2011, Apr 27, Tornadoes, Storms, Flash Floods, AL, AR, MS, TN, GA, VA, KY-341-350
–359[1] Brooks. April 2011 Tornadoes: A “Particularly Dangerous Situation.” 5-11-2011.
–350 Voice of America News. “US Tornadoes Killed at Least 350.” 4-30-2011.
–348 Blanchard high-range tally based on State breakouts below.
–345 Arbiteronline.com. “Death Toll Vicious Southern Storms Reaches 345.” 5-2-2011.
–342 CNN U.S. “Officials Still Counting Deaths on 3rd Day After Storms.” 4-30-2011.
–341 Blanchard low-range tally based on State breakouts below.
–327 Bloomberg. “Missouri Officials Debate Joplin Deaths.” 5-24-2011.
–337 Sun Herald, MS. “Tornado Death Toll Reaches 337.” 4-30-2011.
–329 AP. “In Dixie, ‘You Have…’” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 4-30-2011, p. 1.
–326 NOAA. April 2011 Tornado Info.. “Apr 25-28, 2011, Tornado…Statistics, 5-9-2011. [2]
–320 NOAA, Nat. Climatic Data Center. Billion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters. 6-17-2011.[3]
–318 Anniston Star, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318; Obama Sees Damage Up Close.” 4-29-2011.
–309 NOAA. April 2011 Tornado Info. “April 25-28, 2011, Tornado Outbreak Statistics.”
–309 WAFF 48, Huntsville AL. “Obama…Devastated Alabama; 319 Dead.” 4-29-2011.[4]
–297 Montgomery Advertiser AL. “NWS: NE MS Tornado…Highest-rated EF-5.” 4-29-2011
–290 Newsday.com. “Tornadoes Devastate South, Killing at Least 290.” 4-28-2011.
–283 Al.com. “Destruction…Tornadoes Attributed to ‘Perfect Storm’ Conditions.” 4-28-2011.
–280 Montgomery Advertiser, AL. “Tornadoes Devastate South, Killing…280.” 4-28-2011.
–269 USA Today. “Dozens of Tornadoes Kill Nearly 270 People in South.” 4-28-2011.
–250 Myfoxal.com. “Devastating Southern Storms Kill More than 250.” 4-28-2011.
Alabama (249-252)
–252 State. ABC 33/40, Birmingham, AL. “April 27, 2011 – Never Forget.” 4-24-2012.
–249 State. AP, Pratt City, AL. “Aid rushed to South.” News Herald, Panama City, FL. 5-1-2011.
–249 State. China Post. “Obama Ramps Up Recovery Help for South.” 5-2-2011.
–246-249 “ Blanchard tally based on County and Municipality breakouts below.
–248 “ NWS WFO, Huntsville, AL. Historic Tornado Outbreak, April 27th 2011. 4-20-2012.
–243 “ Birmingham News (R. DeMonia). “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death…” 7-7-2011.
–238 “ AP, Tuscaloosa, AL. “In Dixie, ‘You Have the Right to Cry.’” Daily News-Record.
–237 “ Catherine Donald, Director, AL Center for Health Statistics. 3-11-2014 webinar.[5]
–236 “ NOAA. April 2011 Tornado Info. “April 25-28…Tornado Outbreak Statistics.”[6]
Locality Breakouts
— 1 Bibb County, Brent. Ricky Paul Smith, 55.[7] NCDC Storm Data, 53/4, April 2011, 49.
— 9 Calhoun County. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 50.
— 9 Calhoun Co. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list…2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
–5 Ohatchee (Ruby Douthitt, 61; Tina Forrest, 49, Michael Forrest, 54; Francis Arvella
Jones, 72; James Romaine, 65).[8]
–1 Piedmont. Angel Stillwell, 13.[9]
–1 Webster’s Chapel. Vernon Spencer Motes, 33.[10]
–2 Wellington. Linda Sue Lipscomb, 63 and William Lipscomb, 67.[11]
— 2 Cullman Co. AL.com. “Updated AL Tornadoes…Toll…194 State…Reports.” 4-28-2011.
–1 Cullman. Lloyd Winford Harris, 68.[12]
–1 Johnson Crossing. Keenan Jonathan Sullivan, 20.[13]
–1 Simcoe. Cullman Times, AL. “Second…Fatality Reported From Storm.” 4-28-2011.[14]
— 35 Dekalb Co. USA Today. “Dozens…Tornadoes Kill Nearly 270 People….” 4-28-2011.[15]
— 26 “ Brooks (NOAA). April 2011 Tornadoes… May 11, 2011.[16]
–31 Location not noted:[17]
Chelsie Black, 20 Charlotte Bludsworth, 36 Belinda Boatner, 67
Gene Bullock, 65 Marcella Bullock, 64 Jewell Ewing, 73
Emma Ferguson, 6 Jeremy Ferguson, 34 Tawnya Ferguson, 32
Hannah Goins, 3 Kenneth Graham, 56 Linda Graham, 61
Ruth Hairston, 90 Harold Harcrow, 74 Patricia Harcrow, 75
Jody Huizenga, 28 Lethel Izel, 86 Jimmy Michael Kilgore, 48
Courtney McGaha, 15 William Michaels, 70 Martha Michaels, 72
Eulah Miller Ida Ott, 87 Timothy Ott, 53
Ester Rosson, 81 Peggy Sparks, 55 Terry Tinker, 50
Daniel Vermillion, 42; Jidal Vermillion, 44 Herbert Wooten, 70
Juanita Wooten, 70
— 2 Ider. Judith White, 63, and Wayne White, fine caused by the storm.[18]
— 2 Rainsville, indirect deaths — Eddie Joe Bobbitt, 71,[19] and Carol Lisa Fox, 50.[20]
–35 Rainsville. Daily Sentinel, Scottsboro AL. “Rainsville Mayor…35 Dead,” 4-28-2011.[21]
— 6 Elmore County. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 52.
–6 Eclectic, Elmore County. Candice Hope Abernathy, 23; Kammie Abernathy, 5;
Melissa Ann “Missy” Myers Gantt, 43; Alice Herren Lee, 74; Martha Ann
Gray Myers, 67; Rebecca Herren Woodall, 70.[22]
–4 Eclectic. Montgomery Advertiser AL. “Six Confirmed Dead…Elmore…” 4-28-2011.
–2 Windemere. Montgomery Advertiser AL. “Six…Dead…Elmore Co….” 4-28-2011.
— 4 Fayette Co. AL.com. “Death Toll Passes 200 State EMA Says in 7 p.m. Count.” 4-28-2011.[23]
–4 Berry, “ Jeffrey Kemp, 60; Reba Kemp, 60; Leon Spruell, 76; Sylvia Spruell, 69.[24]
— 27 Franklin County. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 81.
— 3 East Franklin. Donald Ray Heaps, 48; Kelli Thorn Morgan, 24; Michael Morgan, 32.[25]
–23 Phil Campbell, Franklin County:
Nila Black, 68; Zan Reese Black, 45; Jeffrey Dewight Cotham, 35;
Jack Cox, 78; Charlene Crochet, 41; Donnie Gentry, 63;
Patricia Ann Gentry, 50; Lester William Hood, 81; James Robert Keller Jr., 67;
Linda Faye Knight, 57; Rickey Ethan Knox, 10; Amy LeClere, 33;
Jay W. LeClere, 45; Dagmar Leyden, 56; Edna Lucille Bradley Nix, 89; Martha Lou Pace, 64; Claudia I. Mojica, 38; Edgar Mojica, 9;
Georgia Schribner, 83; Jack E. Tenhaeff, 67; Sonya Black Trapp, 47; Carroll Dean “C.D. Waller, 76; Gerri Waller, 64.
–1 Double Springs, Franklin County. Donna Renee Berry, 51.
— 6 Hale Co. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011. NOAA, p. 48.
— 4 “ AL.com. “Alabama Tornadoes: Statewide Death Toll Rises to 228.” 4-29-2011.[26]
— 6 “ AL.com. “Alabama…casualties…list of those who died…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.
–2 Greensboro: Cora L. Brown, 68; Gerald C. Brown, 70.[27]
–4 Sawyerville: Jerry Lee Hodge, 64; Henry Lewis, 26; Frankie Lunsford, 55;
Elizabeth C. White, 35.
— 8 Jackson Co. AL.com. “Updated AL Tornadoes…Toll…194 State…Reports.” 4-28-2011.[28]
–1 Bridgeport – Branen Warren, 13.[29]
–3 Flat Rock – Shelby Jean Shannon, 58; Elease Whited, 75; John Whited, 77.[30]
–1 Higdon — Janie Shannon, 80.[31]
–3 Pisgah. Kathy Gray Haney, Herbert Satterfield, 90; Ann Satterfield, 81.[32]
–1 Pisgah. AL.com. “Death, Destruction in Jackson, Marshall Counties.” 4-27-2011.[33]
— 20 Jefferson County. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.
— 20 “ Brooks (NOAA). April 2011 Tornadoes… May 11, 2011.
— 20 “ Dothan Eagle, AL. “Marion Co., Storm Deaths Jump…” Apr 30, 2011.
— 19 “ AL.com. “Alabama Tornadoes: Statewide Death Toll…228.” 4-29-2011.[34]
— 18 “ AL.com. “AL Tornadoes: Coroner’s Office Confirms 18 Dead…” 4-28-2011.[35]
— 1 “ Cahaba Heights – Milton Edward Baker Sr., 68.[36]
–~6 “ Concord area. AL.com. “AL Tornadoes: Coroner’s Office…18 Dead…” 4-28-2011.
Janet Dickinson Hall, 55; Jennifer Leonard Jones, 26; Haley Alexis Kreider, 8
Michael David Kreider, 10; Michelle Pearson Kreider, 30;
Ernest C. “Ernie” Mundi Jr., 53.[37]
— 1 “ Forestdale – Kenneth Ray Nation, 64.[38]
— 1 “ McDonald Chapel – Deniece Presley, 57.[39]
— 9 “ Pleasant Grove. AL.com. “AL Tornadoes: Coroner’s Office…18 Dead…” 4-28-2011.[40]
–10 “ Pleasant Grove. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.
Iva Mae Cantrell, 73; James Jerry Clements, 66; Cheryl Denise Cooper, 47;
Canatha Hyde Early, 71; Reba Jones, 75; Carrie Grier Lowe, 26;
Ramona Sanders-Walker, 47; Louella Bell Thompson, 81; Tracy A. Traweek, 39;
Nancy L. Wilson, 56.
–1-2“ Pratt City. Blanchard note: have one report of one death and one with 2 deaths.
— 2 “ Pratt City. AL.com. “AL Tornadoes: Coroner’s Office…18 Dead…” 4-28-2011.
“ –1 Bessie Brewster, 72.[41]
— 1 “ Vestavia Hills. AL.com. “AL Tornadoes: Coroner’s Office…18 Dead…” 4-28-2011.[42]
— 14 Lawrence County. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 81.
–3 “ Chaleybeate: Aurelia Guzman, 12; Donald Ray, 73; Edward Vuknic, 66.[43]
–1 “ Hillsboro: Zora Lee Jones Hale, 80.[44]
–2 “ Langtown: Lyndon Lee “Doby” Mayes, 74; Mary Mayes, 76.[45]
–2 “ Mt. Moriah: Allen Oneal Terry, 49; Herman Oneal Terry, 80.[46]
–1 “ Moulton: Mike Daworld Dunn, 58.[47]
–5 “ Mount Hope: Matthew Chase Adams, 21; Earl Lewis Crosby Sr., 63;
- W. Parker, 78; Horace Grady Smith, 83; Helen Smith, 84.[48]
— 4 Limestone County. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 82.
–1 “ East Limestone: Shannon Gail Sampson, 39.[49]
–3 “ Tanner: Carol Jan McElyea, 67; Janice Dorothy Peden Riddle, 54; Roger Glen Riddle, 55.[50]
— 9 Madison Co. Birmingham News. “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death toll…” 7-7-2011.[51]
–6 Harvest. AL.com. “`Worst String of Tornadoes to…hit North Alabama’…” 4-29-2011.
Katie Corwell, 15; Harold Fitzgerald, 65; Milinia Nicole Hammonds, 32;
Ronnie McHaha, 40; Bobby Joe Moore, 61; Frederick Post;
Rachel Renee Tabor, 37.[52]
— 2 Toney: Gregory John Braden, 58; Philomena Muotoe, 79.
— 35 Marion Co. Dothan Eagle AL. “Marion Co….Deaths Jump, Ala….to 248.” 4-29-2011.[53]
— 23 Marion Co. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.
–29 “ Hackleburg. CNN. “Officials Still Counting Deaths…3rd Day After…” 4-30-2011.[54]
–27 “ “ Anniston Star, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318…” 4-29-2011.
–18 “ “ Brooks (NOAA). April 2011 Tornadoes… May 11, 2011.
–18 “ “ AL.com, Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, Press-Register. 4-29-2011.
Bridget Barnwell Brisbois, 34; Robbie Cox, 68; Tina Donais, 37;
Chris Dunn, 32; Charles Tommy Garner, 75; Mae Garner, 79; Ed Hall, 53; Teresa Gay Hall, 50; Kaarlo Jokela, 76; Donna Lee Jokela, 77; Freddie Lollie, 81; Vickey Lollie, 55; John Lynch;
Cledis Ines McCarley, 69; Vicki Lynn McKee, 47;
Faye O’Kelley, 70; Rodney Gene Ables, 51; Ken Vaughn, 24.[55]
— 5 “ Hamilton: Michelle Brown, 43; Tammy Johnson, 52; Jacob Ralph Ray, 5;
Virginia Revis, 53; Jeanette Cochran Wideman, 52.[56]
— 6 “ Shottsville vicinity (4 mi. ESE of). NWS WFO, Birmingham, AL. Shottsville…[57]
— 5 Marshall County. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 80.
–5 “ Arab. AL.com. “`Worst String of Tornadoes to ever hit North AL’…” 4-29-2011.[58]
–5 “ Ruth. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.
Ann Hallmark, 54; Phillip Hallmark, 56; Shane Hallmark, 37;
Jennifer Hallmark, 31; Jayden Hallmark, 17 months.
— 15 St. Clair County. 15th was premature baby, whose mother was thrown from home.[59]
— 14 St. Clair Co. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.[60]
— 13 St. Clair Co. AL.com. “St. Clair County Death Toll Climbs to 13.” Apr 28, 2011.[61]
–12 “ Locality not noted:[62]
Oberia Layton Ashley, 86; Ronnie Isbell, 56; Tammy Isbell, 31; Leah Isbell, 7;
Bertha S. Kage, 91; Thomas Carl Lee, 64; Stella “Mae” Lovell, 97;
Sandra Pledger, 68; Albert Sanders, 44; Angie Sanders, 43;
Charlie Andrew Wolfe, 68; Nettie Ruth Wolfe, 68.
— 11 “ ~Ashville. AL.com. “St. Clair County Death Toll Climbs to 13.” 4-28-2011.
— 1 “ Moody, high straight-line wind[63] – Sandra Gayle McCrory, 56.[64]
— 1 “ Pell City, Shadydale Mobile Home Park – Precious Necale Fegans-Hartley, 27.[65]
— 1-3 Tallapoosa County. Blanchard range from two reports below.
— 3 Tallapoosa Co. AL.com. “Death Toll Passes 200 State…Says in 7 p.m. Count.” 4-28-2011.
— 1 Tallapoosa County. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 53.
— 1 “ Dadeville: Katherine Massa, 70.[66]
—>45 Tuscaloosa. “President Surprised (from A1)” News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 4-30-2011, A3.
— 43 Tuscaloosa County. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011. NOAA, p. 45.
— 42 Tuscaloosa. Tuscaloosa News.com. “Tornado One for the History Books.” 4-29-2011.[67]
— 41 Tuscaloosa. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011:
Minnie Acklin, 73; Jerry Artis, 51; Scott Atterton, 23; Jennifer V. Bayode, 35;
Michael Bowers, 3; Loryn Brown, 21; Mary Bryant, 43; Graham Davie, 55:
Ta’ Christianna Dixon, 11 months; Danielle Downs, 24; Arielle Edwards, 22;
Makayla Edwards, 5; Melgium Farley, 58; Cedria Harris, 5; Ashley Harrison, 22;
Shena Hutchins, 26; Carolyn Ann Jackson, 50; Jacqueline Jefferson, 45;
Thelma Krallman, 89; Davis Lynn Latham, 57; Tennie Mozelle Lancaster, 95;
Velma T. Leroy, 64; Dorothy Lewis, 61; Thomas D. Lewis, 66; Yvonne Mayes, 61;
Christian A. McNeil, 15 months; William Robert McPherson, 85;
Zy’Queria McShan, 2; Melanie Nicole Mixon, 26; Perry Blake Peek, 24;
Lola Pitts, 85; Terrilyn Plump, 37; Kevin Rice, 36; July Sherrill, 62;
Annie Lois Humphries Sayer, 88; Morgan Marlene Sigler, 23; Patricia Turner, 55;
William Chance Stevens, 22; Justin Leeric Thomas, 15; Willie Lee Turner III, 21.
— 39 “ Brooks (NOAA). April 2011 Tornadoes… May 11, 2011.[68]
— 39 “ Dothan Eagle, AL. “Marion Co., Storm Deaths Jump…” Apr 30, 2011.[69]
— 14 Walker Co. AL.com. “Updated AL Tornadoes…Toll…194 State EMA Reports.” 4-28-2011
–2 Argo. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011:
Wesley Starr, 45; and Lucille Waters, 89.
–4 Cordova. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.[70]
Jonathan Doss, 12; Justin Doss, 10; Annette Singleton, 45; Jackson Van Horn, 24.
–1 Oakman. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.[71]
Kathleen Brown, 64.
–2 Sipsey. AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties…list…April 27, 2011…” 4-29-2011.[72]
Pam Jett, 43; and Harold “Junior” Jett, 47.
Arkansas, April 27 ( 1)
–1 State. CDC. “Tornado-Related Fatalities – Five States, [SE US], April 25-28, 2011. MMWR.[73]
Georgia (15)
–15 State. AP, Pratt City, AL. “Aid rushed to South.” News Herald, Panama City, FL. 5-1-2011.
–15 State. WAFF 48, Huntsville AL. “Obama…Devastated Ala…319 Dead.” 4-29-2011.
–14 “ Myfoxal.com. “Devastating Southern Storms Kill More than 250.” 4-28-2011.
–14 “ NWSFO Peachtree City GA. Summary…No.& Cen. GA Tor. Outbreak Apr 27-28.
— 8 Catoosa County, 2 miles east of Blue Spring and 4 miles NNE of Post Oak. Storm Data.[74]
— 7 Catoosa Co. Montgomery Advertiser, AL. “Tornadoes Devastate South…” 4-28-2011.
— 7 “ NWSFO Peachtree City, GA. Summary…No.& Cen. GA Tornado Outbreak Apr 27-28.
— 2 Dade/Walker Co’s. NWSFO Peachtree City, GA. Summary…GA Tor. Outbreak Apr 27-28.[75]
— 2 Lamar Co., Barnesville, Grove Street, April 27. NCDC. Storm Data, 53/4, Apr 2011, 270.
— 1 Rabun Co. NWSFO Greenville-Spartanburg, SC. “Epic Outbreak of Tornadoes…,” 2011.
— 2 Spaulding County, SW of Vaughn. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 269.
Kentucky ( 1?)[76]
— 1 State. AP, Pratt City, AL. “Aid rushed to South.” News Herald, Panama City, FL. 5-1-2011.
— 1 “ Masslive.com. “Tornado Videos Give on-the-ground Perspective…” 4-28-2011.
Louisiana ( 2)
–2 State. Anniston Star, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318; Obama Sees Damage.” 4-29-2011.
–2 “ AP, Pratt City, AL. “Aid rushed to South.” News Herald, Panama City, FL. 5-1-2011.
–1 Ouachita Parish 2m ESE of Monroe, Arizona/East Streets. Man drove car into flood water.[77]
–1 Ouachita Parish, 1m WSW of Monroe, Plum St./Railroad underpass. Car driven into water.[78]
Mississippi ( 35)
–38 State. Blanchard tally of county and locality breakouts below.[79]
–35 “ NOAA. April 2011 Tornado Info. “April 25-28…Tornado Outbreak Statistics”[80]
–34 “ WTVA.com, Tupelo, MS. “Latest Information on Storm Recovery.” 4-30-2011.
–33 “ WP. “Southern Storm System…Killing 250 People in 6 States.” 4-28-2011.
–32 “ Masslive.com. “Tornado Videos Give on-the-ground Perspective…” 4-28-2011.
— 3 Chickasaw County, April 27, EF3 tornado. NCDC Storm Data, 53/4, April 2011, 624.
–1 “ Anchor community. NCDC Storm Data, 53/4, April 2011, 624.
–2 “ East of Houston. NCDC Storm Data, 53/4, April 2011, 624.
— 1 Choctaw County, Jeff Busby Park. Thunderstorm wind, April 27. Tree falls on camper.[81]
— 4 Clarke County at County Roads 456 and 457. Tornado destroys mobile home.[82]
— 2 Jasper County, NE of Louin, County Rd. 164. EF4 tornado destroys mobile home.[83]
— 3 Kemper County, 1 mile W of Prince Chapel, April 27. EF5 tornado throws mobile home.[84]
— 1 Lafayette Co. WTVA.com, Tupelo. “Latest Information on Storm Recovery.” 4-30-2011.
— 2 Marshall Co. WTVA.com, Tupelo. “Latest Information on Storm Recovery.” 4-30-2011.
–1 “ Slayden Road, Apr 27 flash flood. Drowning; motorist drives vehicle into water.[85]
–17 Monroe County, tornadoes. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 625.[86]
–14 Monroe Co. WTVA.com, Tupelo MS. “Latest Information on Storm Recovery.” 4-30-2011
–16 Smithville. NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 625.[87]
–14 Smithville. Montgomery Advertiser AL. “NWS: NE MS Tornado…EF-5.” 4-29-2011.
— 1 New Wren community, April 27, EF3 tornado. Motorist killed.[88]
— 1 Pike County, McComb road, April 26. Thunderstorm wind; tree fall onto house, 3-year-old.[89]
— 1 Smith County, County Road 105, April 27. EF3 tornado picks up/destroys mobile home.[90]
— 1 Webster County, just west of Mathiston, tornado and tree fall onto mobile home.[91]
— 1 Yazoo Co. WTVA.com, Tupelo. “Latest Information on Storm Recovery.” 4-30-2011.
Missouri ( 3)
— 3 State. Times Colonist, Victoria BC. “Towns Torn Apart…Tornadoes…” 4-28-2011.[92]
Tennessee ( 34)
–34 State. WAFF 48, Huntsville AL. “Obama…Devastated Ala…319 Dead.” 4-29-2011.
–33 “ Myfoxal.com. “Devastating Southern Storms Kill More than 250.” 4-28-2011.
–31 “ NOAA. April 2011 Tornado Info. “April 25-28…Tornado Outbreak Statistics”[93]
–29 “ Masslive.com. “Tornado Videos Give on-the-ground Perspective…” 4-28-2011
— 4 Bledsoe County, Hendon/New Harmony vicinity, 19:25-19:30 April 27 EF4 tornado.[94]
— 9 Bradley Co. Jackson Sun, TN. “Authorities Confirm 34 Dead in TN Tornadoes.” 4-30-2011
–3 Cecilton/Climer vicinity, 17:28-17:48, April 27. EF2 tornado.[95]
–1 Cleveland/Hopewell vicinity, 14:36-14:39 April 27, EF1 tornado.[96]
–5 Pine Hill/Haun Mill vicinity, 19:40-19:58 April 27 EF4 tornado.[97]
— 7 Greene County, Greystone/Dotsontown vicinity, 21:59-2214 April 27 EFG3 tornado.[98]
–7 Camp Creek. Volunteertv.com. “Knox, Blount…Loudon…Tornadoes…” 4-30-2011
— 9 Hamilton Co. Daily Herald, Maury Co., TN. “Death Toll for Tenn. Now 33.” 4-29-2011.
–8 Collegedale, April 27 19:28-19:40 EF4 tornado.[99]
–1 Lookout Mt. vicinity, Apr 27. EF2 tornado. NCDC Storm Data, 53/4, Apr 2011, 978.
— 2 Johnson County, Doeville/Cold Springs vicinity, 22:52-23:01 April 27 EF2 tornado.[100]
— 1 Sequatchie County, April 27. Flash flood. NCDC Storm Data, 53/4, April 2011, p. 987.
— 1 Washington County, Mayday/Johnson City vicinity, 22:14-22:20 April 27 EF3 tornado.[101]
— 1 Williamson Co. Jackson Sun, TN. “Authorities…34 Dead in TN Tornadoes.” 4-30-2011.[102]
–1 Franklin. Jackson Sun, TN. “Authorities…34 Dead in TN Tornadoes.” 4-30-2011.
–1 A mile WNW of Mudsink, April 27. Thunderstorm wind; tree fall onto woman.[103]
Virginia ( 5)
–11 State. Myfoxal.com. “Devastating Southern Storms Kill More than 250.” 4-28-2011.[104]
— 8 “ Masslive.com. “Tornado Videos Give on-the-ground Perspective…” 4-28-2011.
— 5 “ Anniston Star, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318; Obama Sees Damage…” 4-29-2011.
— 5 “ AP, Pratt City, AL. “Aid rushed to South.” News Herald, Panama City, FL. 5-1-2011.
— 5 “ NOAA. April 2011 Tornado Info. “April 25-28…Tornado Outbreak Statistics.”
— 1 Halifax County, April 27. Tornado hits mobile home; female. 55.[105]
— 3 Washington County, Glade Springs EF3. NWS WFO, Morristown, TN. April 27 2011.
–1 Tornado destroyed mobile home; male 59. NCDC Storm Events Database. VA.
–1 Tornado destroyed mobile home; female, 67. NCDC Storm Events Database. VA.
–1 Tornado; home, male, 71. NCDC Storm Events Database. VA.
— 1 Washington CO. Indirect; woman, 60, driving a car rear-ended stationary tractor trailer.[106]
General Narrative Information
April 28, AL.com. “National Geographic attributes the vast devastation in Alabama on unusual “perfect storm” conditions — warm, moist air rising and mixing with colder, dry air at higher altitudes across Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Upper-level winds known as the jet stream also caused the storm system to rotate, according to meteorologist Jeff Masters, director of the website Weather Underground. Rotating thunderstorms—known as super cells—spawn tornadoes. In the South on Wednesday, such storms spawned an outburst of a hundred or more twisters, which barreled through six states and killed at least 283 people.” (Al.com. “Destruction…Tornadoes Attributed to ‘Perfect Storm’ Conditions.” 4-28-2011.)
April 29, Anniston Star: “Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Survivors of the deadliest tornado outbreak since the Great Depression struggled to begin rebuilding their lives in the wind-wrecked landscape Friday, enduring blackouts and waiting in long lines for gas as their remaining possessions lay hidden in the rubble. President Barack Obama arrived in devastated Alabama to console victims whose emergency safety net has been so badly frayed, at least one town was begging for body bags.
“As Obama stepped off a plane at the airport in hard-hit Tuscaloosa, rescuers and survivors combed the remains of neighborhoods pulverized by Wednesday’s outbreak that killed at least 318 across seven states. In one of its first official assessments of the tornadoes’ strength, the National Weather Service gave the worst possible rating to one that raked Mississippi and said it was the strongest to hit the state since 1966. With the confirmation of more deaths by state officials, Wednesday’s outbreak surpassed a deadly series of tornadoes in 1974 to become the deadliest day for twisters since 332 people died in March 1932. The storm eight decades ago was also in Alabama.” (Anniston Star, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318; Obama Sees Damage Up Close.” 4-29-2011.)
Brooks: “The outbreak [May 22 Joplin, MO tornado] came a month after at least 305 tornadoes tore through the U.S. South, killing 327 people, mostly in Alabama, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. The damage from the storms April 25 to April 27 was estimated to be as much as $5 billion, according to catastrophic risk modeler Eqecat Inc. in Oakland, California.” (Bloomberg. “Missouri Officials Debate Joplin Deaths.” May 24, 2011.)
“The month of April was a very active month for tornadoes in the United States, in particular the last week. I’m going to focus almost entirely on the April 27 portion of that, even though there were killer tornadoes on the 25th and 26th, almost all of them were on the 27th. We are estimating up to 350 people were killed on that one day alone, and there were nine on the other two days, the 25th and 26th. The 27th was the big day….(Slide 1) There were 600 tornado warnings issued during the day. It was a large number covering a huge area in the eastern part of the United States.” [Slide 7]. (Brooks. April 2011 Tornadoes: A “Particularly Dangerous Situation.” 5-11-2011.)
April 30, CNN: “(CNN) – As emergency responders continued to tally the dead on Saturday, surviving family members and friends prepared to bury loved ones who perished in what has become the second deadliest single-day tornado outbreak in U.S. history. Among the victims for whom memorial services are planned in the coming days are three students of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The area has emerged as the focal point for the Wednesday disaster that swept through six southern states and has killed 342 people so far.
“According to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, at least 45 people died during the storms in Tuscaloosa County, more than in any of the other five southern states that recorded deaths from Wednesday’s violent weather. By early Saturday morning, emergency management officials tallied 254 deaths in Alabama, 34 in Tennessee, 33 in Mississippi, 15 in Georgia, 5 in Virginia and 1 in Arkansas.” (CNN. “Officials Still Counting Deaths on 3rd Day After Storms.” 4-30-2011.
April 28, Masslive.com: ““The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., said it received 137 tornado reports into Wednesday night. The storms came on the heels of another system that killed 10 people in Arkansas and one in Mississippi earlier this week. Less than two weeks earlier, a smaller batch of twisters raced through Alabama, touching off warning sirens, damaging businesses and downing power lines in Tuscaloosa, but there were no deaths there then.” (Masslive.com. “Tornado Videos Give On-the-Ground Perspective…” 4-28-2011.)
April 28, Myfoxal.com: “Tuscaloosa, AL (RNN) – A horrific storm system that killed more than 250 people in six states across the South is one of the worst the country has experienced in more than four decades. In the 24-hour period that ended at 8 a.m. CT Thursday, 163 tornadoes had been reported by eye witnesses. One of those, a mile-wide tornado that bisected Alabama, killed more than 160 people in that state alone, barely missing a college campus housing thousands of students, but leveling a large swatch of town with its destruction….
“The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center said 2011 is already a record-breaking year for storm activity. Keli Tarp, public information officer with the center, said 610 tornadoes have already been reported this month alone. That number likely will change as those eye-witness accounts are confirmed. “This year is likely to have a record number of tornados for the month of April,” Tarp said.
“A record number of tornadoes brought with it a near-record number of deaths. Dave Imy, a NOAA meteorologist, said the number of deaths in Wednesday’s storm system was the most in any tornado outbreak since 1974, when 315 people died.
“The weather system had killed at least 263 people in six southern states, based on figures obtained Thursday by the Raycom News Network. That number continues to rise. Tennessee reported 33 fatalities, Mississippi 32 and Georgia 14. Both Arkansas and Virginia reported 11 dead.” (Myfoxal.com. “Devastating…Storms Kill More than 250.” 4-28-2011.)
NOAA: “There were approximately 326 fatalities during the entire outbreak from April 25 to April 28.[107] There were approximately 309 fatalities during the 24-hour-period from 8:00 a.m. April 27 to 8:00 a.m. April 28. This is currently the fifth deadliest day of tornadoes on record…. According to National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office Storm Survey teams, there were 24+ killer tornadoes in six states–Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia–that caused an estimated 326 fatalities.” (NOAA. April 2011 Tornado Info. “April 25-28, 2011, Tornado Outbreak Statistics.”)
April 30, VOA: “U.S. authorities say the death toll has risen to at least 350 from this week’s tornadoes and severe weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says Wednesday was the second deadliest single day of tornadoes in U.S. history. It was topped only by the 747 killed in a series of twisters that struck through the central part of the country in 1925.” (Voice of America News. “US Tornadoes Killed at Least 350.” April 30, 2011.)
April 29: “Tuscaloosa, AL (RNN) – President Barack Obama and his family arrived in Tuscaloosa, AL, Friday to tour the shattered remains of storm-ravaged neighborhoods and offer hope and help as 19 Alabama counties and seven states attempt to recover from Wednesday’s storm that killed more than 300 people. More than 210 people were killed in Alabama alone. First responders are still attempting to recover survivors, and experts are only just beginning to calculate the force and destruction generated by the tornadoes….
“Across the South, fatalities were reported in Tennessee, 34; Mississippi, 32; Georgia, 15; Arkansas, 13; Virginia, 11; 1 in Kentucky; and 213 in Alabama. Between Wednesday afternoon and 8 a.m. CT on Thursday eye witnesses reported 163 tornadoes. One of those, a mile-wide monster that was probably an EF4 or EF5, narrowly missed the campus of the University of Alabama, coming within a quarter-mile of the campus. However, far and wide along a corridor through town the tornado smashed, collapsed, snapped and twisted everything in sight. The storm stayed on the ground as it cut a path to Birmingham, AL, about 50 miles away….
“Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, a Tuscaloosa native, and FEMA administrator Craig Fugate on Thursday flew over the state to survey the damage done to 19 counties, especially Tuscaloosa County, which lost 37 people at last count.” (WAFF 48 News, Huntsville AL. “Obama… Devastated Alabama; 319 Dead.” 4-29-2011.)
Alabama, General Narrative
NCDC Storm Data: “The Tuscaloosa -Birmingham Tornado was not the strongest tornado of the historic April 27, 2011, outbreak — its EF4 rating was just below several EF5 tornadoes that occurred on that day. Nor was it the tornado with the longest track of the day — two other tornadoes were at least 40 miles longer than the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham Tornado’s 80+ mile path length. But in terms of population affected, and total social impact, the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado was the most significant tornado to affect Alabama in quite some time….
“The first tornado to touch down in Alabama that afternoon was in Marion County, about 80 miles west-northwest of Birmingham, at 305 pm. That tornado was perhaps the strongest of the day, an EF5 that tore through the cities of Hackelburg and Phil Campbell. The supercell thunderstorm that would go on to produce the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham Tornado formed in Newton County Mississippi, some 110 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa around the same time, 3 pm. It would take another 80 miles, or an hour and 45 minutes, before this storm would drop its first tornado. [p. 4.]
“The tornado touched down in northern Greene County, about 4 miles north-northwest of the Union Community. From there, it moved on an east-northeast path across the remainder of Greene County, before moving into southwestern Tuscaloosa County. This portion of the tornado track was largely through a rural area, with an aerial survey showing evidence of multiple-vortex swirls in the forested areas. There were a few homes and other structures damaged in this early portion of the tornado, but the vast majority of the destruction associated with the tornado started when it moved into the area around the city of Tuscaloosa.
“The tornado moved into the more populated areas of Tuscaloosa just north of the intersection of Interstate 20/59 and Interstate 359. It then cut a path across a densely populated and heavily commercialized area on the south and eastern sides of the city, with damage up to EF4 intensity. Major streets affected included 15th Street, McFarland Blvd., and University Blvd. East. The center of the tornado’s track passed less than 2 miles from Bryant-Denny Stadium, the 101,000+ capacity football field for the University of Alabama. Although much of the University itself was spared from the worst damage, many of the apartments and food establishments frequented by students and employees of the University were directly impacted. The University subsequently had to postpone final exams and commencement ceremonies, which were scheduled for the weeks immediately following the storm. [p. 5.]
“To the east of Tuscaloosa, the violent tornado continued to produce damage up to EF4 intensity in and near the communities of Holt and Brookwood. From there, the east-northeast path took the tornado back into the more rural area between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, while still producing EF2 to EF3 damage, eventually moving into Jefferson County. The tornado intensified once again as it moved into the western Birmingham suburbs of Concord, Pleasant Grove, McDonald Chapel, and Smithfield. These areas were no strangers to violent tornadoes, as the same cities had been struck by F5s in April of 1977 and April of 1998. The damage was especially intense in portions of Concord and Pleasant Grove, where numerous homes and commercial buildings were reduced to piles of rubble.
“The tornado finally began to weaken as it moved across Interstate 65, just north of downtown Birmingham. It lifted completely about 4 miles northeast of there, when its parent supercell and an adjacent trailing supercell began to merge. This supercell would go on to produce additional strong to violent tornadoes, and was tracked as a continuous discrete cell all the way into western North Carolina….
“According to a U.S. Census Bureau analysis based on the NWS damage survey swath, this tornado directly impacted more than 36,000 people residing in 831 census blocks in portions of Greene, Tuscaloosa, and Jefferson Counties. All told, there were at least 64 direct and indirect deaths attributed to the tornado, with over 1000 injuries.” [p. 6.] (National Climatic Data Center. Storm Data, Vol. 37, No. 7, July 1995.)
April 30: “Clanton, Ala. State and local authorities say the number of storm fatalities in Marion County has jumped dramatically and increased Alabama’s total deaths to at least 248. Marion County is now reporting 35 fatalities. That’s up from three reported Thursday. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Police Chief Steven Anderson said Friday night that the death toll for the city and its police jurisdiction had been reduced from 45 to 39. They attributed the revised toll to the availability of new information about the deceased.
“That adjustment was not reflected in state Emergency Management Agency figures late Friday night and early Saturday showing 254 total deaths, including 45 in Tuscaloosa County. Reached at home early Saturday, Anderson said the state must not have received the revised figure for Tuscaloosa. Making that change, the statewide death toll stands at 248 instead of 254. EMA said Saturday morning that DeKalb County had 33 deaths, followed by Franklin with 27, Jefferson with 20, Walker and Lawrence with 14 each and St. Clair with 13. Other counties reporting fatalities are Calhoun with nine, Jackson with eight, Madison at seven, Elmore with six, Marshall at five, Fayette, Hale and Limestone counties with four each, Tallapoosa with three, Cullman with two and Bibb with one.” (Dothan Eagle, AL. “Marion Co., Storm Deaths Jump, Ala. Total Up to 248.” Apr 30, 2011.)
April 28: “Montgomery, Alabama – The death toll in Alabama from Wednesday’s storms reached 204 people as of 7 p.m. Thursday, the state Emergency Management Agency reported. The agency said preliminary reports showed there were 36 deaths in Tuscaloosa County, 32 deaths in DeKalb County, 27 in Franklin County, 14 in Jefferson County, 14 in Walker County, 14 in Lawrence County and 13 in St. Clair County. The agency said other counties reporting deaths were Calhoun County, with nine deaths; Jackson County with 8; Madison County, 7; Elmore County, 5; Marshall County, 5; Fayette County, 4; Hale County, 4; Limestone County, 3; Marion County, 3; Tallapoosa County, 3; Cullman County, 2; and Bibb County, with one reported death. The agency also said six people were reported missing following the storms: Three in Jackson County and one each in Elmore, Fayette and Marshall counties. It also reported that 1,724 people were hospitalized or injured but not hospitalized because of Wednesday’s storms.” (AL.com. “Death Toll Passes 200 State EMA Says in 7 p.m. Count.” 4-28-2011.)
May 2: “Pleasant Grove, Alabama – The U.S. government ramped up efforts on Saturday to help thousands of homeless victims of the country’s second deadliest recorded tornado outbreak, which killed at least 350 people…. Alabama, the hardest-hit state, revised down its fatalities to 249 on Saturday after initially reporting 255 dead. At least 101 more deaths were reported in Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana….” (China Post. “Obama Ramps Up Recovery Help for South.” May 2, 2011.)
April 28, AL.com: “Montgomery, Alabama – The death toll in Alabama from Wednesday’s storms has reached 194, the state emergency Management Agency officials reported late this afternoon. The latest report did not include an county-by-by county accounting of the dead. Earlier the agency said that so far, there were 36 deaths reported in Tuscaloosa County, 30 deaths in DeKalb County, 18 in Franklin County, 14 in Jefferson County, 14 in Walker County, 13 in St. Clair County and 13 in Lawrence County. The agency reported that other counties reporting deaths were Jackson County, with eight reported deaths; Madison County, 7; Calhoun County, 6; Elmore County, 5; Marshall County, 5; Hale County, 4; Limestone County, 3; Marion County, 3; Cullman County, 2; Fayette County, 2; and Bibb County, with one reported death.” (AL.com. “Updated Alabama Tornadoes: Death Toll at 194, State EMA Reports.” 4-28-2011.)
April 28, Masslive.com: “A state of emergency has been declared in Alabama after what officials are calling the deadliest storms in nearly 40 years….While the brunt of the damage hit the state of Alabama, much of the South suffered damage from dozens of tornadoes caused by the storm. The Associated Press reports: Alabama’s state emergency management agency said it had confirmed 131 deaths, while there were 32 in Mississippi, 29 in Tennessee, 13 in Georgia, eight in Virginia and one in Kentucky. President Barack Obama…declared a state of emergency in Alabama early this morning…” (Masslive.com. “Tornado Videos Give On-the-Ground Perspective…” 4-28-2011.)
April 28, USA Today: “In Alabama, where as many as a million people were without power, Gov. Robert Bentley said 2,000 national guard troops had been activated and were helping to search devastated areas for people still missing. He said the National Weather Service and forecasters did a good job of alerting people, but there is only so much that can be done to deal with powerful tornadoes a mile wide….” (USA Today. “Dozens of Tornadoes Kill Nearly 270 People…South.” 4-28-2011.)
Bibb County, Alabama
April 28, Tuscaloosa News: ““The Bibb County Emergency Management Agency reported a fatality in a vehicle related to storms in the Eoline community…” (Tuscaloosa News, AL. “Storm Spun…Destructive Paths Through West Alabama.” 4-28-2011.)
Calhoun County, Alabama
April 28, Anniston Star: “At least nine people in Calhoun County were killed in the outbreak of tornadic weather that ripped through Alabama Wednesday night, Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown said. Brown released the names of seven of the nine Thursday afternoon, and named two more on Friday. They include:
Ruby Douthitt, 61, who was killed when her home on Gilbert’s Ferry Road was hit by a possible tornado.
Michael Forrest, 54, and Tina Forrest, 49, a married couple who lived on Eagle Cove Road in Ohatchee.
Arvella Jones, 72, who was found dead near Cochran Springs Road in Ohatchee.
James Romaine, 65, who was found dead near Cochran Springs Road in Ohatchee with Mrs. Jones.
Vernon Spencer Motes, 33, who was killed at Mamre Baptist Church near U.S. 431 near Webster’s Chapel/Big Oak.
William Lipscomb, 67, and Linda Lipscomb, age unknown, who lived at Dove Welsh Road.
Angel Stillwell, 13, who was sheltering with her parents in their Piedmont-area home when the house collapsed on them. Her parents were being treated in a hospital…” (Anniston Star, AL. “County Residents Killed in Wednesday’s Storms.” 4-28-2011
Cullman County, Alabama
April 28, WAAY TV 31: “Cullman, AL – The first wave of Alabama National Guard troops arrived in Cullman Thursday, to help local law enforcement with security and cleanup following Wednesday afternoon’s devastating tornado. Authorities have cordoned off the hardest hit areas, and only residents with certificates of admittance are being allowed in. The certificates are available at Cullman City Hall. A dusk to dawn curfew is also now in effect.
“Meanwhile, hospital personnel say they are well-equipped to handle any medical emergencies. Around 100 patients were seen at Cullman Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, and despite initial reports, the building suffered no structural damage during the tornado.
The hospital is running off two generators, and CRMC CEO Jim Widener says they’re working to secure a third for backup. With power expected to be out for seven to nine days, hospital staff are also preparing to assist patients in need of oxygen and dialysis. Those who need oxygen are asked to go to the CRMC emergency room or the old Woodland Hospital building.
“According to Cullman City School Superintendent Dr. Jan Harris, East Elementary School suffered some exterior damage, but the system’s other schools came through relatively unscathed. In Cullman County, the Hanceville campus suffered the worst damage. About a third of the gym’s roof is missing. Both systems are closed until further notice.” (WAAY TV 31 News, Huntsville, AL. “Cullman Damage Update.” 4-28-2011.)
April 28, Cullman Times: “Cullman County coroner Steve Rodgers has reported a second fatality due to the round of severe storms that devastated the county Wednesday. Loyd Winford Harris, a 69-year-old Simcoe resident, was found several yards from his residence after apparently being picked up and thrown by a tornado that ripped through the area. Rescue crews and the man’s neighbors were able to search for him in moments that they were not forced to take cover from following occurrences of severe weather, but were unable to locate his body for several hours, according to Rodgers. Destruction in the area, comparable to the utter mayhem in the City of Cullman and several other parts of the community has left rescue crews scouring residences to ensure that no individuals are still trapped in their homes or businesses. These two deaths in Cullman County are added to the growing statewide death toll of over 180.” (Cullman Times, AL. “Second Local Fatality Reported From Storm.” 4-28-2011.)
Dekalb County, Alabama
April 28, Scottsboro Daily Sentinel: “Rainsville Mayor Donnie Chandler said Thursday afternoon at least 35 people have been confirmed dead as the result of tornadoes that swept through the city Wednesday evening…. Chandler said some of the worst damage appears to be near Plainview High School, where the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum was badly damaged. Also, it appeared the school’s baseball field was heavily hit, along with the football field. Across the street from the school, though, the worst damage occurred. Huddle House Restaurant was completely destroyed, along with First Federal Credit Union and Sola Electric. Though there’s been no confirmation, it appears many of the fatalities occurred around the Huddle House area. Chandler said Marshall Road, Lingerfelt Road and Skaggs Road were also heavily hit. “It’s just all over,” he said. “It was just a big path.” Chandler said the city has set up a make shift morgue at the fire department.” (Daily Sentinel, Scottsboro AL. “Rainsville Mayor Confirms 35 Dead,” 4-28-2011.)
April 28, USA Today: “In DeKalb County, Ala…the twisters and storms killed 35 people and injured 100…. The tornadoes in DeKalb all hit on Sand Mountain, a rural area sprinkled with farms and chicken houses, Guice said. The largest town there: Rainsville, pop. 5,000. The tornado cut a 1/2-mile swath through the county from Grove Oak to the Georgia state line, Harris said….” (USA Today. “Dozens of Tornadoes Kill Nearly 270 People…South.” 4-28-2011.)
Elmore County, Alabama
April 28, Montgomery Advertiser: “Eric Jones, Elmore County Emergency Management Agency director, said six people were killed in Elmore County Wednesday. Four were killed in the Myers County Acres mobile home park in Eclectic and two were killed in the Windemere community. A shelter has been set up at Elmore County High School and a volunteer center will also be set up there. Jones said that 20 homes were destroyed at Myers Country Acres. He did not have a countywide total.” (Montgomery Advertiser, AL. “Six Confirmed Dead in Elmore Co. Due to Storms.” 4-28-2011.)
Franklin County, Alabama
April 28, USA Today: “In Franklin County, Ala., Roy Gober, director of Emergency Management, said four additional bodies were found Thursday morning, raising the number of fatalities there to 22.” (USA Today. “Dozens of Tornadoes Kill Nearly 270 People…South.” 4-28-2011.)
Jackson County, Alabama
April 27, AL.com: “Pisgah – A Jackson County woman died when an apparent tornado hit her mobile home in Pisgah. Jackson County Sheriff Chuck Phillips said Kathy Gray of Jackson County Road 359 died during the morning wave of storms that swept through North Alabama. Her husband was also taken to a Scottsboro hospital where he was treated and released. Phillips said the tornado “twisted (the mobile home) up and moved it 30 or 40 feet.” (AL.com. “Death, Destruction in Jackson, Marshall Counties.” 4-27-2011.)
Hale County, Alabama
April 28, Tuscaloosa News: “Sawyerville. The storm system that tore through four states on Wednesday also created a tornado that hit Hale County late Wednesday afternoon, killing six people and injuring 39…. Hale County Emergency Management Director Russell Weeden said the Hale County tornado crossed the Black Warrior River into the county just north of the Greene County electrical generating plant. It wiped out four mobile homes as it crossed Hale County Road 92, injuring four people, three of them seriously. From there it headed for Alabama Highway 14 just west of Sawyerville and destroyed four mobile homes. Two people died there.
“The twister then crossed County Road 17 and County Road 18. It was there that it caused the most extensive damage. Weeden estimated that it destroyed about 25 houses on County Road 18. Two people died and 10 were injured.
“The storm’s path took it across County Road 21, where it destroyed two homes. It then crossed Hubbard Road where two more people were killed and five homes destroyed. The twister crossed Highway 69 near County Road 32 in the Christianville community and headed west to County Road 31 where it caused three injuries. Before leaving the county, it crossed County Road 21, destroying five homes and injuring three people….” The twister crossed Highway 69 near County Road 32 in the Christianville community and headed west to County Road 31 where it caused three injuries. Before leaving the county, it crossed County Road 21, destroying five homes and injuring three people….” (Tuscaloosa News, AL. “Storm Spun…Destructive Paths Through West Alabama.” 4-28-2011.)
Jefferson County, Alabama
April 28, AL.com: “Birmingham, Alabama – The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has confirmed 18 deaths in connection with the mile-wide tornado and storms that blew through Jefferson County and Alabama on Wednesday. Pleasant Grove was the hardest-hit community with nine confirmed dead, said Chief Deputy Coroner Pat Curry. There were two deaths in Pratt City, and six others spread out, mostly in the Concord community. A Vestavia Hills man died earlier Wednesday when he was struck by a falling limb.” (AL.com. “AL Tornadoes: Coroner’s Office Confirms 18 Dead…” 4-28-2011.)
Limestone County, Alabama
April 28, Athens News Courier: “At least four deaths were reported from Wednesday’s storms in Limestone County, but emergency personnel fear more may be found in rescue and recovery operations. Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely said workers from a variety of agencies, including inmates from the county jail, were in the county’s hardest hit areas Thursday looking for survivors and fatalities. He said one fatality was reported on Chipmunk Way near the Limestone Correctional Facility, while two others were reported on Rosie Lane off U.S. 31. Another victim was reportedly found in her vehicle near the water plant on U.S. 31, south of Tanner….Gina Hanserd, chief of development for Athens-Limestone Hospital, confirmed three fatalities were from the Tanner area and one from East Limestone…. Hanserd said years of emergency preparedness training had paid off for the hospital and its workers, some of which came in on their own accord to assist with injured patients.” (News Courier, Athens, LA. “At Least Four Killed…Limestone…” 4-28-2011.)
Madison County, Alabama
April 29, AL.com: “On Wednesday, an unrelenting line of storms swept across the state. In Madison County, eight people were killed and 82 injured, seven critically. Sheriff Blake Dorning said the storms spun off tornadoes that left a path of destruction 30 miles long as they cut through Monrovia and Harvest and Toney, leaving homes ripped from foundations, trailers flattened like soda cans, and a church steeple picked up and spiked on a telephone pole.
“As Madison County focused on the coming days without power and fuel, Dorning announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew for all motorists and pedestrians. Violators will be subject to arrest, he said. Some burglaries raised the concern of looting. “This is not an effort to infringe on your rights,” said Dorning, but a matter of public safety given the lack of street lights and traffic signals. ‘The safest place is at home.’
“Rusty Russell, the director of the Madison County EMA, said that in 1989, when tornadoes cut through south Huntsville and demolished the shops and homes along Airport Road, Huntsville could rely on help from across the state. ‘This is different, guys,’ he told a bank of news cameras early Thursday, saying that Huntsville had to take care of itself. Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Marshall and Jackson counties had all been hit hard
“In Arab, five died in the storm. Neighbors said all five had sheltered in the same frame home in the Ruth community, where winds hurled the structure 150 yards and swept away a trailer park. Rescue teams were still searching for survivors among the ruins early Thursday….
“Anderson Hills in northwest Madison County was hit again, 16 years after tornadoes destroyed homes and claimed at least one life. On Thursday, there was little trace of the former Piggly Wiggly across from Anderson Hills. The Texaco was gone. Cars crawled by at 7 a.m., some hanging cell phones out the window to capture the damage.
“Things were worse farther west. Harvest saw most of the deaths in Madison County. Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church was ripped open. All around Yarborough Road and Stovall Road homes were demolished. Police restricted access. Families returned under clear skies to pack belongings into plastic crates. At least six of the county’s deaths were in Harvest, said county Commissioner Dale Strong. A mini-storage center in Harvest was blown apart, strewing belongings through the fields near Harvest. Joy Lovell had recently sold her home and put all her family belongings in storage. On Thursday morning, she held a 7-inch skillet that belonged to her grandmother and the homemade quilt she found under a Corvette resting at an angle atop debris.
“On Yarborough Road, one two-story house had been plucked up and placed 30 yards from the slab. The upper story looked intact. The first story was missing. A neighbor said a chimney fell and killed the owner. Nearby, a family that had retreated to its storm shelter emerged to find the walls of their home intact, but the ceiling was missing. They found their pet raccoon. An elderly neighbor emerged from sheer rubble, saying she had survived in her bathtub, under a mattress. Others were less fortunate. During the storm, one man in Harvest raced from his trailer to take shelter in a sturdier home. The wind crushed both structures. Neighbors said the man was killed.” (AL.com. “`Worst String of Tornadoes to ever hit North Alabama’…” 4-29-2011.)
Marion County, Alabama
April 30, CNN: “An EF-4 touched down in Hackleburg, killing 29 people in the town of nearly 1,600 residents. The storms destroyed almost every business in the city. A doctor’s office. The pharmacy. A ball field. “It’s pretty much wiped out,” said Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams. “It looks like a war zone.” From there, the tornado traveled more than 39 miles across three counties, said Chelly Amin, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Huntsville. The same tornado, Amin said, virtually destroyed the tiny town of Phil Campbell, which has a population of little more than 1,000.” (CNN. “Officials Still Counting Deaths on 3rd Day After Storms.” Apr 30, 2011.)
April 29, Anniston Star: “Tuscaloosa, Ala. ….The situation was dire about 90 miles to the north in the demolished town of Hackleburg, Ala., where officials were keeping the dead in a refrigerated truck amid a body bag shortage. At least 27 were killed there, and the search for missing people continues. The only grocery store, the fire and police departments and the school are destroyed. There’s no power, communications, water or other services. Fire Chief Steve Hood said flashlights for the town’s 1,500 residents are needed because he doesn’t want them to use candles that could start fires. We don’t have water to put out any fires,” he said.” (Anniston Star, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318; Obama Sees Damage Up Close.” 4-29-2011.)
Marshall County, Alabama
April 27, AL.com: “Marshall County was pounded by severe storms, believed to include tornadoes, from the first wave before 7 a.m. through a late afternoon storm that left six dead in the community of Ruth. The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency confirmed the fatalities along Frontier Road northwest of Arab. The storm that hit in the Ruth community appeared to track across U.S. 231 north of Arab and destroyed a gas station. “In the first wave of storms Wednesday morning, several homes were damaged south of Arab. At least two homes had roofs blown off and U.S. 231 was blocked southbound near the Strawberry community because of downed power lines…. The storms left hundreds, if not thousands, of trees uprooted throughout Marshall County after just the first storm Wednesday morning. More than 1,000 trees were blown down in Lake Guntersville State Park, according to Marshall EMA.” (AL.com. “Death, Destruction in Jackson, Marshall Counties.” 4-27-2011.)
St. Clair County, Alabama
April 28, AL.com: “St. Clair County, Alabama – The number of people who died in St. Clair County from Wednesday’s deadly storms that ripped through Alabama and the Southeast rose from two to 13 after authorities found 11 more people dead in a community just south of Ashville.
“Seven of those people, including a 7-year-old girl, were in a double-wide mobile home that was serving as an assisted living center in the 5700 block of Shoal Creek Road just south of Ashville, said St. Clair County Coroner Dennis Russell. Four other people were killed in three houses along the same road, Russell said. All were hit by a tornado Wednesday night, he said. Those killed at the assisted living center included the owner of the center, 56-year-old Ronnie Isbell, his 31-year-old daughter-in-law, Tammy Isbell, and her 7-year-old daughter, Leah Isbell. Others killed in the center were: Mae Lovell, 97; Bertha Cage, 70; Sandra Pledger, 66 and Oberia Ashley, age unavailable, according to Russell. Albert Sanders and his wife, Angie Sanders, were killed in a home in the 7200 block of Shoal Creek Road. Thomas Carl Lee, 64, was killed in a home in the 6400 block, and Charlie Wolfe, 68, was killed in a home in the 7700 block, Russell said. Two women were killed in the first wave of storms that ripped through St. Clair County Wednesday morning. They were identified as Gayle McCrory, who was killed in a mobile home off McCrory Road in Moody, and Precious Hartley, who was killed in a mobile home along Shadydale Lots in Pell City.” (AL.com. “St. Clair County Death Toll Climbs to 13.” Apr 28, 2011.)
Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
April 28, Myfoxal.com: “Alabama took the hardest hit by far. As of lunchtime Thursday, 162 people were confirmed dead by the Alabama Emergency Management office….Especially hard hit was the city of Tuscaloosa, home to the University of Alabama. In the college town, a mile-wide tornado killed 32 people and injured hundreds, tossing boats from a store into an apartment complex, ripping holes in rooftops and destroying a swath of restaurant establishments along a bustling street. “I don’t know how anyone survived,” the Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox told CNN. “We’re used to tornadoes here in Tuscaloosa. It’s part of growing up. But when you look at the path of destruction that’s likely 5 to 7 miles long in an area half a mile to a mile wide … it’s an amazing scene. There’s parts of the city I don’t recognize, and that’s someone that’s lived here his entire life.” Hundreds of buildings and homes were leveled by the tornado. Overnight Wednesday, search and rescue personnel looked for victims who could be buried beneath the rubble….
“The massive tornado left Tuscaloosa’s two hospitals swirling in activity. One, in direct line of the storm, also suffered damage from the twister. “We’re estimating around 600 were treated at DCH Regional Medical Center,” said Brad Fisher, DCH spokesman. Windows in several patient rooms as well as a waiting area were blown out there. Fisher said the hospital was without water for about six hours, and power was only restored in the wee hours of morning. More than 100 patients per hour flooded their doors immediately after the storm, Fisher said. The hospital admitted 92 people and reported five dead as of Thursday morning. “Our numbers will increase today,” Fisher said. “Business in the ED is steady, so we’re not done”….” (Myfoxal.com. “Devastating Southern Storms Kill More than 250.” Apr 28, 2011.)
April 29, Anniston Star: “Tuscaloosa…. The storms destroyed the city’s emergency management center, so the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium was turned into a makeshift one. Though there wasn’t significant damage to campus, finals were canceled and commencement was postponed. (Anniston Star, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318; Obama Sees Damage Up Close.” 4-29-2011.)
Walker County, Alabama
April 28, AL.com: “Cordova, Alabama – Jesse Dutton navigated a maze of downed trees and power lines to a rise overlooking his devastated hometown of Cordova, hit Wednesday by two tornadoes 12 hours apart. The second storm killed at least four here. “Look at the houses destroyed, roofs gone, the whole hillside over there,” he said, gesturing to his left, then sweeping his arm across a debris-strewn vista. “The clinic destroyed. The laundromat gone. The Piggly Wiggly destroyed. The Rebel Queen restaurant gone. The ball park destroyed.
“Walker County Coroner J.C. Poe said there were nine known fatalities in Walker County associated with the storm: one in Oakman, four in Cordova, two in the Argo community on U.S. 78 and two in Sipsey.
“In Cordova, the dead included two brothers, ages 10 and 12, and an unrelated adult woman, who apparently were outside during the storm. A fourth victim was killed in a building collapse, Poe said. The first tornado arrived there at 5 a.m., devastating the historic downtown, collapsing the brick facades of buildings and tearing off roofs. It flipped the police mobile command center and downed trees before heading on to Jasper, where it also damaged downtown buildings and downed trees. The deadly second twister arrived about 12 hours later, barreling down a slope and flattening several commercial buildings just south of downtown. The storm ripped a roof off of the historic home of the town’s founder. It toppled the bell tower of century-old Long Memorial Methodist Church and blew out its stained glass. It ripped the roof off the town’s only grocery and smashed a pharmacy. It sent hundreds of trees down on homes and power lines. Generators and chainsaws whined, and heavy equipment rumbled Thursday morning as emergency responders went house-to-house looking for more victims and working to clear the roads. Dean Harbison, Cordova’s fire chief, was directing emergency personnel out of a makeshift headquarters. The fire station was destroyed and the fire department’s mobile command center disintegrated in the tornado’s fury. During the tornado, he and other city officials had to take shelter under City Hall. “This is the hardest we’ve ever been hit,” Harbison said….
“The same Wednesday evening tornado that wrecked Cordova dropped down on the Argo community on U.S. 78., smashing seven houses and a business owned by an extended family. According to relatives, Lucille Waters, 89, and her grandson-in-law, Wesley Starr, 45, were killed when the tornado obliterated the double-wide trailer where they were sheltered.
Nothing remained on its pad except scattered concrete blocks. Another mobile home next door also was blown apart and its occupants, Alondan Turner, 50, and her son, 14-year-old Alvilonte Turner, both suffered serious injuries and are in Birmingham hospitals.
“In the same community, Jeff Hagler lost his 27 year-old auto-detailing business when the tornado obliterated his office, scattering and mangling his equipment and tools and totaling 30 to 40 cars he was working on. The home where he lives with wife, Tonya, and son, 11-year-old Truman, also was destroyed….” (AL.com. “AL Tornadoes: Cars Tossed…Buildings Smashed… Walker County…” 4-28-2011.)
April 29, AL.com: “….a tornado…struck the Walker County community of Argo on U.S. 78, where two people were killed, two seriously injured and seven homes destroyed.” (AL.com. “Alabama Tornadoes: Statewide Death Toll Rises to 228.” Apr 29, 2011.)
April 29, Tuscaloosa News: “Tuscaloosa…The city’s death toll has reached 42, and the number of Tuscaloosa residents injured in Wednesday’s massive tornado, what some say is the largest storm to hit the city — and possibly the state — is at more than 900. With 42 confirmed deaths and people still missing, the has sadly topped a 1904 twister that killed 36 and another in 1932 that left 37 dead. Alabama emergency management officials in a news release early this morning said the state had 210 confirmed deaths….
“Thursday [Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt] Maddox said the death toll had reached 37 with 26 from inside the city limits. The remaining 11 were killed in the police jurisdiction. By 9 a.m. today the number had risen to 42 dead and more than 900 injured, the city reported on their Twitter account
“And University of Alabama President Robert Witt confirmed Thursday that two students were among those killed in Tuscaloosa. Carson Tinker, a walk-on long snapper on the UA football team from Murfreesboro, Tenn., was hospitalized with a fractured wrist and concussion. Ashley Harrison, a member of the Phi Mu sorority from Dallas who was in the house with Tinker when the tornado hit, was killed…. But none of the dead or injured were concentrated in any particular area. They all were scattered throughout the 4-mile path that stretched from southwest Tuscaloosa to its northeast tip….
“Beginning Thursday night, the Police Department and the Alabama National Guard enforced a curfew for the areas affected by the tornado. The curfew will last until 6 a.m. today and will be enforced from around 8 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Saturday. Violating the curfew is a misdemeanor offense.” (Tuscaloosa News.com. “Tornado One for the History Books.” 4-29-2011.)
Georgia, Catoosa County
April 28, Montgomery County: “Seven people were killed in Georgia’s Catoosa County, including Ringgold, where a suspected tornado flattened about a dozen buildings and trapped an unknown number of people. “It happened so fast I couldn’t think at all,” said Tom Rose, an Illinois truck driver whose vehicle was blown off the road at I-75 North in Ringgold, near the Tennessee line. Catoosa County Sheriff Phil Summers said several residential areas had “nothing but foundations left,” and that some people reported missing had yet to be found.” (Montgomery Advertiser, AL. “Tornadoes Devastate South Killing at Least 280” 4-28-2011.)
NWS WFO, Peachtree City, GA: “A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF4 tornado with winds of 175 MPH occurred in Catoosa County. It touched down approximately 815 PM EDT Wednesday evening along Davis Ridge Road, traveling through Ringgold to Cohutta and into Tennessee. The path length was 13 miles with a width of one third of a mile. Seven fatalities and 30 injuries occurred with this tornado. 75 to 100 homes were damaged or destroyed. The worst damage was located on Cherokee Valley Road where 12 homes were obliterated.” (NWSWFO Peachtree City, GA. Summary of No.& Cen. GA Tornado Outbreak April 27th-28th.)
Dade and Walker Counties, GA
NWS WFO, Peachtree City, GA: “A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF3 tornado with winds of 150 MPH occurred in Dade and Walker Counties. The tornado moved across the state line into Dade County around 5 miles southwest of Trenton at approximately 535 PM EDT, and lifted just west of Fort Oglethorpe in Walker County around 557 PM EDT. The path length was 18 miles with a width of six tenths of a mile. Note that this path length ONLY includes the area in Georgia (the tornado tracked into Georgia from Alabama). Homes were destroyed, 18 with major damage and tens of thousands of trees were downed. There were 2 fatalities and 12 injuries with this storm.” (NWSWFO Peachtree City, GA. Summary of No.& Cen. GA Tornado Outbreak April 27th-28th.)
Meriwether, Spaulding and Henry Counties, GA
NWS WFO, Peachtree City, GA: “A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF3 tornado with winds of 140 MPH touched down 6 miles north northeast of Gay in Meriwether County at approximately 1203 AM EDT Thursday morning. It tracked across Spalding county and lifted 2 miles south of Hampton in Henry county at approximately 1228 AM EDT. The tornado had a path length of 20 miles and a width of half of a mile.” (NWS WFO Peachtree City GA. Summary…No.& Cen. GA Tornado Outbreak Apr 27th-28th.)
“National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF3 tornado with winds of 140 MPH crossed Pike, Lamar, Monroe and Butts Counties early Thursday morning. The tornado touched down at approximately 1238 AM EDT Thursday morning along highway 19 about 4 miles south of Meansville in south central Pike county. Three houses were destroyed along Piedmont Road about three miles west of Barnesville. Two fatalities occurred when a house was destroyed along Grove Street in Lamar county. A Chevron gas station and a church were destroyed in Barnesville. Three tractor trailers were blown off the road near I-75 at approximately 102 AM EDT. Three houses were damaged, one of which was destroyed. Three people were injured in the damaged house. The tornado lifted in southeast Butts county at approximately 115 AM EDT. The tornado had a path length of approximately 30 miles and a maximum width of six tenths of a mile.” (NWSWFO Peachtree City, GA. Summary…No.& Cen. GA Tornado Outbreak Apr 27-28.)
Rabin County, GA
NWSFO Greenville-Spartanburg, SC: “Public Information Statement. National Weather service Greenville-Spartanburg SC; 1113 PM EDT Thu Apr 28 2011….
“Summary… The tornado started at Lake Burton causing EF3[108] damage across the northern portion of the lake (possibly higher pending Weather Service Headquarters evaluation). The tornado started near the Laprades Marina off of Highway 187 around 11 pm. Shortly after touchdown the tornado hit the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department and the Old Fire House building…both buildings were totally destroyed. The tornado tracked across Moccasin Creek and intensified significantly. The damage path along Moccasin Creek was a half mile wide…two to three well-constructed homes were totally destroyed. One large home was transported from it’s slab foundation into the lake. The tornado continued across the Moccasin Creek peninsula to the Burton Island Timpson Creek Road area…then tracked down the north shore of the Lake parallel to meeting House Mountain Road. Four to five residences were completely destroyed with multiple homes with major damage to exterior walls. The tornado moved just north of the Anchorage Marina near Highway 76 and continued up a ridgeline northeast of the lake. The tornado weakened to EF1[109] on the east side of the lake. The path remained along and north Highway 76…reaching the Black Rock Mountain State Park…including a couple of trees down on vehicles. The tornado intensified to an EF2[110] across a residential area between the State Park and Highway 441 around 1135 pm. The damage path ranged from 50 to 75 yards. A condominium building had half of the roof blown off with several surrounding homes with lifted roof panels and stripped shingles. The tornado proceeded across Highway 441 near Mountain City and was lost in a forested area on Oakey Mountain.” (NWSFO Greenville-Spartanburg, SC {Patrick D. Moore}. Epic Outbreak of Tornadoes Across the Southeast on 27-28 April 2011 Impacts Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina.)
Mississippi
April 30, WTVA: “Smithville, Miss. [Apr 30, 8:17 am]
“The Mississippi National Guard says it has 120 soldiers in town and is setting up for citizens an ice and water distribution site along with MEMA. Maj. Rob Edwards says the Guard has two operations centers running 24 hours – one in Amory, one in Tupelo. He adds the soldiers are providing law enforcement support…. Lafayette and Monroe counties have been declared federal disaster areas….
“6:10 pm – From Monroe County Sheriff Andy Hood and County Administrator Sonny Clay:
“The search for missing people is over. There are eight people who remain unaccounted for. Names of those people may be released Saturday. Residents will be allowed back into town at 6 a.m. Saturday. People who want to volunteer for cleanup will need to check in at the parking lot of Smithville High School starting Saturday. They are asked to wear safety gear (gloves, boots).
“6:00 pm – From the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency on Deaths and Damages:
“The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has received confirmation of 34 storm related deaths and 163 injuries from severe weather that moved through the state Tuesday through Wednesday night. The most recent death was reported from Marshall County where a firefighter died of an apparent heart attack while clearing debris.
“There are also initial reports from 52 counties across the state and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians of 1,822 homes damaged with 663 deemed destroyed or suffering major damage. There are 91 businesses damaged with 54 of those destroyed or suffering major damage. Damage assessments are still ongoing
“Deaths reported by county:
Chickasaw: three deaths.
Choctaw: one death.
Clarke: four deaths.
Jasper: two deaths.
Kemper: three deaths.
Lafayette: one death.
Marshall: two deaths.
Monroe: fourteen deaths.
Pile: one death.
Webster: one death.
Yazoo: one death.
“4:00 pm – From Chickasaw County Emergency Management:
“The survey and assessment process is essentially complete with a small area being completed today. To date, 221 structures in Chickasaw County were damaged or destroyed by the April 27 storm. At the current time there were three confirmed fatalities within the county and 27 injuries. “In a revised estimate, Okolona Electric estimates about 1200 customers remain without power, and Natchez Trace Electric Power estimates about 850 customers still out. Both utilities are being assisted by outside mutual aid and are working diligently to restore power as quickly as possible….
“Chickasaw County has been designated to be in a State of Emergency by county supervisors and by the State of Mississippi — Federal designation has been requested…
“1:15 pm – News Release From the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency:
“Federal Emergency Management Agency Deputy Administrator Rich Serino is touring the damaged areas with Governor Haley Barbour and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Womack today. The group flew over parts of Hinds, Madison, Attala, Choctaw, Oktibbaha, Clay, Winston, Neshoba, Leake, Scott, Rankin and made a stop in Monroe County to tour the area which was hit by an EF-5 tornado on April 27.
“Governor Barbour declared a State of Emergency on April 27, and has requested an expedited disaster declaration from President Obama for both the April 15 tornadoes and the secondary weather system that occurred on April 26 and 27….
“11:00 am – From Chickasaw County Emergency Management: “The survey and assessment process is essentially complete with a small area being completed this morning. To date, 221 structures in Chickasaw County were damaged or destroyed by the April 27 storm. At the current time there were three confirmed fatalities within the county and 27 injuries….
“10:00 am – From the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency: The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has received confirmation from the National Weather Service in Memphis that an EF-5 tornado with winds up to 205 mph struck the city of Smithville in Monroe County Wednesday afternoon. This is the highest rating for tornado damage and the first EF-5 tornado to hit Mississippi since March 1966. Weather service survey teams report the tornado had a maximum width of one half mile and a path length of 2.82 miles.
“There are 14 confirmed deaths, more than 40 injuries and 14 people reported missing in Monroe County.
“Statewide there are 33 confirmed deaths with more than 160 injuries….” (WTVA.com, Tupelo MS. “Latest Information on Storm Recovery.” 4-30-2011, 12:19 pm.)
April 29, Montgomery Advertiser: “Norman, Okla. – At least one of the massive tornadoes that killed hundreds across the South was a devastating EF-5 storm, and the National Weather Service expects to determine later Friday that “many more” also were the worst of the worst. After the first day of assessing storm damage, the weather service said the tornado that hit Smithville, Miss., at 3:44 p.m. EDT on Wednesday was an EF-5 storm. That’s the highest rating given to assess a tornado’s wind speed, and is based in part on damage caused by the storm. The weather service said the half-mile wide Smithville tornado had peak winds of 205 mph and was on the ground for close to three miles, killing 14 and injuring 40. It was the first EF-5 tornado to strike Mississippi since 1966, and the first EF-5 tornado in the United States since a May 25, 2008, storm in Parkersburg, Iowa.
“Meteorologist Jim LaDue at the weather service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., said he expects “many more” of the tornadoes that killed at least 297 people during Wednesday’s brutal outbreak of severe weather will be rated EF-5 later Friday….
“The Smithville tornado rated EF-5 destroyed 18 homes, which the weather service said were well built, less than 10 years old and bolted to their foundation. The plumbing systems and appliances in the worst part of the storm’s damage path were either shredded or missing entirely, as is a 1965 Chevrolet pickup truck that was parked in front of one of the destroyed homes. (Montgomery Advertiser AL. “NWS: NE MS Tornado was Highest-rated EF-5.” 4-29-2011.)
April 29, AnnistonStar.com: “Officials said at least 13 died in Smithville, Miss., where devastating winds ripped open the police station, post office, city hall and an industrial park with several furniture factories. Pieces of tin were twined high around the legs of a blue water tower, and the Piggly Wiggly grocery store was gutted….At Smithville Cemetery, even the dead were not spared: Tombstones dating to the 1800s, including some of Civil War soldiers, lay broken on the ground. Brothers Kenny and Paul Long dragged their youngest brother’s headstone back to its proper place. The National Weather Service said the tornado that hit Smithville was a devastating EF-5 storm, with top winds of 205 mph. Meteorologist Jim LaDue said he expects “many more” of Wednesday’s tornadoes to receive the worst rating in the tornado measurement system.” (AnnistonStar.com, AL. “Storm Deaths Hit 318; Obama Sees Damage Up Close.” 4-29-2011.)
Tennessee, April 30, AP:
“Apison (AP)….dozens of severely damaged or destroyed homes in the Apison community on the outskirts of Chattanooga, where officials said eight people were killed. Another nine people died in nearby Cleveland, and the state’s total death toll from Wednesday and Thursday morning’s storms was 34 in Tennessee and nearly 300 across the South. The system, packing three waves of heavy rains and tornadoes with winds of more than 100 mph, ripped a swath of destruction across the state from the Chattanooga area toward the northeast corner of the state. One of the deaths, though, came in Franklin, just south of Nashville, when a storm blew a tree limb onto a woman Wednesday.
“In Greene County, authorities identified six victims found the Camp Creek community. Identified were: Jess Richesen, no age available; Marty Myers, and his wife, Brenda Myers, no ages available; Bessie Lynne Rice, no age available; Gene Harrison, no age available, and Shirley McKinney, 63. “Dozens of roads were closed because of downed trees and power lines, hundreds were homeless and tens of thousands were without power after the most devastating storm to hit the state since Feb. 5, 2008, when a storm system also killed 33 people.
“Tornadoes struck with an unexpected speed and the difference between life and death was hard to fathom. Four people died in neighboring Bledsoe County, but Mayor Bobby Collier also had good news to report after a twister estimated at a half-mile wide swept through.
‘There was a modular home that was actually picked up and thrown across the road,’ Collier said. ‘The family was in it. It was totally destroyed.’ And the family? ‘They were OK.’….
“The National Weather Service had eight assessment teams working Friday to find evidence of tornado touchdowns and wind speeds. The largest appears to have been an EF4 tornado that struck in Hamilton County and cut a long trial of death and destruction into adjoining Bradley County.
“The Tennessee Valley Authority, which supplies virtually all of the electricity to Tennessee customers, said at noon on Friday that 133,000 customers were without power.” (Jackson Sun, TN. “Authorities Confirm 34 Dead in Tennessee Tornadoes.” 4-30-2011.)
April 30, Volunteertv.com: “Knoxville, Tenn. (WVLT) – The National Weather Service continues to assess damage across Tennessee, and now 20 tornadoes have been confirmed including an EF-1 in Knox County. The EF-1 tornado hit Knox County Wednesday, in the Southern end of the county. Saturday afternoon a storm survey team from the NWS completed their damage assessment, saying the tornado touched down around 9 p.m. Wednesday. The Tornado reached an intensity of EF-1, and was approximately 1 mile long and 50 yards wide. The track of the tornado began near the intersection of Old Settlers Trail and Lakemoor Drive and ended around the area of Wye Way Lane and River Oak Drive. The same storm assessment team concluded an EF-0 hit Greenback in Loudon County. This tornado touched down around 8 p.m. Wednesday, with maximum wind speeds of 70 miles per hour. It’s path was 1 mile long and 50 yards wide.
“Late Friday the NWS confirmed an EF-0 in Blount County. It touched down around 8:09 p.m. Wednesday, one mile Northwest of Maryville and had maximum wind speeds of 70 MPH.
“Details of NWS tornado reports in Tennessee so far:
EF-4, Collegedale, Hamilton Co., 13 killed (8 in Hamilton Co., 5 in Bradley Co.); nearly 200 injured; 35M path length, up to ½M wide; max winds 190 MPH…
EF-2, Johnson Co.,; 2 killed; 12M path length, 250 yards wide, max wind speeds of 120 MPH; began near Pine Orchard Road in Butler and ended near Cold Springs Road in Mountain City.
EF-1, East Ridge, Hamilton County; max wind speeds of 90 MPH.
EF-1, Cleveland, Bradley Co.; 2.5M long path, 250 yards wide, max wind speeds of 100 MPH
EF-2 Cleveland, Bradley Co., 2M path length, 200-300 yards wide; max winds 120 MPH; touched down on Mt Zion Road, destroyed 3 mobile homes.
EF-1, Cleveland, Bradley Co., 2 mile path length and up to 150 yards wide; max winds 90 MPH
EF-2, Lookout Mt., Hamilton Co., 1.5M path length, up to 500 yards wide; 110 MPH max wind
EF-2, Camp Creek, Greene County, 7 killed; 33 injured; Max wind speed 115 MPH.
EF-3, Southern Bledsoe Co. 4 killed; 9M length, up to 1/4 mile wide; max windspeed 140 MPH.
EF-1, Cocke County. Started at the Jefferson, Cocke County line at Highway 411 continued to Pigeon River in Newport; 5 mile path length and 150 yards wide.
EF-1, Red Bank, Hamilton Co., 2 mile path length, 250 yards wide; max wind speed 90 MPH.
EF-1, Summertown, Lawrence County, 1 injured; 3 mile path length, 150 yards wide.
EF-0, Country Park, Rutherford County, 75 MPH winds estimated, brief tornado.
EF-0, Rockvale, Rutherford County, 75 MPH winds estimated, brief tornado.
EF-1, Spring City, Rhea Co. 1.5 mile path length and 75 yards wide. Max wind speed 90 MPH.
EF-3, Horse Creek, Greene County, max wind speed of 150 MPH.
EF-0, Hixson, Hamilton Co., ½ mile path length, 100 yards in length; max wind speed 70 MPH.”
(Volunteertv.com. “Knox, Blount…Loudon Hit by Tornadoes… in Tenn.” 4-30-2011.)
Greene County, TN
April 30, Jackson Sun: “Greeneville… Brenda and Marty Myers were used to strong winds blowing through the community of Camp Creek, nestled in the foothills of the Cherokee National Forest. When family members pleaded with them to get out of their house because of severe storm warnings, they said they were going bed. “A lot of people thought the mountains protected them from tornadoes,” Donnie Holt, Brenda’s ex-husband, said Friday. Rescue workers in this small community 70 miles northeast of Knoxville found the Myers’s pajama-clad bodies about 150 feet from their home, their daughter-in-law said. Nearby, their fellow Mt. Tabor United Methodist church member Gene Harrison, 63, also perished. Family members said Harrison, too, thought the mountains would protect his home. His wife remained hospitalized Friday, but family members said she would survive….In addition to the Myerses and Harrison, three others were killed in the tornado that went through the Camp Creek community. Officials identified them Friday as Jess Richesen, no age available; Bessie Lynne Rice, no age available and Shirley McKinney, 63.” (Jackson Sun, TN. “Residents Near Mountains Thought They Were Safe.” 4-30-2011.)
April 30, WRCB TV: “Greenville, Tenn. (AP) – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are touring Greene County by helicopter to assess the damage. State Sen. Steve Sutherland, R-Morristown, said Saturday he is trying to get FEMA aid fast-tracked to the hard-hit county where six people were killed by tornadoes Wednesday. Sutherland says at least 500 houses in the northeast Tennessee county were damaged by the storms, and 170 of those were obliterated.” (WRCB TV, Chattanooga. “FEMA Reps Arrive in Greene County.” 4-30-2011
Hamilton County, TN
April 29, Daily Herald: “Cleveland…. The deaths included nine each in Hamilton and Bradley counties, seven in Greene County, four in Bledsoe County, two in Johnson County and one each in Sequatchie and Washington counties.
“Columbia Deputy Fire Chief Steve Cross said officials in Bradley County called about 3 a.m. Thursday and requested the use of Columbia Fire Department’s regional rehab trailer — a heated and cooled trailer with a bathroom facility for emergency personnel participating in rescue and cleanup operations related to the storms. Columbia firefighters delivered the trailer to Manchester, where it was picked up by Bradley County officials, he said.” (Daily Herald, Maury Co., TN. “Death Toll for Tenn. Now 33.” 4-29-2011.)
Sequatchie County, TN
April 29, Daily Herald: “The heavy storms not only did damage in East Tennessee but caused flash flooding across the state as well. Sequatchie County Emergency Management Director Rusty Cheatham said a man died after being swept away by a rushing stream in the Cartwright community. The victim’s body was recovered after water carried him down the Cartwright Gulf around 9 p.m. Wednesday.” (Daily Herald, Maury Co., TN. “Death Toll for Tenn. Now 33.” 4-29-2011.)
Williamson County, TN
April 30, Jackson Sun: “The death toll from the storms Wednesday and Thursday reached 34 in Tennessee on Friday when officials in Franklin, south of Nashville, reported the death of a woman who was hit by a tree branch while she was out in her yard.” (Jackson Sun, TN. “Residents Near Mountains Thought They Were Safe.” 4-30-2011.)
Virginia
NCDC, Halifax County: “Widespread severe weather impacted the area. A strong upper level trough approaching from the west provided strong winds aloft, and a weak upper level low pressure system moved across during the afternoon hours setting off scattered thunderstorms. These storms quickly became severe. In total, there were 6 tornadoes with numerous reports of damaging winds and large hail. Heavy rainfall from these storms also caused scattered flash flooding.
“The tornado, with winds estimated up to 125 MPH, formed from a supercell and initially touched down near High Rock Trail off Thompsons Store Road. It then moved northeast, causing most of the worst damage in the Liberty Road area. This includes one death and eight injuries in that region. Also in this area four mobile homes and a large camper trailer were destroyed. A little further along the track a roof sustained heavy damage, an outbuilding was destroyed and numerous trees were uprooted. The path became intermittent as the tornado moved northeast of Lennig Road, and it lifted just before reaching the Roanoke River in northern Halifax County. In total: four homes were destroyed, 14 sustained major damage and 6 had minor damage.” (NCDC. Storm Events Database. “Event Details…Tornado…EF2…Virginia…Halifax [county] …[High Rock to Clarkton].”)
Sources
ABC 33/40, Birmingham, AL. “April 27, 2011 – Never Forget.” 4-24-2012. Accessed 6-11-2015 at: https://www.google.com/#q=abc+33/40
AL.com, Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, Press-Register. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011. Accessed 6-10-2015 at: http://blog.al.com/wire/2011/04/alabama_tornado_casualties_a_l.html
AL.com. “Alabama Tornadoes: Cars Tossed Around, Buildings Smashed by Walker County Tornado.” 4-28-2011. At: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/04/cars_tossed_around_buildings_s.html
AL.com. “Alabama Tornadoes: Coroner’s Office Confirms 18 Dead in Jefferson County.” 4-28-2011. Accessed 4-28-2011: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/04/18_confirmed_dead_in_jefferson.html
AL.com. “Alabama Tornadoes: Statewide Death Toll Rises to 228.” 4-29-2011. Accessed 4-29-2011 at: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/04/alabama_tornadoes_statewide_de_1.html
AL.com. “Death, Destruction in Jackson, Marshall Counties.” 4-27-2011. Accessed 4-29-2011: http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/04/death_destruction_in_jackson_ma.html
AL.com. “Death Toll Passes 200 State EMA Says in 7 p.m. Count.” 4-28-2011. Accessed 4-28-2011: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/04/alabama_tornadoes_death_toll_p.html
AL.com. “Destruction from Tornadoes Attributed to ‘Perfect Storm’ Conditions.” 4-28-2011. Accessed 4-28-2011 at: http://blog.al.com/wire/2011/04/destruction_from_tornadoes_att.html
[1] Includes nine deaths on the 25th and 26th.
[2] For the period Apr 25-28.
[3] Includes deaths from April 25 tornadoes.
[4] We subtracted the 10 Arkansas Fatalities on April 25 which is included in the fatality-count in the body of the article – thus the discrepancy between 309 here and 319 in the article.
[5] ‘Using Electronic Death Registration Systems (ERDS) to Conduct ‘Real-Time’ Disaster Mortality Surveillance.” Sponsored by International Society for Disaster Surveillance.
[6] NOAA is counting only fatalities directly and unquestionably tornadic.
[7] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[8] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[9] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[10] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[11] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[12] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[13] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[14] In that Simcoe is near Cullman, we suspect this is a reference to the fatality noted for Cullman.
[15] Also: Birmingham News. “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death toll includes…unconventional victims.” 7-7-2011.
[16] Not used in out tally in that we have the names of 35 Dekalb County fatalities.
[17] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[18] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[19] Indirect death – “…fell while trying to walk down his basement stairs after the storms knocked out his electricity. He died the next day.” (Birmingham News (Robin DeMonia), AL. “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death toll includes some unconventional victims.” 7-7-2011.)
[20] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011. Another source writes that “Fox died May 11 at Trinity Medical Center in Birmingham…She became ill after she lost electricity in the storms and for days had no refrigerated insulin to control her diabetes…” (Birmingham News (Robin DeMonia), AL. “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death toll includes some unconventional victims.” 7-7-2011.
[21] Not used. Correct number for county, but not for Rainsville within the county.
[22] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[23] This would be the 15:29-15:35 EF3 tornado which NCDC Storm Data (p. 44) notes killed two people just after crossing CR 83 where a mobile home was “completely destroyed.” It then crossed Wilcutt Road and CR 46 “where several additional mobile homes were completely destroyed…[resulting] in two additional fatalities.”
[24] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[25] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[26] Not used in tally in that we have the names of six Hale County fatalities.
[27] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[28] Also: Birmingham News. “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death toll includes…unconventional victims.” 7-7-2011.
[29] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[30] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[31] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[32] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[33] Not used for the tally in that we have the names of three Pisgah fatalities.
[34] Not used in tally in that we have the names of twenty fatalities in Jefferson County (and three sources).
[35] Not used in tally in that we have the names of twenty fatalities in Jefferson County (and three sources).
[36] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[37] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[38] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[39] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[40] Not used in tally in that we have the names of ten Pleasant Grove fatalities.
[41] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[42] This, most probably, is a reference to Milton Edward Baker Sr., whom we have noted as a Cahaba Heights fatality. One source writes: “Vestavia Hills, Alabama – Milton Edward Baker Sr. barely had tome to catch his breath and consider storm damage to his own Cahaba Heights home when he heard cries from across the street. He and another neighbor dashed toward the voices and through a demolished house to find a woman with 5-year-old twins under a stairwell….he died that April 27 morning, struck by an unhinged tree top that fell 40 feet as he waited to help another storm victim.” (Birmingham News (William C. Singleton III), AL. “Milton Edward Baker Sr., Vestavia Hills tornado victim.” 5-6-2011.)
[43] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[44] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[45] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[46] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[47] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[48] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[49] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[50] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[51] This article was written two months after the tornadoes and thus probably includes a fatality not noted in the Harvest and Toney breakouts from April 29 reporting. See, also: NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, 83.
[52] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[53] Not using in our tally. Perhaps this figure contains fatalities from nearby counties. We note names of 23 victims.
[54] Not using in out tally. We note names of eighteen Hackleburg fatalities.
[55] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[56] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[57] Webpage notes there were 7 fatalities, six of which near Shottsville. Does not note where other fatality occurred.
[58] Arab straddles both Cullman and Marshall Counties.
[59] “In St. Clair County, the official deaths include a baby born prematurely to a mother who was thrown from her home during the storm and then went into labor, Coroner Dennis Russell said. The baby was delivered April 30 and died May 3.” (Birmingham News (Robin DeMonia), AL. “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death toll includes some unconventional victims.” 7-7-2011.)
[60] 15th death (death of prematurely delivered baby) took place May 3, after writing of April 29 article.
[61] Not using in tally in that we note fourteen names of St. Clair County fatalities.
[62] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[63] This may well be the 05:04-05:14 high wind event the NCDC Storm Data notes for St. Clair County, 1 mile east-northeast of Acmar, with one fatality. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 37, No. 7, July 1995 p. 39.
[64] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011.
[65] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011. Another source writes that “Hartley…was one of 14 people killed when a tornado barreled through the Shadydale Mobile Home Park, knocking a tree down onto the Hartley’s mobile home. Authorities said she had just pulled her 5-year-old son, Joshua Fegans, from a top bunk when the tree fell, crashing into the ceiling of the bedroom.” (Birmingham News (Victoria L. Coman). “Precious Necale Fegans-Hartley, Pell City tornado victim.” 5-7-2011.)
[66] AL.com. “Alabama tornado casualties: A list of those who died in the April 27, 2011 storms.” 4-29-2011. Also noting one death in a map which breaks fatalities out by county is: Birmingham News (Robin DeMonia), AL. “Alabama’s April 27 tornado death toll includes some unconventional victims.” 7-7-2011.
[67] Not using for tally in that we have 41 names of fatalities in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County.
[68] Not using for tally in that we have 41 names of fatalities in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County.
[69] Not using for tally in that we have 41 names of fatalities in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County.
[70] This was the 15:35-16:05 EF3 tornado concerning which NCDC Storm Data notes (p. 45) “Numerous homes and buildings sustained significant damage, if not complete destruction, resulting in 4 fatalities.”
[71] This was the 15:35-16:05 EF4 tornado which NCDC Storm Data notes (p. 45) rolled several vehicles and destroyed a home, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
[72] NCDC Storm Data notes (p. 45), apparently in reference to these fatalities “The tornado continued toward Sipsey, where an unanchored double wide mobile home was tossed 100 feet up a 50 foot embankment. Two fatalities occurred in this area.”
[73] From Table 1. Number and percentage of tornado fatalities, by date of death, location in injury, and location of body recovery or death – five states, southeastern United States, April 25-28, 2011. This table shows 5 tornado-related deaths in Arkansas on April 25 and one on April 26. This file, however, has to do with April 27 outbreak.
[74] “an EF4 tornado…touched down in Catoosa county, just southwest of Ringgold along Davis Ridge Road. The tornado tracked across Interstate-75 at mile marker 348 then continued on into and through the city of Ringgold before tracking northeast toward Cohutta and then into Hamilton and eventually Bradley County, Tennessee. The tornado tracked nearly 12 miles through Catoosa county. Major devastation was observed throughout the north side of the city of Ringgold. The worst damage occurred on Cherokee Valley Road on the north side of Ringgold where 12 homes were obliterated. An additional 80 to 90 homes sustained major damage from the tornado….There were eight fatalities and 30 injuries reported by the tornado. Seven of the eight deaths occurred on Cherokee Valley Road, which was heavily devasted by the tornado. Most of the tornado victims lived within 200 yards of each other and were killed when their homes collapsed around them…” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 258.)
[75] Another source writes that “Two fatalities and 25 injuries occurred as a result of this tornado, mostly in Trenton.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 255.)
[76] Have not been able to confirm. Not noted in Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, Kentucky section.
[77] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 520. Note that this is not a tornado-related fatality.
[78] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 521. Note that this is not a tornado-related fatality: “A person drove through a barricaded and flooded roadway at Plum Street and the Railroad underpass. The water was reportedly deeper than the car she was driving and she drowned.”
[79] We do not use the 38 figure, preferring to rely on NOAA number of 35. There may well be misreporting in the sources we have noted by locality.
[80] NOAA is counting tornado fatalities in MS for the period Apr 25-28.
[81] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 597.
[82] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 609.
[83] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 607.
[84] “The three fatalities occurred in northwest Kemper County when a strapped down double-wide mobile home was thrown a distance of approximately 300 yards into a tree-line, and then obliterated with the debris and framing scattered many hundreds of yards down the path.” (NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, pp. 602-603.)
[85] “Heavy rain caused extensive flash flooding all across Marshall County. Numerous roads had culverts washed out…One motorist died after driving his vehicle into flood waters on Slayden Road where the road had been washed out.” NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 620.
[86] This is our reading of paragraph on 14:42-14:48CST Smithville tornado in Monroe County, wherein the NCDC writes in Storm Data that “a total of 16 fatalities occurred from the tornado.” Then in paragraph on 14:26-14:38CST New Wren area tornado in Monroe County it is noted that one motorist was killed. This gives a total of 17.
[87] “…a violent EF-5 tornado bounced back down southwest of Smithville and moved northeast. The town of Smithville was almost completely destroyed by the tornado….A total of 16 fatalities occurred from the tornado…. The tornado continued northeast after destroying Smithville and crossed into Itawamba County, Mississippi.”
[88] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 625.
[89] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 628.
[90] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 606.
[91] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 598.
[92] Have not been able to substantiate. There was fairly large-scale flooding in portions of the State.
[93] NOAA is counting tornado fatalities in TN for the period Apr 25-28.
[94] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 988.
[95] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 984.
[96] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 981.
[97] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 989.
[98] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 994.
[99] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 988.
[100] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 995.
[101] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 995.
[102] We belief both the breakouts below refer to the same fatality.
[103] NCDC Storm Data, Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2011, p. 964.
[104] Have not been able to substantiate more than five deaths.
[105] NCDC. Storm Events Database. “Event Details…Tornado…EF2…[VA]…Halifax…[High Rock to Clarkton].”
[106] National Climatic Data Center. Storm Events Database. “Search Results. Tornado…EF3… Virginia.” NOAA.
[107] There were, as far as we know, no tornado fatalities on the 25th, when there was an outbreak. A day went by and then there was another outbreak on the 27th, which extended into the morning of the 28th. We do not agree that this should be considered one outbreak.
[108] EF3: wind speeds 136-165 mph.
[109] EF1: wind speeds 86-110 mph.
[110] EF2: wind speeds 111-135.