1997 — March 1, Tornadoes; especially AR (27 deaths), MS (1 death) and TN (1 death)– 29

–29  Blanchard tally of direct (26) and indirect (1) deaths in AR; 1 direct death each in MS and TN.

–27  NCDC (direct tornado deaths in AR (25), MS (1) and TN (1). Storm Events Database.

–26  NWS. Service Assessment. March 1, 1997, Arkansas Tornado Outbreak. Sep 1997, p. 1.[1]

 

Arkansas:       (27)

— 27  CDC. “Tornado-Associated Fatalities – Arkansas, 1997.” 5-16-1997. (26 direct; 1 cleanup)[2]

— 25  AR fatalities. NWS. Tornado Outbreak History. March 1, 1997. Little Rock, AR WFO.[3]

Breakout of Arkansas Tornado Fatalities by County:

—  6  Clark County, especially Arkadelphia. F4, 27 miles, 1056 yards, 14:20-14:47 CST.[4]

–Male, 45, vehicle.

–Female, 45, business. (CDC has the age of this woman as 39.)

–Male, 37, mobile home.

–Female, 45, mobile home.

–Female, 14, permanent home. (CDC has the location as a mobile home.)

–Female, 14, permanent home. (CDC has the location as a mobile home.)

—  1  Greene County, Marmaduke. F3, 15 miles, 200 yards, 16:45-17:05 CST. NCDC SED.

–Male, 47, business.

—  2  Jackson County, Denmark. F2, 8.5 miles, 1056 yards, 15:25-15:31 CST. NCDC SED.

–Male, 21, outside.

–Male, 30, outside.

—  1  Jackson County, Jacksonport. F2, 23 miles, 880 yards, 15:42-16:13 CST. NCDC SED.

–Male, 79, mobile home.

—  1  Pope County. Motor vehicle. Cardiopulmonary thoracic trauma; male, 57. CDC.

—  5  Pulaski Co.. F4, 11 miles, 1408 yards, 15:41-15:57 CST. NCDC Storm Events Database.

–Male, 61, business. (CDC notes the business was a store.)

–Male, 69, permanent home.

–Female, 74, vehicle.

–Male, 62, permanent home.

–Female 45, mobile home. (CDC has woman’s age as 40.)

—  1  Pulaski County, March 2. Electrocution during restoration (clean-up); male, 35. CDC.

–10  Saline County. F4, 14 miles, 1408 yards, 15:25-15:41 CST. NCDC Storm Events Database.

–Female, 60, permanent home. (CDC has woman’s age as 61)

–Male, 64, permanent home.

–Female, 23, mobile home.

–Female, 55, permanent home. (CDC has the location as a mobile home.)

–Female, 35, permanent home. (CDC has the location as a mobile home.)

–Male, 55, outside. (CDC has the location as a mobile home.)

–Female, 52, outside. (CDC has the location as a mobile home.)

–Male, 15, mobile home.

–Male, 49, mobile home.

–Male, 72, outside. (CDC has the location as a mobile home.)

 

Mississippi      (1)

— 1  Pontotoc, Randolph area. F1 tornado, 15 miles, 400 yds, MS, Pontotoc, 01:00-01:25 CST.[5]

–Male, 50, mobile home.

 

Tennessee       (1)

— 1  Finley, Dyer County (tornado crossed into TN from AR), F4, 19:00-19:30 CST. NCDC SED.

–Female, 13, mobile home.

 

Narrative Information

 

CDC: “On March 1, 1997, approximately nine tornadoes originating from two separate thunderstorms swept across Arkansas, from Hempstead County in the southwest to Clay County in the northeast (approximately 260 miles). The tornadoes caused 26 deaths and an estimated $115 million in property damage, reflecting damage to residences, nonresidential buildings, bridges, and roads and agriculture and timber losses. The strongest tornadoes touched down southwest of Little Rock in Clark, Saline, and Pulaski counties; the estimated widths of the tornado paths ranged from 1/2 to 1 mile, and wind speeds were greater than 200 miles per hour (National Weather Service {NWS}, unpublished data, 1997). This report summarizes circumstances of the tornado-associated fatalities from information collected by the American Red Cross (ARC); 14 of the 26 fatalities occurred among persons who were in mobile homes.”

 

“ARC collected data about fatalities associated with the tornadoes by contacting area hospitals and medical examiner’s and coroner’s offices in affected counties. Fatalities were verified by death certificates obtained from the Arkansas Department of Vital Statistics. A total of 26 fatalities resulted from injuries sustained during the tornadoes; one additional death resulted from electrocution during storm-related clean-up activities in Pulaski County. Twenty-two deaths occurred in the three most heavily affected counties (Clark, Saline, and Pulaski)… Decedents’ ages ranged from 14 to 79 years (median: 48 years)…and 14 were male. When tornadoes touched down, 14 of those who died were in mobile homes; four, in single-family dwellings; three, in nonresidential buildings; three, in motor vehicles; and two, outdoors. Most deaths resulted from multiple injuries; head injuries were specifically listed in 14 deaths. Twenty-two persons died at the scene of injury; three died at or while being transported to a hospital; and one died in a hospital the following day.

 

“ARC reported 400 nonfatal injuries that were treated at area emergency departments. Of these, 296 (74%) persons were treated and released, and 104 (26%) required hospitalization. Interviews with family or neighbors of 10 (71%) decedents revealed that the mobile homes in which these deaths occurred (both in parks and stand-alone mobile homes) lacked access to underground storm shelters. Reports from local public health officials indicated that the remaining four mobile homes in which deaths occurred also probably did not have storm shelters (family or neighbor contacts for these decedents could not be located).

 

“On the day of the tornadoes, the NWS issued storm warnings to 55 Arkansas counties, including tornado warnings in 33 counties. Lead time between warning issuance and tornado touchdown was 15 minutes for most affected counties. Lead times for all counties in which death or injury occurred ranged from 18 to 32 minutes (NWS, unpublished data, 1997). Warning systems varied by county but generally consisted of warning sirens supplemented by television and/or radio bulletins….”  (CDC. “Tornado-Associated Fatalities-Arkansas, 1997,”  5-16-1997)

 

NWS: “The devastating severe weather that occurred on March 1, 1997, in Arkansas and western Tennessee took 26 lives, injured hundreds, and produced property damage estimated between $115,000,000 and $120,000,000. Of the 26 fatalities, 25 perished in Arkansas and 1 was killed in Tennessee. More than 400 people were injured in both Arkansas and Tennessee.” (p. 1.)

 

(National Weather Service, NOAA. Service Assessment. March 1, 1997, Arkansas Tornado Outbreak. Silver Spring, MD: NWS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, Sep 1997.)

 

NCDC on Clark County (especially Arkadelphia), AR, tornado: “The tornado moved out of Nevada County and into Clark County approximately 6.5 miles south of Okolona at 220 pm CST. The tornado continued moving northeastward, causing considerable tree damage and downing a number of power lines. The first fatality occurred along I-30, several miles southwest of Arkadelphia where a vehicle was blown off the highway and the driver was killed. A truck-stop was also destroyed near this location as well. At 242 pm CST, the tornado moved into the City of Arkadelphia. A number of homes and businesses in Arkadelphia were either damaged or destroyed. 5 people in Arkadelphia were also killed. The tornado continued to move northeastward, knocking down more trees and power lines, as well as damaging more homes. The tornado exited Clark County approximately 3.5 miles northeast of Arkadelphia at 247 pm CST. Damage along the track of the tornado was mostly F2 to F3. However, some timber and structural damage along the path was consistent with an F4 rating.” (NCDC. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, 27 Miles, 1056 Yards, Ark., Clark, March 1, 1997, 14:20-14:47 CST.)

 

NCDC on Greene County (Marmaduke), AR,  tornado: “The tornado moved into extreme northwest Craighead county from Jackson county. While in Craighead county, the tornado damaged a house injuring 2 persons inside the structure. The tornado then moved into the southeast corner of Lawrence county. There it damaged 13 homes and buildings including a grain bin which stored a large supply of rice. One mobile home was rolled over injuring 2 persons. Numerous trees were blown down as well. The tornado moved into Greene county where it occasionally lifted off the ground as the storm moved northeast. The most severe damage occurred near Marmaduke where 20 homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed. One man was killed when his business was damaged by the tornado. Five others were injured.” (NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F3, Arkansas, Greene, 16:45-17:05.)

 

NCDC on Jackson County (Denmark), AR tornado: “The White County tornado moved into Jackson County 3 miles south of Denmark at 325 pm CST. As the tornado crossed Highway 167, 2 people were killed when a tree fell on them while they were taking shelter from the tornado in a ditch. Several mobile homes and some frame homes suffered partial roof removal as the tornado progressed across the county. The tornado exited Jackson County 7 miles northeast of Denmark at 331 pm CST. Damage along the path of the tornado was consistent with an F2 rating.” (NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F2, Arkansas, Jackson County (Denmark), 8.5 Miles, 1056 Yards, March 1, 1997, 15:25-15:31 CST.)

 

NCDC on Jackson County (Jacksonport), AR, tornado: “The tornado in Independence County moved back into Jackson County about 4 miles southwest of Jacksonport at 342 pm CST. The tornado moved northeastward into Jacksonport where there was a considerable loss of trees and damage to homes and businesses. One person was killed in a mobile home that was destroyed. A riverboat also suffered considerable damage when it was blown into a partially flooded area on the shoreline. As the tornado continued to move northeastward, it caused roof and structural damage to a number of buildings. A lot of trees were also blown down as well. The tornado crossed Highway 67 about a mile south of Tuckerman and skirted the southeast part of town. Several miles northeast of Tuckerman, on Highway 224, the tornado caused more damage to several homes. About 7 miles northeast of Tuckerman, there was quite a bit of tree damage. Some tops of trees were also removed, indicating that the tornado was aloft at times. The tornado downed more trees and power lines in the last 3 or 4 miles it was on the ground in Jackson County. The tornado exited Jackson County 5.5 miles east of Swifton at 413 pm CST. Damage along the path of the tornado was consistent with an F2 rating.” (NCDC. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F2, Arkansas, Jackson County (Jacksonport), March 1, 1997, 15:42-16:13.)

 

NCDC on Pulaski County, AR, tornado: “The Saline County tornado moved into Pulaski County about 2.5 miles southeast of Mabelvale at 341 pm CST. The tornado tracked northeastward and damaged or destroyed a number of homes and businesses in the area of Arch Street Pike and Dixon Road in the south part of Little Rock. One person was killed in the same area when the building he was in seeking shelter was destroyed. Numerous trees and power lines were also blown down. The tornado continued to produce damage as it moved northeastward, but weakened and partially lifted as it approached the intersection of Highway 65 and Dixon Road. At this location, a building was destroyed and the tops of some trees were removed.

 

“The tornado reemerged near the College Station area around 349 pm CST, causing widespread damage. Many frame homes were either damaged or destroyed. 4 people were killed in the College Station area. A number of residents noted that there was a tremendous amount of flying debris. The tornado crossed I-440 and passed very close to Little Rock National Airport. The airport was closed for several hours after the storm passed, due to a large amount of debris on the runways. A hotel and a UPS Distribution Center near the airport sustained some damage. The tornado eventually lifted soon after it crossed the Arkansas River. Much of the damage along the path of the tornado was F2 and F3. However, some structural damage along the path was consistent with an F4 rating.” (NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, Arkansas, Pulaski County, 11 Miles, 1408 Yards, March 1, 1997, 15:41-15:57 CST.)

 

NCDC on Saline County, AR, tornado: “The thunderstorm that produced the tornado across Clark and Hot Spring County earlier spawned another tornado in Saline County. The tornado touched down 5 miles southeast of Benton and traveled northeastward, damaging a number of homes and downing numerous trees and power lines. As the tornado approached Shannon Hills, the tornado expanded to 0.8 mile wide. Dozens of homes were either damaged or destroyed in the area around the Shannon Hills, Vimy Ridge and Sardis communities. 10 people were killed, with most victims inside their homes when the storm hit. The tornado exhibited characteristics of F2 to F3 strength prior to moving into the Shannon Hills area. After that, the tornado reached F4 intensity as it moved across the Shannon Hills area and eventually into Pulaski County.” (NCDC. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, AR, Saline, 14 miles, 1408 yards, 15:25-15:41 CST.)

 

NCDC on Pontotoc County (Randolph area), MS, tornado: “A tornado touched down in the western part of Calhoun county and tracked northeast into Pontotoc county. The most significant damage occurred in the Randolph area of Pontotoc county. One man was killed when his mobile home was destroyed. Four other persons were also injured in Randolph. In all 2 houses and 2 mobile homes were destroyed. Nine other homes were damaged. Twenty-five barns were destroyed. Two horses were killed.” (NCDC. NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F1, Mississippi, Pontotoc County, 15 Miles, 400 Yards, March 1, 1997, 1:00-01:25 CST.)

 

NCDC on Dyer County (Finley), TN, tornado: “A tornado developed in Mississippi county Arkansas near the town of Lennie. Three mobile homes were damaged or destroyed and a cotton trailer was over turned. The tornado touched down again in Dyer county in Tennessee. The most severe damage with the tornado occurred in Dyer county. A thirteen-year-old girl was killed at her home which was destroyed by the tornado in the town of Finley. One hundred ninety building were damaged or destroyed in Dyer county including Dyer County High School. The tornado then continued into Gibson county where eight homes were damaged or destroyed. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down as well.” (NCDC. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, TN, Dyer County, 15 Miles, 200 Yards, March 1, 1997, 19:00-19:30 CST.)

 

Tornado Project Online on Saline: “This tornado touched down 3 miles southeast of Benton in Saline County, fifteen minutes after the previous tornado lifted. The funnel moved northeast, devastating the towns of Sardis and Shannon Hills. A total of 10 people died in Saline County and 200 were injured. About 200 residences were damaged or destroyed. The tornado was nearly a mile wide and F4 intensity as it passed across Shannon Hills.  It entered Pulaski County and continued northeast, where it did F3 damage at College Station, just 3 miles southeast of downtown Little Rock. Six people died in this area. Across Pulaski County, 180 people were injured, 90 homes destroyed, and 175 homes damaged.” (Tornado Project Online. Tornadoes in the Past.)

Sources

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Tornado-Associated Fatalities-Arkansas, 1997.”  Atlanta: CDC, 5-16-1997. At: http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/m0049509/m0049509.asp

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado. Search Results for all U.S. States and Areas, 03/01/1997. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=03&beginDate_dd=01&beginDate_yyyy=1997&endDate_mm=03&endDate_dd=01&endDate_yyyy=1997&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, Arkansas, Clark, 27 Miles, 1056 Yards, March 1, 1997, 14:20-14:47 CST. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5592919

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F3, Arkansas, Greene, 15 Miles, 200 Yards, March 1, 1997, 16:45-17:05 CST. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5595259

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F2, Arkansas, Jackson County (Denmark), 8.5 Miles, 1056 Yards, March 1, 1997, 15:25-15:31 CST. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5600786

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F2, Arkansas, Jackson County (Jacksonport), 23 Miles, 880 Yards, March 1, 1997, 15:42-16:13. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5600788

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, Arkansas, Pulaski County, 11 Miles, 1408 Yards, March 1, 1997, 15:41-15:57 CST. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5592933

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, Arkansas, Saline County, 14 Miles, 1408 Yards, March 1, 1997, 15:25-15:41 CST. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5592927

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F1, Mississippi, Pontotoc County, 15 Miles, 400 Yards, March 1, 1997, 1:00-01:25 CST. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5595085

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, Tennessee, Dyer County (Finley), 15 Miles, 200 Yards, March 1, 1997, 19:00-19:30 CST. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5623726

 

National Weather Service, NOAA. Service Assessment. March 1, 1997, Arkansas Tornado Outbreak. Silver Spring, MD: NWS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, Sep 1997. Accessed 1-28-2016 at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/assessments/pdfs/ark61.pdf

 

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Little Rock, AR. Tornado Outbreak History.  “March 1, 1997.” Little Rock, AR: NWS WFO, NOAA, June 2, 2003 update. Accessed at:  http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/html/tormar1a.htm

 

 

 

[1] Notes 26 direct fatalities – 25 in Arkansas and 1 in Tennessee.

[2] Notes death certificate data obtained from AR Dept. of Vital Statistics showing 26 deaths from injuries sustained during the tornadoes (direct) and one fatality by electrocution during restoration in Pulaski County (indirect).

[3] NCDC tally does not include the Pope County Motor vehicle Cardiopulmonary thoracic trauma death nor the Pulaski County death by electrocution of a 35-year-old male on March 2 during “clean-up.”

[4] NCDC. Storm Events Database. Tornado, F4, AR, Clark, 27 Miles, 1056 Yards, March 1, 1997, 14:20-14:47 CST.

[5] NCDC, NOAA, Storm Events Database.