March 18–24, 2012 tornado outbreak sequence

March 18–24, 2012 tornado outbreak sequence
Date(s) March 18 – March 24, 2012
Duration seven days
Confirmed tornadoes 63 confirmed
Maximum rated tornado EF3 (Enhanced Fujita Scale)
Damages $325 million[1] (estimated)
Casualties 1

The March 18–24, 2012 tornado outbreak sequence was a long lasting tornado outbreak that occurred due to a slow moving, but powerful trough and cutoff low. The outbreak began in the Great Plains, where, over a two-day period, several tornadoes touched down, some of which were significant. The North Platte area was damaged by an EF3 that was produced by a supercell that spawned many tornadoes throughout its lifespan. The tornadic activity then shifted the Southern United States over subsequent days, particularly in Louisiana and Mississippi.[2] These states were struck by a series of tornadoes for 3 days, most of which were relatively weak on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. However, a few reached EF2 intensity and caused considerable damage. Tornado activity continued across the Ohio Valley on the 23rd, with one confirmed fatality in southern Illinois.

Meteorological synopsis

March 18 – 19

As a powerful trough ejected into the Central Plains on March 18, the Storm Prediction Center issued a Slight risk for Severe Weather stretching from southern Nebraska to western Texas. That evening, many supercells evolved across the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, producing large hail and damaging wind gusts. As the supercells moved towards the northeast, four tornadoes were produced across western Oklahoma, all rated an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Early that night, a tornado-producing supercell moved across southwestern Nebraska, where four tornadoes were confirmed. The first was an EF3, the second was an EF1, the third was an EF3, and the fourth was an EF2. Severe damage was noted just to the west of the city of North Platte, Nebraska.

The following day, the Storm Prediction Center issued a Moderate risk of Severe Weather, encompassing much of central and eastern Texas, into southeastern Oklahoma and extreme western Arkansas. Although this event was not as severe as initially anticipated, an EF1 tornado was confirmed in Arkansas, as well as an EF0 in Minnesota, and an EF2 in central Texas, where extensive damage was noted near the city of Devine.

March 20 – 22

The slow moving system produced a series of tornadoes across the South for 3 days. Most of the damage occurred in Mississippi and Louisiana. An EF2 caused significant damage near Port Gibson, Mississippi, and another EF2 badly damaged a home near Pelahatchie. A tornado also damaged at least 20 homes in Lake Arthur, Louisiana. Other tornadoes occurred along the Gulf Coast, and one touched down in North Carolina as well.

March 23–24

A slight risk was issued for parts of the Ohio Valley, but notable tornado activity was not expected. However several tornadoes touched down across Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky. Supercell thunderstorms developed and produced large hail as well. One EF1 tornado caused damage to homes in the Louisville metro area.[3] Another EF2 tornado caused one fatality in southern Illinois.[4] On the 24th, an isolated EF0 touched down in Florida as the outbreak moved eastward.

Tornadoes

Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
36 18 7 2 0 0 63

March 18 event

List of reported tornadoes - Sunday, March 18, 2012
EF#
Location
County
Coord.
Time (UTC)
Path length
Comments/Damage
Oklahoma
EF0 W of Mangum Greer 34°53′N 99°41′W / 34.88°N 99.68°W 2350 3.85 miles (6.20 km) No damage reported with this tornado.
EF0 WSW of Brinkman Greer 34°58′N 99°36′W / 34.96°N 99.60°W 0010 0.1 miles (160 m) No damage reported with this tornado.
EF0 WNW of Willow Greer 35°04′N 99°34′W / 35.07°N 99.56°W 0027 1.4 miles (2.3 km) No damage reported with this tornado.
EF0 NW of Willow Greer 35°06′N 99°34′W / 35.10°N 99.57°W 0037 1 mile (1.6 km) No damage reported. This tornado was from the same supercell that produced the other tornadoes in Greer County.
Nebraska
EF3 SW of North Platte Lincoln 41°05′N 100°50′W / 41.09°N 100.83°W 0210 6.7 miles (10.8 km) Two homes were damaged. Two transmission towers and several garages and outbuildings were destroyed. Extensive tree and power line damage occurred. Two people were injured.
EF1 WSW of North Platte Lincoln 41°07′N 100°52′W / 41.12°N 100.86°W 0213 1.5 miles (2.4 km) A semi truck and fence line were destroyed. A garage was damaged and an irrigation pivot was destroyed. Extensive tree damage occurred. One person was injured.
EF3 NW of North Platte (1st tornado) Lincoln 41°08′N 100°51′W / 41.13°N 100.85°W 0214 1.7 miles (2.7 km) Two homes were destroyed and two others suffered significant damage. Fifteen train cars and an irrigation pivot were overturned. Two people were injured.
EF2 NW of North Platte (2nd tornado) Lincoln 41°10′N 100°52′W / 41.17°N 100.87°W 0218 1.7 miles (2.7 km) A barn, two homes, and a garage were destroyed with debris from the barn driven into the ground. An outbuilding was destroyed. Extensive tree damage occurred.
EF0 SSE of Ringgold McPherson 41°26′N 100°46′W / 41.44°N 100.77°W 0239 5.3 miles (8.5 km) A church was damaged, a small storage building was destroyed, and a nine tower irrigation pivot system was twisted and overturned. Trees were uprooted.
EF0 NNW of Valentine Cherry 42°55′N 100°35′W / 42.92°N 100.59°W 0319 100 yards (91 m) Brief touchdown with no damage.
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 03/18/12, NWS Norman, OK, NWS North Platte, NE

March 19 event

List of reported tornadoes - Monday, March 19, 2012
EF#
Location
County
Coord.
Time (UTC)
Path length
Comments/Damage
Texas
EF2 ENE of Gardendale Ector 32°02′N 102°20′W / 32.03°N 102.34°W 0628 1 mile (1.6 km) A camper was flipped, a cinder block fence was overturned, and a barn and trailer were destroyed. One house suffered significant roof damage and several power poles were damaged. A horse trailer and a cotton trailer were tossed, and a travel trailer was destroyed. Three people were injured.
EF2 WNW of Devine Medina 29°08′N 98°56′W / 29.14°N 98.94°W 0106 3.5 miles (5.6 km) A semi trailer was overturned and a mobile home was destroyed. Multiple permanent homes were badly damaged or destroyed, and a steel storage shed was destroyed as well. Trees and power lines were also downed.
EF1 W of Lytle Medina 29°11′N 98°50′W / 29.18°N 98.84°W 0120 7 miles (11 km) Power lines were knocked down and an RV was flipped.
EF2 NNE of Lytle Bexar 29°14′N 98°46′W / 29.24°N 98.76°W 0130 5 miles (8.0 km) Damage reported to six homes, at least one of which had its roof torn off. Two people were injured.
Kansas
EF0 ESE of Montrose Jewell 39°46′N 98°02′W / 39.77°N 98.04°W 1055 0.8 miles (1.3 km) A large machine shed was destroyed.
Minnesota
EF0 S of Elysian Waseca, Le Sueur 44°10′N 93°41′W / 44.17°N 93.68°W 2325 7 miles (11 km) Second-earliest tornado on record in Minnesota history (earliest was on March 18, 1968). Numerous trees and several structures were damaged along the tornado's path.
Oklahoma
EF0 NW of Vian Sequoyah 35°31′N 95°00′W / 35.52°N 95.00°W 0120 0.1 miles (160 m) Brief tornado over open country with no damage.
Arkansas
EF1 Uniontown Crawford 35°35′N 94°26′W / 35.58°N 94.44°W 0252 13 miles (21 km) The roof of a mobile home was damaged, and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.
EF0 ENE of Efay Washington 36°05′N 94°08′W / 36.09°N 94.14°W 0320 1 mile (1.6 km) Two homes and a Walmart were damaged and a few trees and tree limbs were snapped.
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 03/19/12, NWS Odessa, TX, NWS San Antonio, TX, NWS Tulsa, OK

March 20 event

List of reported tornadoes - Tuesday, March 20, 2012
EF#
Location
County
Coord.
Time (UTC)
Path length
Comments/Damage
Texas
EF0 NE of Longhorn Bexar 29°32′N 98°25′W / 29.54°N 98.41°W 0555 0.75 miles (1.21 km) A post office and 10 homes suffered minor damage, with another home suffering major damage.
EF0 N of Kirby Bexar 29°29′N 98°23′W / 29.49°N 98.38°W 0559 0.25 miles (400 m) A few homes sustained minor damage.
EF0 W of Runge Karnes 28°53′N 97°43′W / 28.88°N 97.72°W 0905 0.25 miles (400 m) Houses and outbuildings suffered minor damage. A few trees were downed.
Louisiana
EF0 E of Zwolle Sabine 31°38′N 93°34′W / 31.64°N 93.56°W 1636 3 miles (4.8 km) Several trees were snapped and uprooted and a few power lines were downed.
EF0 SE of Goldonna Natchitoches, Winn 32°00′N 92°53′W / 32.00°N 92.89°W 1815 2.1 miles (3.4 km) Several trees were snapped or blown down. Power lines were also downed.
EF0 E of Natchitoches Natchitoches 31°46′N 93°04′W / 31.76°N 93.06°W 0228 1 mile (1.6 km) Three mobile homes sustained damage, one with moderate roof damage. One tree was snapped.
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 03/20/12, NWS Shreveport, LA

March 21 event

List of reported tornadoes - Wednesday, March 21, 2012
EF#
Location
County
Coord.
Time (UTC)
Path length
Comments/Damage
Louisiana
EF0 S of Sikes Winn 32°03′N 92°29′W / 32.05°N 92.49°W 0814 0.4 miles (0.64 km) A few trees were snapped.
EF1 Lake Arthur area Jefferson Davis 30°05′N 92°41′W / 30.08°N 92.68°W 0930 2 miles (3.2 km) An estimated 20 to 30 homes were damaged, barns destroyed, trees downed, and antennas blown off the top of a water tower.
EF1 S of Gueydan Vermilion 30°01′N 92°31′W / 30.01°N 92.51°W 0945 2.5 miles (4.0 km) A tied-down mobile home was rolled upside down. Five homes and city hall sustained significant roof damage. About 20 homes received minor damage. Several outbuildings were destroyed and numerous trees were downed. There was one minor injury.
EF0 W of Henry Vermilion 29°53′N 92°06′W / 29.88°N 92.10°W 1035 1 mile (1.6 km) Damage included a roof blown off a barn, several outbuildings destroyed, and several trees snapped.
EF1 Abbeville area Vermilion 29°58′N 92°07′W / 29.97°N 92.12°W 1045 1.5 miles (2.4 km) A garage was destroyed and telephone poles were snapped.
EF0 Patterson area St. Mary 29°41′N 91°19′W / 29.69°N 91.31°W 1257 1 mile (1.6 km) A few trees had limbs removed and a garage was damaged.
EF1 W of Grayson Caldwell 32°03′N 92°09′W / 32.05°N 92.15°W 1330 4.1 miles (6.6 km) Twenty homes were damaged and 1 mobile home and several sheds were destroyed. Several trees were downed.
EF1 Prairieville area Ascension 30°18′N 90°58′W / 30.30°N 90.97°W 1434 3 miles (4.8 km) Several homes sustained significant roof damage and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.
EF1 E of Kleinpeter East Baton Rouge 30°20′N 90°56′W / 30.34°N 90.94°W 1443 0.6 miles (0.97 km) Several homes suffered roof damage and numerous trees were downed.
EF1 NE of Corbin Livingston 30°32′N 90°50′W / 30.53°N 90.83°W 1505 0.6 miles (0.97 km) Several trees were downed and a house lost part of its roof.
EF0 NE of Madisonville St. Tammany 30°26′N 90°08′W / 30.43°N 90.13°W 1716 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Brief tornado damaged several homes and downed many trees.
EF0 NE of Abita Springs St. Tammany 30°29′N 90°01′W / 30.49°N 90.02°W 1735 1.4 miles (2.3 km) Several trees were downed and a house suffered roof damage.
North Carolina
EF0 Wenona area Washington 35°44′N 76°38′W / 35.73°N 76.63°W 1500 100 yards (91 m) Brief tornado with no damage.
Mississippi
EF1 E of McNair Jefferson 31°38′N 91°01′W / 31.64°N 91.02°W 1523 3 miles (4.8 km) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.
EF2 NNE of Port Gibson Claiborne, Warren 32°05′N 90°59′W / 32.09°N 90.99°W 1551 10 miles (16 km) Two mobile homes were destroyed and four power poles were snapped. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, one of which caused significant damage to a house.
EF1 SE of Vicksburg Warren 32°18′N 90°52′W / 32.30°N 90.86°W 1611 1.75 miles (2.82 km) Several buildings were damaged, including a mobile home that was flipped. Numerous trees were downed.
EF2 WSW of Pelahatchie Rankin 32°17′N 89°50′W / 32.29°N 89.84°W 1904 6.3 miles (10.1 km) Narrow tornado caused extensive damage to a home and snapped or uprooted numerous trees.
EF0 SE of Eastabuchie Forrest 31°25′N 89°15′W / 31.42°N 89.25°W 2100 0.3 miles (0.48 km) Brief tornado snapped several trees and tore shingles off a home.
EF0 SW of Soso Jones 31°44′N 89°20′W / 31.73°N 89.33°W 2231 0.2 miles (0.32 km) Brief tornado heavily damaged the roof of a chicken house and uprooted a tree.
EF0 NW of Long Beach Harrison 30°29′N 89°19′W / 30.48°N 89.31°W 0132 0.25 miles (0.40 km) Brief tornado damaged a trailer.
EF0 ESE of Paulding Jasper 32°01′N 89°01′W / 32.02°N 89.02°W 0203 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Brief tornado uprooted several trees.
EF1 NNE of Gulfport Harrison 30°35′N 88°58′W / 30.59°N 88.97°W 0535 1 mile (1.6 km) A trailer was flipped and several homes lost part of their roofs.
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 03/20/12, SPC Storm Reports for 03/21/12, NWS Shreveport, LA, NWS Lake Charles, LA, NWS Newport / Morehead City, NC, NWS Jackson, MS

March 22 event

List of reported tornadoes - Thursday, March 22, 2012
EF#
Location
County
Coord.
Time (UTC)
Path length
Comments/Damage
Mississippi
EF0 N of Biloxi Harrison 30°29′N 88°56′W / 30.49°N 88.93°W 1010 4 miles (6.4 km) One home sustained significant damage
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 03/21/12

March 23 event

List of reported tornadoes - Friday, March 23, 2012
EF#
Location
County
Coord.
Time (UTC)
Path length
Comments/Damage
Alabama
EF1 NNW of Troy Pike 31°50′N 86°02′W / 31.83°N 86.04°W 1426 1.7 miles (2.7 km) Several large trees were snapped or uprooted. Two houses, three chicken barns, and a single-wide manufactured home suffered minor damage.
EF0 NW of Malvern Geneva 31°09′N 85°34′W / 31.15°N 85.56°W 1748 1.7 miles (2.7 km) A few houses suffered minor roof damage and several trees were downed.
Missouri
EF0 NE of Cape Girardeau Cape Girardeau 37°20′N 89°30′W / 37.33°N 89.50°W 1633 0.25 miles (400 m) Brief tornado caused roof damage to several homes and downed a few small trees.
EF1 NW of Neely's Landing Cape Girardeau 37°31′N 89°31′W / 37.52°N 89.52°W 1638 0.6 miles (0.97 km) Trees and powerlines were downed.
Illinois
EF0 E of Murphysboro Jackson 37°46′N 89°16′W / 37.76°N 89.27°W 1714 1.8 miles (2.9 km) A few trees were downed.
EF1 NW of Desoto Jackson 37°51′N 89°16′W / 37.85°N 89.27°W 1724 7.5 miles (12.1 km) Dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped. Several sheds, barns, and homes were damaged and a flag pole was blown down.
EF2 NW of Opdyke Jefferson 38°16′N 88°47′W / 38.26°N 88.79°W 1826 2.5 miles (4.0 km) 1 death – A double wide mobile home was thrown 100 feet (30 m) and destroyed. One home and three barns were damaged, one heavily. Several trees were uprooted or snapped. In addition to the fatality, two people were injured.
EF0 NNE of Kell Marion 38°32′N 88°53′W / 38.53°N 88.88°W 1857 100 yards (91 m) Brief touchdown with no damage.
Kentucky
EF1 S of Jeffersontown Jefferson 38°05′N 85°37′W / 38.09°N 85.62°W 1807 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Several homes were damaged, some severely. Numerous trees were downed.
EF1 E of Finchville Shelby 38°09′N 85°17′W / 38.15°N 85.29°W 1828 2.25 miles (3.62 km) Two barns were destroyed and two others were damaged. A trailer was overturned and about two dozen trees were snapped to uprooted.
Georgia
EF0 S of Kolomoki Mounds State Park Early 31°26′N 84°57′W / 31.43°N 84.95°W 2020 3.6 miles (5.8 km) Several trees were downed and minor roof damage occurred to a couple of structures.
Indiana
EF0 WNW of Center Square Switzerland 38°50′N 85°03′W / 38.83°N 85.05°W 2039 unknown Brief tornado with no damage.
Ohio
EF0 Harlan Township area Warren 39°19′N 84°04′W / 39.32°N 84.07°W 2330 0.5 miles (0.80 km) Brief tornado significantly damaged a pole barn and a nearby home. Debris from the barn was found up to 50 yd (46 m) upstream. Several trees were also uprooted and many more were snapped.
EF0 Clarksville area Clinton 39°23′N 83°59′W / 39.39°N 83.98°W 2350 0.3 miles (0.48 km) Brief tornado struck the village of Clarksville, causing minor damage to numerous structures.
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 03/23/12, NWS Louisville, NWS Birmingham, NWS Paducah, KY, NWS Wilmington, OH
Sources:

March 24 event

List of reported tornadoes - Saturday, March 24, 2012
EF#
Location
County
Coord.
Time (UTC)
Path length
Comments/Damage
Florida
EF0 W of Gainesville Alachua 29°45′N 82°34′W / 29.75°N 82.56°W 1840 4.6 miles (7.4 km) Two homes and a carport were damaged. Many trees were downed as well.
Sources: SPC Storm Reports for 03/24/12, NCDC Storm Events Database

See also

References

  1. ↑ Jeff Masters (May 11, 2012). "2nd billion-dollar weather disaster of 2012: April 3 severe weather in Texas". Weather Underground. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
  2. ↑ Forsyth, Jim. "At least one Texas tornado damages homes, storms cause flooding". Reuters. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
  3. ↑ "Tornado damages about 7 houses in southeastern Louisville | The Courier-Journal". courier-journal.com. 2012-03-23. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
  4. ↑ "WJBD Radio". WJBD Radio. Retrieved 2012-03-28.