned it to operational status.On August 29, 2006, Caruthersville Emergency Manager and Fire Chief Charlie Jones was awarded the StormReady
StormReady
StormReady is a community preparedness program in the United States that encourages government entities and commercial gathering sites to prepare for severe storms. The program, sponsored by the United States National Weather Service, issues recognition to communities and sites across the country...
Community Hero Award for his actions preventing further injuries and fatalities in the area. He summoned the sirens to ring repeatedly and used the fire department's communications availability to warn of the imminent and extreme danger that lied ahead, which saved many lives that evening. No lives were lost in Caruthersville as a result. Caruthersville's reconstruction is currently underway after more than half the community was destroyed. Charitable outpouring was enormous and several key buildings, including one of the schools, has been rebuilt.
Numerous FEMA trailer
FEMA trailer
The term FEMA trailer,or FEMA travel trailer, is the name commonly given by the United States Government to many forms of temporary manufactured housing assigned to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita or other events, by the Federal Emergency Management Agency...
s - intended for Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
victims but unused and sitting nearby - were redirected to the communities affected in Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee after the tornado hit.
See also
- List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
- Tornadoes of 2006Tornadoes of 2006This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 2006. Since the greatest coverage is in the United States, most of these events listed were primarily in the US...